A new designer for a new age. Braniff joined with celebrated American fashion designer, Halston, to create a new look reflecting the sleekness of the Concorde age. The exuberant Pucci style, while revolutionary in both the fashion and aviation industry, had become dated. Company executives wanted a look that conveyed the urbane sophistication of the late Seventies and early Eighties.

Halston was the man of the hour. His minimalistic, softly-draped, figure-enhancing clothes were the embodiment of the decade. For Braniff, Halston reworked the earth-tone color palette of the era into something both sensuous and functional. He produced a collection of interchangeable components in softly draping jersey, cardigan knits, and his signature synthetic fabric, Ultrasuede. The uniforms were coordinating shades of tan, bone, taupe, and brown printed with Halston's signature "H." Hostesses could choose from three-piece gabardine pant suits, tunic tops, shirt dresses, skirts, and cardigan knit sweaters all topped with Ultrasuede topcoats or trench coats with matching hats and umbrellas.

Halston print nylon jersey top, sash, and skirt.
M86.34.1 a, b, d
Gift of Ann Bohri

Brown leather pumps.
M87.38.63 a, b
Gift of the Clipped B's

Tan Ultrasuede trench coat and hat.
TL1997.3
Courtesy of Helen Adair

American fashion designer, Halston, with models wearing his signature Braniff uniforms, 1977.
A1997.10
Gift of George W. Cearley, Jr.