The Museum's extensive flight attendant uniform collection makes its first public appearance in Style in the Aisle opening Feb. 9 

SEATTLE, Jan. 21, 2008—A new exhibit premiering at The Museum of Flight on February 9 shows that aviation is not just about airport runways, but fashion runways as well. Style in the Aisle is a window into the world of commercial flight attendants – their stories, their roles in aviation and especially: their uniforms. Style in the Aisle draws upon the Museum's extensive collection of airline flight attendant uniforms, airline artifacts, photos and resources donated exclusively for the exhibit. From the nurse togs of the 30s to the fab fashions of the 60s and 70s, "Style" is a delightful look at the softer side of commercial air travel.

For over 75 years, flight attendants have worked to make airplane passengers feel safe and comfortable. Sometimes underestimated, often romanticized and always admired, flight attendants—almost exclusively female in those days—have been the public face of air travel. Style in the Aisle uncovers the history of flight attendants in the United States through their fashion, their role in creating new standards for aircraft design and functionality, and their crucial involvement in the development of equitable working conditions for women in the U.S.

Kirk Ann Neil, a United Airlines flight attendant from 1966 to 2003 told the Museum staff, "You have captured the spirit and changing 'moods' of the profession. Thank you especially for emphasizing the flight attendant role in safety on board."

In 1930, Boeing Air Transport hired eight nurses as "stewardesses" to add a sense of safety to concerned passengers. In the early days, stewardesses wore a nurse-like gray uniform in the cabin and military-style wool suits and caps outdoors. Passengers welcomed the extra service and friendliness of the nurse on board. In the 1940s and 50s, airline hostesses were expected to be feminine but modest. White gloves, girdles, hats, and spectator shoes gave stewardesses an attractive and professional look. In the 1960s, airlines raced to stay ahead of the competition by hiring artists and fashion designers to create a distinctive image for their flight attendants. The modest suits of earlier years gave way to colorful outfits with hot pants, mini-skirts, and go-go boots.

Most of the 12 uniforms on display in the exhibit are from the flamboyant 60s and 70s. The collection includes creations by Parisian designer Jean Louis, Italian designer Emilio Pucci, and artist/designer Mario Armond Zamparelli. Trans World Airlines, Hughes Airwest and Braniff International represent a few of the airlines that flew the groovy garb featured in "Style."

Style in the Aisle will be on view in the Museum's Great Gallery through June 2.

Please contact me or Tara for additional information, photographs and media opportunities.

The independent, non-profit Museum of Flight is one of the largest air and space museums in the world. The Museum's collection includes more than 150 historically significant air- and spacecraft, as well as the Red Barn^® — the original manufacturing facility of the Boeing Co. The Museum's aeronautical library and archival holdings are the largest on the West Coast. More than 100,000 children are served annually by the Museum's on-site and outreach educational programs — the most extensive museum-based youth aviation and space education program in the country. The Museum is the only aviation museum in Washington State that is both nationally accredited with the American Association of Museums and a Smithsonian affiliate.

The Museum of Flight is located at 9404 E. Marginal Way S., Seattle, Exit 158 off Interstate 5. The Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $14 for adults, $13 for seniors 65 and older, $7.50 for youth 5 to 17, and free for children under 5. Group rates are available. Admission on the first Thursday of the month is free from 5 to 9 p.m. courtesy of Wells Fargo. For general Museum information, please call 206-764-5720 or visit www.museumofflight.org.