Without a doubt, Delta is the most “style conscious” US Legacy Carrier. That is a really good thing. The “Delta Experience” is definitely all about the details.

Delta has been committed to rebranding a number of products, including Delta One their premium international business class product. I must admit, I am a sucker for “soft product,” as much as “hard product.” Delta “hard-product” beats all of the other US Carriers for consistency. Fleet wide (wide body) 1-2-1 business class (Delta One) 180-degree flat-bed seats. No other US Airline can claim such consistency with regard to their long haul wide body product.

It is a small thing, but Delta has also been quietly improving their wine program. Nothing “earth-shattering” but definitely some above average selections.

I have always been a fan of Delta glassware and presentation in their premium cabins. I can not help but judge any premium dining product, airline or otherwise, by their glassware. Delta has some really nice stemware. It really is all about the stems.

The full variety of Delta glassware makes for a lovely compliment. Here shown with dessert and cheese are wine, water/cocktail and after dinner beverage glassware.

And, let’s not forget the Champagne flutes. Though, I took a bit of “creative license” here, since the caviar is BYOC. (“Bring Your Own Caviar,” and mother of pearl spoon.)

No element of style, is more relevant to any commercial airline historically than their uniforms. Uniforms set the tone for an airline’s image. I am extremely happy to report that Delta issued a press release today with regard to their new uniform collection expected to debut by 2018.

Delta Air Lines and New York-based designer Zac Posen are partnering to bring high fashion and function to a different kind of runway as part of Delta’s new uniform program.

Delta is creating a program for nearly all of its uniformed employees. Through the partnership, Zac Posen will design a uniform collection for Delta’s flight attendants and airport customer service agents while advising on the uniform project for Delta’s ramp and ground support agents, Delta Cargo agents and Delta TechOps employees.

“Through challenges and triumphs, the Delta uniform has been a source of great pride for generations of Delta people and continues to serve as a symbol of our values and the world class service for which we’re known,” said Tim Mapes, Delta’s Senior Vice President – Marketing. “With Zac’s talent and expertise, and in partnership with Delta people worldwide, we look forward to creating a timeless, fashionable and functional new collection that will continue to be a point of pride and symbol of our brand for the 170 million customers who fly with us each year.”

Known for his fresh and innovative designs, Posen’s brand of modern American glamour pairs well with Delta’s brand attributes, and he will be personally engaged throughout the multi-year project. His designs are favored from the White House to the red carpet in Hollywood.

“I’m thrilled to partner with this classic American brand and look forward to collaborating with Delta employees to understand their wants and needs for the new collection,” said Zac. “Together, we will bring everyday elegance and style innovation to the ground and air alike, while making employees look and feel their best.”

Over the next few months, Posen will work with Delta employees to better understand the specialized needs of Delta’s active workforce. The prototypes will then undergo intensive wear testing to ensure functionality and fit before the final collection is produced. Consistent with Delta’s culture, employees will drive the project and be heavily involved in every phase along the way.

The new uniform program is part of a larger brand transformation and investment as Delta works to ensure its thoughtful, reliable and innovative brand attributes imbue all areas of the customer experience, including airport facilities, technology and global products and services.

The new collection is expected to launch in early 2018.

A quick glance at the Zac Posen 2015 fall collection shows a glimpse of his style.

 

Zac Posen launched his namesake label at the tender age of 21. His first show—in 2002, in a former synagogue on the Lower East Side—received mixed reviews, but generated major buzz among young socials (including Barbara Bush) and industry insiders. Posen’s work has gained respect for its increasingly streamlined aesthetic of forties-inflected tailoring, mermaid-esque gowns, and itty-bitty cocktail frocks. He enlisted his mother Susan as CEO (she has since stepped down, and serves as Chairman) and his sister Alexandra as creative director, and in 2004, Sean Combs became a much-publicized backer. That same year, the CFDA gave Posen Swarovski’s Perry Ellis Award for Womenswear. Posen opened his first retail store in New York in 2011.

Hoping that Delta has more “style-enhancements” in store for 2015 and beyond.

Does an airline’s style influence your travel decisions?