Runway success - the Qantas uniform evolution

Qantas is the most on-time domestic airline of the decade* – but we’d say it’s their other runway success that’s been the real star. We asked the man behind the current uniform, designer Martin Grant, to share his favourite looks from Qantas’ 94-year-old wardrobe.

2014 Martin Grant

My favourite part of the uniform is probably the trench. It’s kind of my signature, but it’s also a classic piece that always looks contemporary. Even though Qantas is an Australian company, it flies all over the world, and I think people forget that elsewhere, London for example, can be freezing.

Probably the hardest part of the process was the testing involved – the uniform had to tick so many boxes. We had specialists who tested every aspect you can think of – pilling, shrinkage, fading, thermal testing, tearability, wearability, creasing, useability… I would have preferred to have 100 per cent wool, for example, but it didn’t stand up to the testing. In fact I thought that those restrictions would be limiting to the point where I wouldn’t be happy with all the fabrics, but actually I was. We ended up getting very, very good quality fabrics that are 80 per cent wool – Australian wool of course; that was the obvious choice.

The hat was the most controversial of the pieces – staff was almost 50/50 on whether they wanted it – but we surveyed the staff and the feedback was that they wanted to put old-world glamour back into flying. This one is made from recycled bottletops, which I love, and it’s practical; you can actually fold it up and put it in your bag, or store it on the plane, then pop it back into shape.

You know when you’re running through a foreign terminal, trying to find a staff member who can help you? Qantas wanted a uniform that would be very visible no matter where you were – that’s why the colours are at the top of the uniform. The colour scheme was one of the last things to come together. We already had the base of the uniform, the suiting, the red triangle, but it was all very ‘red, white and blue’ and I wanted to move away from that. I was in my studio when the red and the pink came together; they’re so vibrant, you can’t miss them.

The thing I used to love about coming back to Australia was arriving on the tarmac and seeing the guys in the shorts and long socks – you just wouldn’t see that in Paris [Grant is based in France]. Qantas wasn’t keen on keeping the shorts when we did the work uniforms for the technical ground staff, but I fought to keep them. When we presented the new look at the Hordern Pavilion, the shorts were one of the last looks we presented, and they got the biggest round of applause.

1986 Yves Saint Laurent

Of all the uniforms, I think this is the one that’s dated the most; it’s not my favourite. But I love that it’s so specifically ’80s. Yves Saint Laurent was major back then, and it was quite advanced for an Australian company to go international with their choice of designer. The uniform was also very popular with staff, I think partly because of its knitwear. There were sweaters and cardigans, which is one of the things I reintroduced; knitwear is such a practical thing for travel.

1974 Emilio Pucci

This is not something an Australian would design! It’s more like a European version of Australia. Very Surfers Paradise. It’s also very Pucci, which I love, and so specific to the ’70s. It’s actually the uniform that lasted the longest – apparently when Qantas wanted to renew the uniform after this design, they asked Emilio Pucci to participate on the judging panel, and halfway through the process he decided that he was the best one to do it, so he threw out the other designs and redid it himself! Or so the story goes…

1971 Madame Germaine Rocher ‘The Redback’

This uniform was apparently hated – it only lasted two years. But I’ve got a funny fondness for it. It looks strangely dated for its time, more like a ’60s uniform than ’70s, but I love the hat. And the navy and red, of course, which may look familiar to you [laughs]. The name they gave this uniform, too, ‘the Redback’; I love that. As soon as you see the hat you can see why they called it that, but only an Australian would get the joke.

1959 Saville Row Shirt Company ‘Jungle Green’

I find it strange that they used that green colour, but I think this was the chicest uniform of all; the perky hat, the tailoring. In those days they could have the uniforms made to measure, obviously they had a lot less crew then, but who cares? The fact that it was a tailored suit that needed to be fitted properly to every individual – that’s pretty good. Although I do wish they’d done a real ’50s-style uniform with a full skirt – it wouldn’t have been practical, but I’m disappointed about it.

Designers of the time

1948 – David Jones

1959 – Saville Row Shirt Company ‘Jungle Green’

1964 – Leon Paule (in aqua)

1969 – Leon Paule (back for more, this time in red)

1971 – Madame Germaine Rocher ‘The Redback’

1974 – Emilio Pucci

1986 – Yves Saint Laurent

1994 – George Gross and Harry Who

2003 – Peter Morrissey

2014 – Martin Grant

A world away from the hustle, bustle and chaos of the big smoke – yet with a distinct sense of familiarity – Victoria’s Wimmera Mallee region is an incomparable place.

Victoria’s Grampians are a visual feast, a seemingly endless vista of craggy cliffs, rolling valleys and untamed bushland. But they’re also much more than a scenic mountain landscape. Diverse and storied, each region within the range has its own rhythm. The Wimmera Mallee – a pocket in the state’s north-west, stretching from Horsham to near Mildura – is one of the most captivating.

Once known as Victoria’s agricultural heartland, the Wimmera Mallee has evolved in recent years into a dynamic, slightly offbeat hub. It buzzes with a creative hum and welcoming energy, and harbours an eclectic mix of long-time locals and tree-changers. Once you encounter its unmistakable charm, feel its warm country hospitality and taste its nationally celebrated vanilla slice, you may find yourself lingering longer than planned.

Eager to explore? These must-visit spots let you experience the inimitable spirit of this special part of the world.

Wimmera Mallee’s quirky attractions

The Dimboola Imaginarium, Wimmera Mallee victoria — Step into the whacky Dimboola Imaginarium. (Image: Denis Bin)

If you’re after something a little more unconventional, the Wimmera Mallee delivers in droves.

The Dimboola Imaginarium – located in a historic bank building in its namesake town – is a gift shop and boutique accommodation in one. Shop for unique and whimsical keepsakes, stay overnight in an elegant themed room, and lose yourself in one of the Imaginarium’s interactive experiences.

Also in Dimboola, just a short drive from the Imaginarium, is a menagerie of utter delight. Tiny Goats and Co. is home to a herd of miniature goats, with the farm offering group visits and special events like goat yoga and cuddle sessions.

Arcade aficionados should visit the Australian Pinball Museum in nearby Nhill. Here, you’ll find the biggest selection of playable pinball machines in the country, featuring modern models and classics dating all the way back to 1931.

Arts and culture in Wimmera Mallee

Step into the Wimmera Mallee’s storied history at the Stick Shed — Step into history at the Stick Shed. (Image: Visit Vic)

As a thoroughly creative community, it’s no wonder the Wimmera Mallee has a host of venues focused on its rich arts and culture scene.

Wander Trickbots Metal Art & Sculpture Garden in Nullawil, a winding trail filled with unique and quirky creations fashioned from metal odds, ends and scrap. A walk through the garden is inspiring enough, but consider buying a piece to take home and treasure.

The town of Nhill also has a significant Karen-Burmese refugee community, who make up 10 per cent of the local population. Discover the artistry of this vibrant culture at Paw Po , where you can purchase traditional hand-woven and textile products. Choose from a selection of beautifully crafted homewares, fashion and dolls.

Step into the Wimmera Mallee’s storied history at the Stick Shed , the only WWII emergency grain store still standing today. This National Heritage-listed structure takes you on a journey through the region’s agricultural past and is a dramatic sight with its towering and eerily striking timber poles.

Nature escapes around Wimmera Mallee

pink Lake Tyrrel, Wimmera Mallee, Victoria Australia — Take in the pink hues of Lake Tyrrell. (Image: Visit Vic)

Much like the majestic beauty of the wider Grampians, the Wimmera Mallee is a mélange of serene and spellbinding nature escapes.

Victoria’s pink lakes are famed nationwide, and two of them are found right here. See the flamingo-pink hues of Loch Iel, particularly vivid after a heavy downpour, or the vast and ancient Lake Tyrrell , which turns pink during wet and warm conditions.

The Snowdrift dunes in Wyperfeld National Park are ideal for adventurers. Set amid the area’s semi-arid landscape, the dunes are expansive mounds of sand deposited around 40,000 years ago. Hike or sandboard them and make sure to visit at sunset, when the sand glows golden.

And while some travellers chase the highest peaks, you can see the most modest in the Wimmera Mallee. Standing a mere 43 metres above the surrounding terrain, Mount Wycheproof is considered the smallest registered mountain in the world. Courtesy of its relatively gentle inclines, it’s a lovely spot for a walk and a picnic.

Culinary adventures in Wimmera Mallee

border inn in the Wimmera Mallee — Meet the locals at Border Inn.

As a region rich in agricultural bounty, it’s little surprise the Wimmera Mallee has such a robust and vibrant food scene. The community is fiercely proud of its local produce, showcasing the flavours and heritage of the area.

The Border Inn in the village of Apsley is a quaint country pub and meeting spot for the local community, featuring a classic country menu and warm hospitality.

The Horsham Golf Club is a popular spot for golf buffs with an adjoining bistro and bar. Try a modern twist on hearty favourites while taking in views of the green. For a taste of the area’s vintages, head to Norton Estate Wines – a boutique wine producer and cellar door open weekends.

A Wimmera Mallee jaunt wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the famed Sharp’s Bakery in Birchip. Here, you’ll find a velvety vanilla slice that’s been crowned as Australia’s best seven times.

Wimmera Mallee accommodation

Fulham Homestead in wimmera mallee — Escape to Fulham Homestead.

If you’re enjoying an extended trip, you’ll need somewhere to rest. After a day tackling Wyperfeld’s epic dunes, visit Pine Plains Lodge , also in the national park. Built from reclaimed timber planks and logs, and anchored by rugged stone fireplaces, the lodge is a rustic and cosy hideaway.

For a refined yet relaxing escape, head to Fulham Homestead – a gorgeously restored guesthouse on an idyllic working farm, complete with farm animals and scenic vistas. Built in the 1840s, it has all the elegance and charm of its heritage, plus contemporary comforts like a modern kitchen, wi-fi and air-conditioning.

The Hermitage Hotel is Victoria’s oldest inland pub and an equally delightful blend of old and new. The restored rooms are perfectly appointed and adorned with period furnishings and high-quality linens. The pub itself is a favoured food and wine spot among locals and travellers alike.

If camping is more your style, the Lake Lascelles Cabins and Camping (formerly Mallee Bush Retreat) is a sprawling oasis with powered and unpowered sites and snug cabins. The setting is stunning too, the pristine Lake Lascelles sitting right in its centre.

Annual events

Wimmera Mallee Nhill Aviation Museum — Time your visit to Nhill Aviation Museum for the annual air show.

You may not need an excuse to revisit the Wimmera Mallee, but these annual and bi-annual events will almost certainly have you returning again and again.

Each year, the Lake Chalegrark Country Music Marathon takes over the town for a spectacular line-up of musicians from around Australia. The event is easygoing, family-friendly, and set in scenic surrounds on the shores of Lake Charlegrark.

Every two years, the region holds colourful events like the Wimmera Steampunk Festival , a raucous celebration of 19th-century steampunk culture with a different theme each time; the Nhill Air Show , which features jaw-dropping aerial stunts, aircraft displays, music, activities and more; and the Nati Frinj , a festival of art, culture and performance showcasing the many talents of the Natimuk community.

From the quirky to the tasty, start planning at visitwimmeramallee.com.au

Runway success – the Qantas uniform evolution