Valentino for TWA Early 1970's Purple Flight Attendant Coat and Dress Ensemble

A glimpse at the bygone era of high fashion aviary style. These fabulous TWA stewardess uniforms were designed by none other than the late great Valentino Garavani. This design was in rotation for TWA Airline Hostesses from 1971-1975. The uniform set includes a single breasted belted wool trench coat and a matching short sleeve button up shirt dress of the same length. The ensemble is in two quintessential early 1970's shade of purple that beautifully complement each other. The coat is closer to an eggplant with a warm undertone and the dress is a shade of grape with a neutral undertone.  

The button up shirt dress is full of distinctly '70s elements such as the chevron jacquard poly fabric, the hip pockets, dagger collar, and thin rectangular waist belt. The dress is knee length with cuffed short sleeves, an adjustable belt, and button closure down the front. The dress is adorned with the same brassy gold-tone signature Valentino "V" buttons as the coat.

The eggplant wool coat is composed of a warm and durable heavy wool. The coat features a tie belt, patch pockets at the front hips, and four Valentino "V" buttons in a gold tone. The coat is fully lined in a matching purple satin silk.

This exact coat is in the Museum of Flight. Along with the Valentino label, this coat also has the manufacturer's label, Briny Marlin. European Couturier's such as Valentino provided the design sketches, patterns, and styling specifications for airline uniforms.  Airlines such as TWA would then contract specialized American apparel firms to handle production such as the high-end women's outerwear manufacturer, Briny Marlin.  Briny Marlin was a trusted manufacturer frequently tapped for these prestigious aviation contracts. Having their label inside the coat signaled the garment was built to rigorous commercial tailoring standards using trusted, durable, and sophisticated materials.

This set of uniforms is in excellent vintage condition, with only minor signs of wear in select areas such as gentle fading at the underarm of the dress. 

Wool Coat:

Bust: 39"

Waist: 34"

Hips: 45"

Length: 45"

Shoulder: 17"

Sleeve: 24"

Belt: 64"

Knee Length Dress

Bust: 36"

Waist: 32"

Hips: 40"

Length: 44"

Shoulder: 16"

Sleeve: 8.5"

Belt: 32"