Seattle designer Luly Yang has dressed brides and billionaires. But her latest creations took flight at Seatac Airport, with models who are right at home on the runway.
"They're all Alaska employees," Yang said.
Utilizing more than a half-million yards of fabric and 30-million yards of thread, Alaska Airlines' company-wide uniform redesign is the biggest clothing line Yang has ever created. And its splashy debut is one of the biggest fashion shows ever presented in an aircraft hangar.
Yang said, "I want to make it successful for them."
This presentation to thousands of company employees marks the culmination of the two-year project. Yang is outfitting more than 19,000 Alaska employees, from ground crew to flight attendants. She spent six months meeting employees, asking them about their jobs and determining their clothing needs.
"This is a big responsibility," Yang said, "and I love it."
The uniforms boast a bold West Coast look, with plenty of the company's signature blue and green.
One design feature was requested by workers in nearly every category.
"Pockets, pockets, pockets," Yang said.
The process will continue with feedback gathered from the workplace.
"What fits? What doesn't fit? What feels good?" Yang explained.
Seattle's top designer says she'll work hard to keep its top airline flying in high fashion.
"We'll always continue to improve."
