Well known for dressing Marilyn Monroe, Hollywood costume designer and Academy Award winner, William Travilla (1920–1990) created this synthetic blend, summer seasonal ensemble for United in a new color named Blue Frost. The lightly fitted jacket has a distinct chelsea collar and a three-quarter-length sleeve with a detachable dropped cuff.
The short sleeve blouse has a banded waist and an attached jabot neckpiece for the insignia pin. Smart looking and allowing greater ease of mobility for the demands of jet service, it was issued from 1965 to 1968 and became known as “the cheerleader” because of its flared skirt.
“Fashion In Flight: A History of Airline Uniform Design” was on display, from June 16, 2016 to January 08, 2017 in the International Terminal and the Aviation Museum and Library. See our exhibition catalog online at: https://bit.ly/FashioninFlight
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United Air Lines stewardess uniform 1965
Travilla
Blouse by R.W. McClain & Associates
Hat by Mae Hanauer
Gift of United Airlines Historical Foundation
Blouse insignia, hat insignia: Gift of Edith Lauterbach
2006.028.136, .187, 2012.100.040-.042, .059 a b
SFO Museum