Irish designer behind new-look Ryanair uniforms

A 25-year-old Irish designer and recent graduate of Griffith College Dublin was chosen by Ryanair to design its new range of flight-attendant uniforms.

Emma Collopy, who graduated with a degree in fashion design last year, was selected by the discount carrier to create a new look for cabin crew.

The airline is hoping to attract more higher-value passengers such as business travellers, and the new uniforms will bring a subtler look to its aircraft cabins.

Collopy chose a toned-down “royal-blue” colour, which is a less garish than the “Chelsea blue” previously worn by cabin crew.

“I had to stick to the branding colours of blue and yellow but toned them down. I wanted to keep the classic look of a uniform but add contemporary details,” she said.

Collopy wasn’t long finished her degree at Griffith when the airline contacted her.

“They rang me one day last September and asked if I was interested in doing a uniform design project.

“I won two internship projects, one with Jennifer Rothwell and another with Helen McAlinden, as well as an academic achievement award, so I think that’s how they heard of me.”

Collopy went to the Ryanair headquarters the day after the phone call, and was given a brief for the project.

“I came up with three final options for staff. The crew got to pick which design they liked best. They picked my favourite,” she said.

Collopy linked up with Pattern Design Studio in Co Wicklow to come up with samples for the selection process.

“They made up samples of my designs. It was cool to have the samples done here in Ireland.”

The uniforms will be introduced in December, complementing Boeing’s new “Sky” cabins, which will also feature markedly less yellow.

"The Sky interiors, coupled with the new seats, crew in new uniforms, a healthier menu – overall, that's a very, very different flying environment," Ryanair chief marketing officer Kenny Jacobs said.

“The staff love the new design. They were involved in choosing the colour and fabric for the new uniforms and they love them,” he said.

Ryanair’s trademark yellow, introduced by chief executive officer Michael O’Leary a decade ago, forms part of a long rain jacket for women. A striped tie and neck-scarf, and detailing on the jacket pocket and skirt dart of the female uniform also feature the yellow.

Ms Collopy, who studied on the fashion and textiles course in Coláiste Ide in 2011 before progressing to Griffith College’s fashion degree course, said she hopes ultimately to design her own clothing collection.