Kylie's designer does air hostess

British Airways has unveiled a streamline new uniform for its 25,000 staff - designed by the man who dresses Kylie Minogue.

For air stewardesses, out goes the frumpy pleated floral skirt with staff now wearing a sharper navy-blue retro style, which, according to BA, harks back to the pioneering days of aviation.

The new look was created by top British fashion designer Julien Macdonald, who as well as pop star Kylie has dressed the likes of Elizabeth Hurley, Liv Tyler and Nicole Kidman.

The airline claims the new outfit reflects its "great British heritage" - but BA confessed the uniforms are made at a factory in Portugal.

A jaunty new hat has been introduced by top milliner Stephen Jones to replace the sensible round-brimmed one currently worn and a handbag designed by Tanner Krolle finishes off the new look.

BA said the new outfit includes "contemporary" details such as branded cufflink buttons.

For the first time, female staff will have the option of wearing a skirt or trousers, and female pilots will have a specially-designed uniform with a more feminine cut.

BA female staff have worn trousers before in the airline's uniform of the 1970s.
BA's 8,000 male and 17,000 female ground and flight crew will wear the new outfits, which will be gradually introduced over the next year.

Macdonald spent the last three years working extensively with British Airways staff to create the new outfit.

He said: "It was very challenging to create a uniform for 25,000 staff that would meet the demands of the different work roles, climates and cultures."

The airline said the cost of the new uniforms was being kept secret as it was "commercially sensitive".

The firm recently announced up to £400 million of cost cuts and is expected to lose 4,000 jobs.