Uniform News - July 2007

Counterfeit Uniforms:

Airmen Urged Not to Order Upgraded Uniforms Online

Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, June 23, 2007 (Stars and Stripes) — Airmen are being cautioned about rushing to buy the new Airman Battle Uniforms from online merchants.

Even though web sites are hawking the availability of the new uniforms, Air Force officials say they are not the authorized uniforms provided by the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia. Those are expected to be available in Army and Air Force Exchanges this October.

“These uniforms are not certified by the Air Force and may not meet Air Force specifications for quality and safety,” a recent Air Force press release states. “By purchasing knockoff uniforms, airmen risk obtaining low-quality garments that may not wear as long as the garments obtained from certified manufacturers and vendors.”

No commercial vendor has Air Force certification for the manufacture and sale of the new uniforms, which become mandatory wear by 2011, the release stated.

Also, changes are still in the works for the design of the new uniforms, such as modifying the running shorts and using a lighter weight fabric for the short-sleeve T-shirt.

Air Force officials say they don’t want airmen to fall into the trap soldiers found themselves in when they bought knockoffs of their new Army Combat Uniforms. When their unauthorized uniforms fell apart they could not return them for refunds.

“Our folks deserve to know what they are, or are not buying,” said Maj. Randall Smith of the Air Force Uniform and Recognition Branch. “Airmen, especially those who are deploying, don’t need hassles, and when you buy something uncertain you run the risk of having your uniform fall apart at a very inconvenient time.”

One major hazard is the knockoff uniforms may not have the built-in noninfrared quality that makes them undetectable by night-vision equipment.

“We’re getting great reviews about the uniform and we’re thrilled that folks want to get it right now,” Smith said, according to the release. “We ask airmen to hold on. It’s coming, and it’s worth the wait.”

Identity and Health Apparel Programs:

Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants Sport Uniforms Of Decades Past

Seattle, June 21, 2007 - Pillbox hats, Russian Cossack dresses and hot pants are returning to the nation's airways thanks to a fashion flashback staged by Alaska Airlines flight attendants in celebration of the airline's 75-year history.

The festivities kicked off with a runway fashion show at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport showcasing flight-crew uniforms including a 1950s-era skirt suit with pillbox hat; an arctic parka and ski pants worn during the 1950s and 1960s; a 1960s uniform inspired by Alaska Gold Rush fashions, featuring a long red-velvet skirt and hat trimmed with ostrich feathers; a Russian Cossack red tunic and fur hat worn during the airline's 1960s Cold War-era flights to the Soviet Union; and hot pants and bell bottoms from the 1970s. Flight attendants will don these and other retro uniforms on select flights through June 30 and surprise travelers on designated days at the airline's hub airports.

"Pulling classic fashions out of the archives and showcasing these gems on our airplanes and at airports is sure to offer an unexpectedly fun experience for travelers," said Gregg Saretsky, Alaska's executive vice president of flight and marketing. "We're proud of the unique relationship our 2,600 flight attendants have with our customers and can think of no better way to celebrate their profession during our 75th anniversary."

Alaska Airlines and its sister carrier, Horizon Air, serve 92 cities through an expansive network in Alaska, the Lower 48, Canada and Mexico. This year Alaska Airlines celebrates its 75th anniversary, marking the airline's growth from a single-aircraft operation in 1932 to one of the largest U.S. carriers.

For more news and information, visit the Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air Newsroom at alaskaair.com/newsroom.

Hard Rock Hotels Partner with Black Eyed Peas Front Man to Design New Uniform Collection

New York, June 20, 2007 (PRNewswire) - Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos has tapped Black Eyed Peas front-man and fashion designer, will.i.am, to create a new uniform collection exclusively for Hard Rock Hotel properties. His new designs will debut at Hard Rock's two newest properties: Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Biloxi, opening July 7, and Hard Rock Hotel San Diego, opening fall 2007. Hard Rock will roll out the uniforms to eight other Hard Rock Hotel and Casino properties in operation or development in 2008.

Recognized as a fashion-forward, hip-hop performer, will.i.am has earned his reputation as a talented fashion designer. He studied design at the Los Angeles Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising and then joined forces with Lor-e Phillips, a noted LA-based fashion designer and head stylist for Black Eyed Peas, in 2001 to create the i.am clothing line, which is a tribute to the funk and flavor of his music. Using the i.am line as an inspiration, the two have now collaborated on the new collection for Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos, which comprises 27 uniforms for both men and women. The uniforms reflect will.i.am's eclectic vision and capture the core essence of the Hard Rock brand: providing guests with the ultimate rock star experience.

"Designing clothes for Hard Rock Hotels was an exciting and challenging proposition that, given my background and own line, I was eager to accept," said will.i.am. "My goal was to create a look that exudes upscale rock 'n roll, leveraging the essence of the brand while contemporizing the staff's wardrobe to provide a more stylistic and fashion-forward appearance."

"This design project was an exciting challenge, given the need to create a uniform that is both fashionable and durable to meet the unique functions of each job," added Lor-e. "I'm thrilled with the final designs and can't wait to see them on the staff."

Lor-e and will.i.am have incorporated several signature elements into the uniform designs, including puffed sleeves, tonal lizard brocades at the collar and cuffs and Hard Rock's trademark signature tattoo prints. The uniforms for each hotel also reflect the unique essence of the specific property: the uniforms for Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Biloxi exude a relaxed Southern style, with deep purple, brown and bronze colors accented with putty, burgundy and rust grey, while the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego collection contains a more colorful and tailored pattern, with signature floral brocade details.

Working with Lor-e, will.i.am created a unique look for each employee after studying the needs of the individual job function. The results are functional yet artistic designs. The cocktail waitresses will don a short skirt, box-fitting, corset-like bustier and three-quarter sleeve mini bolero jacket, while the casino dealers are outfitted in shirts and blouses embellished with the signature tattoo print and silver stud buttons, as well as black bottoms. Guests will be greeted by front office agents wearing signature shirts with tonal lizard brocades and gunmetal buttons, accompanied by black pinstripe pants.

With 122 high-energy Hard Rock Cafes and eight Hotels/Casinos in 46 countries, Hard Rock International is one of the world's most globally recognized brands. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world's greatest collection of music memorabilia, which is displayed at its locations around the globe.

Additional hotel and casino projects have been announced in Palm Springs and Macau, scheduled to open in 2009. Hard Rock International, Inc, is owned by Seminole Hard Rock Entertainment, Inc.

For more information on Hard Rock, visit http://www.hardrock.com .

Casino Servers Anticipate Improved Outfits

Detroit, June 18, 2007 (Free Press) - As every casino in the Detroit metro area redoes its decor, its architecture and its menus, there's one detail that won't be forgotten: the staff. At every casino, as the buildings change, so will the uniforms worn by the servers who circulate on the gaming floors, the lounges and the restaurants.

The biggest impact will be on some of the smallest uniforms: those for the beverage servers, as they're called in the industry, or the cocktail waitresses, as they're called by nearly everyone else.

The new uniforms will still be short and snug -- but servers say they're glad to finally see some changes, if only to wear something new. And in many cases, what they're wearing will be both classier and more glamorous.

MotorCity has been the first casino to debut some of its new uniforms with the launch of its Signature Club space on June 7.

The old uniforms were based on a traditional tuxedo look, said spokeswoman Jennifer Kulczycki.

"The current uniforms don't really match the future retro look of the new building," she said.

The new Signature Club uniforms are sleek and stylish, setting off the servers from the glitzy new neon-color-highlighted casino areas.

The solid black uniforms feature a sweetheart neckline, thick straps around the neck, a mid-thigh hemline and a front slit that stops just short of being scandalous. By casino standards, they're downright classy.

Amy Terrill, 30, of Harrison Township has been working at Greektown since the casino opened seven years ago, and said she'll be glad to see the end of the playing-card-influenced paisley bustier and gauzy short black skirt she's been wearing to work.

She was especially pleased that the servers got a chance to give feedback on some of the choices. She liked one velvet chocolate brown number, she said, though casino spokesmen said the final design hadn't been selected yet.

Casino Windsor, which becomes Caesars Windsor in early 2008, will be changing all of its uniforms with the brand change. But there will be no togas and no Roman soldiers, spokeswoman Holly Ward promised.

"We are not a carbon copy of Caesars Palace, but an updated classic interpretation of the Caesars theme," she said. She promised a "modern interpretation of the Romanesque look."

MGM Grand will change all its uniforms with the opening of its new building in October.

"Everything retires with this place," said marketing vice president April Jacobs. The new uniforms were chosen after the employees gave extensive feedback, she said. "They were not shy about giving us their opinions."

Different lounges in the hotel will have different uniforms, for a total of five for beverage servers alone. Right now, all of those servers have a little black skirt -- more of an oversized ruffle -- a red and black bustier and a little jacket that virtually none actually choose to wear.

Those outfits are pretty much the industry standard, and they're better at fitting many different shapes of women than the last costumes MGM Grand used, Jacobs said. Those featured swimsuit bottoms, a tightly cinched waist and no room for figure imperfections.

Wardrobe supervisor Amy Shuffett was tickled that the company chose her design for the general beverage server costume (what the in-house folks call the Grandettes) over hundreds of alternatives.

She worked through all those pictures and drawings and finally, inspired by TV's "Project Runway" -- she admits she's an addict -- ran out, bought fabric, draped it herself, made a sample and brought it in for consideration.

"We're breaking out of the whole bustier-jacket-skirt mode," she said. "The girls are going to be able to move."

The uniform will be a one-piece with some shimmer, she said. The neckline? "Plunging, baby!"

Katherine Heigl to Launch Line of Healthcare Apparel with Peaches Uniforms

Dallas, June 11, 2007 (Business Wire) - Peaches Uniforms, a leading maker of uniforms and scrubs for women working in healthcare professions, announced today that it has partnered with Katherine Heigl, television and film star, currently featured in the movie “Knocked Up,” to launch an exciting new line of medical apparel, the Katherine Heigl Collection. The premium line, which debuts in fall 2007, offers a high level of style and sophistication to the women who want to express their own personal style in the workplace.

“I have tremendous respect for women in the healthcare industry,” said Katherine Heigl. “I know that it is often a difficult and thankless job. I wanted to create a line of scrubs that would allow women to infuse some of their personality and style into their work apparel. When you feel good about how you look, you are more confident, more motivated and it can lift your spirits.”

The Katherine Heigl Collection emphasizes fashion and individuality without compromising fit or function. The brand captures Heigl’s vibrant on-screen and off-screen personalities. Inspired by current runway and lifestyle trends, expressive styles, flattering silhouettes, hip colors and cool prints, the line is trend-setting with edgy, metropolitan sensibilities.

Within the collection of uniforms and scrubs, there are four design groups this season, which reflect the spirit of Heigl’s personal style:

London - Paying tribute to England's home of kitschy trends, London features mod details and pop colors along with chic city black and gray with a dose of hot pink and stark white.

Connecticut - Connecticut is high on style and minute details against a backdrop of white and tones of sea blue. Crisp clean lines shine through straight pants and subtle classy elements like angled stitch pockets and blazer-style jackets.

Los Angeles - Fit for every hip-casual starlet, Los Angeles embodies the city's laid-back vibe with a collection of easy care, easy wear separates. The comfort-architected pieces and denim inspired details are complimented by hoodies and drawstring waist tops.

Seattle - This look is designed for the adventurous – echoing the versatility of cargo pants with multiple pockets and drawstring leg details. A custom floral print brings the collection together with hints of coral and hunter green.

The designs are appropriate for women of all ages who work in hospitals, private practices, clinics, dental offices, labs, spas and other healthcare environments. Peaches Uniforms uses high-quality, soil-release fabrics to ensure long-lasting wear, comfort and durability.

The company pledges to deliver fresh styles, unsurpassed quality and comfort, and a commitment to value pricing. Most items in the Katherine Heigl Collection will be priced under $25 and available this fall in retail outlets, online stores and catalogues selling women’s medical apparel.

Peaches Uniforms is the leader in fashion-driven uniforms and scrubs for women in the healthcare industry. Founded in 1987, the Dallas-based company is a pioneer in the market.

For more information on Peaches Uniforms or the Katherine Heigl Collection, visit www.peachesuniforms.com .

Big Bowl Introduces Bamboo-Based Uniforms

May 31, 2007 (QSR Magazine) — Big Bowl is outfitting all of its waiters with originally designed uniforms made of bamboo, an anti-bacterial and earth-friendly material. The change to bamboo uniforms is another Big Bowl pledge to follow practices that positively impacts the world's increasingly challenged ecosystem.

"People ask us why a casual restaurant like ours serves heirloom pork, naturally raised chicken from small farms, direct-trade coffee and now has bamboo uniforms for our servers," says Dan McGowan, president of Big Bowl, a $30 million Chinese and Thai concept with locations in Chicago, Minneapolis and Washington D.C. "The answer is simple – it's the right thing to do," he says.

Over the last 18 months, Big Bowl has put into play significant revisions since the restaurants were repurchased from mega-chain Brinker International. These changes include replacing mass produced meat such as chicken and pork with its sustainable counterparts and using prime beef for its popular satay dish. Seasonal and local produce, sustainable salmon and wild seafood are now ingredient staples. Big Bowl also switched to post-recycled paper products and take-away bags .

The uniforms are a far cry from the standard collared shirt or t-shirt, says Chicago costume designer Michael Alan Stein, who designed the Big Bowl uniforms and has dressed actors for a variety of films including Angela Basset and Robert Townsend in the motion picture, Of Boys and Men. "Naturally I wanted the uniforms to be stylish but to also make a statement," Stein says.

Stein's creativity resulted in separate uniforms for men and women and two designs to accommodate warmer weather in the spring and summer and colder temperatures other times of the year. The color of the uniforms supports the scheme in the restaurant – jade and gold hues which the Chinese consider to be fortuitous.

For wearability, the uniforms are 30 percent silk. They cost four times more than the standard Big Bowl waiter attire, but McGowan sees them as an investment in the earth and the future. Using bamboo, he says, is good for the ecosystem and unlike conventional cotton it does not require pesticides, insecticides, or chemical fertilizers.

Other attributes of bamboo, says McGowan, is that it is plentiful and biodegradable.

"We may be the first to do this on such as scale," says McGowan, "but what's really important here is that we can set a standard for restaurants and prove that bamboo is a viable option for any type of clothing."

Company News Releases:

Fechheimer to Supply Uniforms to Cal Fire

Cincinnati, June 14, 2007 – Fechheimer Bros Co., manufacturers of the Flying Cross by Fechheimer brand of public safety uniforms, has been selected as an authorized manufacturer of NFPA compliant shirts and trousers for the new Cal Fire Work Response uniform program.

Effective this month, Cal Fire’s (formerly California Dept. of Forestry) approximate 9,000 employees who are required or authorized to wear a uniform will begin transition to the new program.

The navy blue uniform is made of flame-resistant Nomex® IIIA, a fabric used by firefighter and emergency response departments nationwide.

The change in uniform apparel was based on data compiled after a 12-month field evaluation with Cal Fire employees. It was determined that employee safety, professional appearance, and availability were some of their major concerns.

The new uniform program will be sold through authorized uniform dealers throughout California. The previous uniform is still authorized for wear until a wear-out schedule is determined.

Fechheimer Bros. Co. of Cincinnati, Ohio, established in 1842, is the leading manufacturer of public safety uniform apparel in the United States. Fechheimer is ISO 9001-2000 registered for fire station wear uniforms, a quality management certification requirement of NFPA (National Fire Protection Association).

G&K Services Announces Strategic Agreement with Dockers San Francisco

Minneapolis, June 6, 2007 - G&K Services, Inc., a market leader in branded identity apparel programs and facility services, today announced a new strategic agreement with Dockers San Francisco, a market leader in men's and women's apparel. Under this agreement, G&K will exclusively represent Dockers apparel as part of G&K's direct sale and rental apparel offering for the uniform industry.

"We are very excited to partner with Dockers San Francisco," said Richard Marcantonio, G&K's chairman and chief executive officer. "Our strategic vision focuses on providing innovative solutions to enhance our customers' image and safety needs. The strong Dockers brand, combined with the innovative style and comfort of their apparel, creates an enormous market opportunity within our industry. This agreement further demonstrates our commitment to meeting the needs of the marketplace while enhancing our competitive advantage."

G&K will initially market and sell Dockers apparel as part of its uniform direct sale offering to large national customers. Over the coming year, G&K will expand the offering of Dockers apparel to its direct sale catalog and rental customers.

"Our new partnership with G&K Services makes a lot of sense for us, as they have a wealth of experience in the uniform category and an innovative approach to doing business," said Jim Tibbs, senior vice president, men's merchandising and design, Dockers San Francisco. "This partnership adds another dimension to our business and enables us to connect with customers in a new way with quality Dockers products they know and trust."

This agreement provides G&K with exclusive access to a market leading brand known for innovative clothing designs that appeal to men and women worldwide. For the Dockers brand, this partnership provides access to an entirely new distribution channel.

"Expanding our direct sale business to be a more comprehensive provider of image apparel has been a key focus of our strategic vision," said Douglas Milroy, G&K's president of direct purchase and business development. "In 2005, we significantly enhanced our direct sale business through the purchase of the Lion Uniform Group. Our relationship with Dockers San Francisco further strengthens our capabilities, providing our customers with a broader array of apparel options. We are thrilled to partner with the Dockers brand to better serve our customers."

Tafford Uniforms Announces Nursing Scholarship Winners

North Wales, PA, June 20, 2007 – Tafford Uniforms, a leading supplier of nursing uniforms, shoes, and medical accessories, today announced that two students have been awarded the inaugural Tafford Uniforms Nursing Scholarship. The scholarship program, announced in March 2007, was created by Tafford Uniforms to support the education and training of nursing students and help address the critical nursing shortage facing the healthcare industry in the United States.

This semester’s winners of $1,000 scholarships were selected from an amazing group of applicants who will soon be serving in the nursing profession. The Tafford Uniforms Scholarship Committee received over 6,000 completed applications from approximately 1,600 schools across the country.

Michael Allbritton, a single father with primary custody of three children, returned to school after raising a special-needs child. Allbritton was awarded the scholarship to assist in his pursuit of a BSN degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. In his application, Allbritton stated, “With the opportunity presented, I am committed to succeeding, regardless of time, effort, or difficulty.”

Aischa Jackson, single mother to two children, the second recipient announced today, returned to nursing school at 35 to achieve her dream of becoming a nurse. “I am also aware of the great shortage of nurses, and see an opportunity to grow within this field in the future,” said Jackson. She hopes to graduate from the RN program at Jefferson State Community College, where she has earned a 4.0 grade point average, in order to help care for the sick and work in the medical mission field through her church.

“We are thrilled to be able to give back to the nursing community through our scholarship program,” said Gene S. Godick, CEO and co-owner of Tafford Uniforms. “Michael and Aischa are two shining examples of the future of the nursing profession and we are proud to play a small part in helping them reach their goals.”

Tafford Uniforms anticipates awarding two, $1,000 scholarships twice per year on an ongoing basis. Students eligible to apply must be enrolled in an accredited nursing program towards an associate’s (or LPN, LVN), bachelor’s (BSN), or master’s (MSN) degree in nursing.

Visit Tafford Uniforms on the web at www.tafford.com .

American Body Armor Honored by Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office

Jacksonville, FL, June 6, 2007 - American Body Armor (ABA), a leading manufacturer of concealable body armor for law enforcement professionals, has received a Meritorious Award from the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office for its support of C.O.P.S, or Concerns of Police Survivors.

ABA donated $2,500 to the JSO and C.O.P.S. to provide dozens of grave markers that were placed at the graves of fallen Northeast Florida police officers during Police Memorial Week. The donation from ABA supports the efforts of C.O.P.S, an organization that assists in rebuilding the lives of surviving families of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.

"American Body Armor deserves special recognition for its support of C.O.P.S," said Jacksonville Sheriff John Rutherford. "Both ABA and its parent company, the Armor Holdings Products Group, have had a longstanding and special relationship with JSO and the Northeast Florida C.O.P.S. chapter and we are grateful for their support."

Each year, dozens of police officers nationwide are killed in the line of duty and their families and co-workers are left to cope with the tragic loss. "The families of Northeast Florida's fallen officers need every bit of support they can get, and we at American Body Armor are happy to do our part," said Heather Fraser, project manager for American Body Armor.

SanMar Launches 2008 Apparel and Accessories Catalog

Seattle, June 18, 2007 — SanMar Corp., a leading supplier of wholesale apparel and accessories, is premiering its complete 2008 Apparel and Accessories Catalog in time for the important fall selling season. The new 436-page catalog is SanMar’s largest catalog to date. It features over 800 products from its proprietary brands Port Authority, Sport-Tek, CornerStone, District Threads and Precious Cargo as well as Nike Golf and the PING Apparel Collection of which SanMar holds the exclusive distribution.

Three new brands—Red House, the Tiger Woods Collection and OGIO— are making their debut in the catalog. Red House is a collection that reflects the wine country lifestyle. The Tiger Woods Collection is performance sport shirts approved by the world’s #1 golfer. OGIO®, the revolutionary name in accessories, features cutting-edge golf bags, duffels, backpacks and more.

“The 2008 Apparel and Accessories Catalog showcases our full-line product offering and includes over 150 new products,” said Jeremy Lott, SanMar vice president. “It’s designed for easy shopping because we’ve grouped similar items together, and then by brand. We’ve also included a youth guide, ladies sizing charts and ladies apparel guide to make sizing easier.

“In addition, this catalog launches our enhanced uniforming program, said Lott. In response to customer requests, our popular Easy Care woven shirts and Silk Touch sport shirts now come in 20 coordinating colors and sizes up to 10XL. This is a huge plus for those with uniforming clients.”

The 2008 Apparel and Accessories Catalog will ship in August.

Uniforms: Modern Day Suits of Armor

Wilmington, MA, June 5 - Whether it's a cleanroom jump suit or an identifiable shirt and pant combination, some 1.2 million people will begin wearing uniforms this year at work.

They will join 33 million others wearing uniforms on the job and continuing a tradition that dates to Caesar's Roman legions - and beyond - to wear performance apparel that's functional, protective and recognizable in design, says Robert Isaacson, director of marketing for UniFirst, a national uniform provider.

"It doesn't matter if someone is marching from Athens to Sparta, servicing a sports car, or greeting customers at an office supply store, uniforms reflect our need to perform a task safely and comfortably," he says. "Throw in the fact that uniforms can instill a sense of team-like camaraderie and provide companies with a form of 'free advertising,' and you have a powerful combination of reasons for their growing popularity."

Although the essential purpose for using uniforms - their functionality - has stood pat over the years, their protective attributes have clearly marched forward.

The fabrics used in some uniforms today, for example, can whisk moisture away from the skin and repel staining. Other fabrics can destroy illness-bearing bacteria, or help shield wearers from debilitating electrical burns and chemical spills. At the same time, form has not been left behind.

"If you peel away the personalized branding elements of modern uniforms, such as embroidered company logos, you'll find styles that are right in step with contemporary fashion," Isaacson says.

Meanwhile, Isaacson notes that as discoveries are made in nano- and biotechnologies, they will almost certainly be incorporated into modern work apparel.

"Proof of that can already be seen in a current trend to develop uniforms using wearable electronic fabrics that can keep tabs on a wearer's vital signs and even dispense necessary first-aid medications," Isaacson says.

Now those are modern suits of armor even a Roman emperor could salute.

International:

United Colors of Air-India Crew

Mumbai, June 10, 2007 (Business Standard) - With domestic airlines adding more and more international routes to their network, the looks and the uniform of in-flight staff, specifically airhostesses, have occupied prime importance in the image makeover plans of carriers.

The Air-India and Indian Airlines combine, wearing the new Air-India brand and livery, is set to give a snazzy new look for its cabin crew.

It has roped in internationally acclaimed designer Ritu Beri and fashion guru Pierre Cardin to do the honors. While Beri will design the uniforms for the female cabin crew, Cardin will give the male cabin crew uniforms a new look.

Air-India Chairman and Managing Director Vasudevan Thulasidas confirmed the development but declined to divulge more details.

Ritu Beri is the first Asian designer to head a French fashion brand, Scherrer, while globally renowned Pierre Cardin is known for its avant-garde style and space-age designs.

A top Air-India executive gave Business Standard some cues on what to expect from the new uniforms, which will be international and compete with those of Jet Airways’ and Kingfisher’s.

“There will be one set of uniforms for all Air-India cabin crew post the merger. Certainly, we will not drop the traditional sarees. But the new designs would definitely have a modern touch and will reflect contemporary fashion without losing out on Indian culture.”

The state-owned carrier is following a trend started by its rivals like Kingfisher and Jet Airways. Italian fashion designer Roberto Capucci and his partner Enrico Minio recently helped Jet Airways redesign its cabin crew outfits.

The fact that Capucci had never designed airline uniforms before, coupled with his reputation for elegant style, is what made him the choice to create something never seen before in airline uniforms.

Women Joggers Snap Up Stab-Proof Hoodies

United Kingdom, June 10, 2007 (Life Style Extra) - Stab-proof hoodies designed to protect teenagers from knife thugs are being snapped up by hundreds of worried women joggers and dog walkers who fear being attacked like tragic murder victim Margaret Muller.

The trendy black Kevlar hoodies have only been on sale for three weeks, but the makers have had such a high demand from women that they are now bringing them out in light pink and blue colors as well.

Paramedics have also been asking if they can have their uniforms lined with the stab and fire resistant material which is used in body armor worn by British squaddies in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Barry Samms, 33, came up with the idea of Kevlar-lined hoodies amid fears of soaring knife crime, but says he was surprised by the overwhelming response from women.

Mr Samms said: "We've started to receive a vast number of orders from women. We've had about 300 orders in the last three weeks, and I would say that 60 per cent of them have been for women.

"We've had women coming in saying 'These are perfect for when I'm jogging or walking the dog'. It's had a knock on effect, because it started off being men buying them, and now it's women, and they're telling their friends, so it's getting around by work of mouth, which is great.

"Since the women started to show an interest we've designed a light blue version and a light pink version, which are coming out in three weeks, while up until now they've just been available in black.

"What really swung it for us was that we had men and women coming in and saying 'If only you did it in pink'. I didn't realize that pink was such a popular color, but everyone's been asking for it.

Kevlar is a light but strong synthetic fiber created by DuPont Company in 1965, and can be spun into ropes or sheets of fabric five times stronger than steel.

Mr Samms set up his company, BladeRunner, in Romford, east London, three years ago with his business partner Adrian Davies, and also makes protective clothing for police, security guards and bouncers.

He said that they had also been asked by paramedics if they could line their uniforms for protection.

He said: "Lots of paramedics have asked if we could line their uniforms. We have contacted the Ambulance Service to see if they are interested, but we haven't heard back from them.

"Because they are first on the scene of arguments, fights and domestic violence, they get attacked quite frequently, so I don't know if that's something the ambulance service might want to look into.

"If they are being attacked with bottles and knives I definitely think that they should be protected. We were in talks about putting Kevlar in school uniforms, but I think that it would be a bit over the top."

Why are Thai Police Uniforms so Tight?

Bangkok, June 4, 2007 (Bangkok Recorder) - Ever wonder why no officer, irrespective of the number of muu pings he's put away, ever seems to have gaping buttons? That's because the seemingly button-up jacket is actually a zip up to impound unsightly flab and accentuate muscles.

According to Philip Cornwell-Smith, author of Thai pop culture bible Very Thai and Metro magazine founder/editor, the modern Thai police uniform was styled in the 60s when the craze was British mod, while the dark khaki color has always represented non-commissioned Thai officers.

The tight uniforms are also indicative of a pride the Thai police take in their appearance. One ex-cop said he and most officers got their uniforms tailored to "look neater."

And their attention to detail hasn't gone unnoticed. Thai police uniforms have been a source of lust for women, who clog the emergency hotline with salacious calls.

Entire websites are also devoted to models wearing Thai police uniforms.

However, some are frightened by the snugness of Thai police threads, believing the close-fit uniforms were designed to appear threatening. "I don't know why, but the police force decided years ago, the tighter - the scarier," said Steve Suhpan, who wants to start a blog called "Yes, Thai police uniforms are meant to scare and intimidate!"

Other News:

Lorain Police Officers to Sport New Look

Lorain, June 9, 2007 (Morning Journal) - Come summer’s end, the Lorain Police Department will be sporting a new look. Capt. Robert Davey said the patrolman will wear a ''field grade uniform'' that will better handle the wear and tear the officers put on them.

''The guys are pretty excited about it,'' Davey said. ''The current uniform is tough to maintain in the performance of field duties. The field duties in Lorain are such that these guys are regularly conducting themselves in a fashion that isn't good for the uniform.''

Yesterday, patrolman Chris Colon modeled the new uniform, which consists of cargo trousers, a short-sleeved shirt with a sewn on embroidered badge. The uniform is also more ''high tech'' in that it absorbs perspiration, is water resistant, non-fading and has a more breathable fabric. Like the current uniform, it is washable.

The uniform also gives patrolmen the option of a nylon-weaved belt. The current belt is leather and tends to be heavy and put strain on the officers' backs.

''These officers are rolling around in the dirt,'' Davey said. ''They need something that will stand up. The new uniform will have the badge sewn on, so there will be no metal accessories that get ripped off.''

The officers were aware of other departments across the nation who opted for the uniforms, but Davey said the Lorain Police Department is the only one in the county to implement it. He said the badges will take about two months to sew on, and once the patrolmen are dressed, the uniforms will be worn for a two-year trial basis.

''There are departments that hesitate going to this, but I don't know why,'' Davey said. ''I guess it's hard to overcome tradition. We've had the formal uniform for as long as I can remember.''

Patrolmen will be required to pay for the new uniform out of their $670 clothing allowance. The set, which includes a short-sleeved and long-sleeved shirt and trousers, costs approximately $155, Davey said. The nylon belt is an additional cost. The officers will be required to purchase at least one set.

The formal uniforms will still be worn by officers who work inside the department and by patrolmen during formal events such as parades and funerals.

''The chief and I are amenable to change as long as it is reasonable and for a good purpose,'' Davey said, also citing the 12-hour shift change they implemented earlier this year. ''It's not change for the sake of change.''

Lorain City Councilman Phil Betleski, D-3, who is the chairman of the police and fire committee, said if the uniform is more up-to-date and user-friendly, he supports the change.

''I don't have any problems with it at all,'' Betleski said. ''If the old uniform is outdated and needed improvement, then good for them.''