To mark the 20th anniversary of hostess service, Braniff International Airways organized a contest among its hostesses to create a distinctive new winter uniform. There were 43 entries. Hostess Terry Labus, a five-year veteran of the airline, submitted the winning design. The uniform made its debut on May 23, 1957.

Dubbed the Terry Labus #1, the new uniform followed the fashionable pencil-thin silhouette popularized by fashion designers on either side of the Atlantic. The suit was constructed of gray wool flannel with a narrow below-the-knee skirt and tailored jacket with hip-length peplum. The sleeves were cut with deep underarm gussets allowing greater freedom of movement than earlier uniforms. It was sold to the hostesses exclusively through The Orchid Shop, on Oak Lawn Avenue in Dallas Texas.

Channel stitched gray wool overseas flight cap.
M87.38.51
Gift of the Clipped B's

Fitted white cotton blouse (Louis Chaney of Dallas).
M87.38.37
Gift of the Clipped B's

Gray wool flannel two-piece winter uniform.
M87.38.5 a, b
Gift of the Clipped B's

Braniff stainless steel dinner flatware, c. 1950s.
M1997.1
Routine Staff