Braniff & Emilio Pucci 1965-1976

 

The uniforms on this page are from my years with Braniff, and from my personal collection.

 
Braniff 1965 Emilio Pucci Uniforms

This photo is from a promo slide.  Although not very clear, it's part of my personal history with Braniff.

1965 Gemini IV  "The Air Strip"

This first Pucci multi-component design for Braniff, dubbed "The Air-Strip", combined colors new to flight uniforms.  A lime wool coat, reversible to apricot, was worn with lime or apricot gloves, and two-color stitched boots in a Courrèges style.  They were accompanied by a Pucci print pillbox hat with attached scarf tied under the chin.  A space helmet (far left) was worn for passenger boarding.

Inflight, two-color stitched flat shoes replaced the boots.  A Pucci Pink (magenta) two-piece wool suit (second from left) was removed to reveal a blue silk turtle neck tunic and culottes (center), over which an apron-dress called a "Puccini" (left and right of center) was worn for the meal service.  The culotte "lounging outfit" was worn for the remainder of the flight and passenger disembarkation. 
 

All items on this page will remain in my personal collection.  They are not for sale.

Barbie Braniff Boarding Uniform

Braniff Gemini IV Scarf
Gemini IV Scarf with 'BI' logo.

Barbie Braniff Serving Puccini

Braniff Flight Attendant Wings

Braniff 1966 Uniform Flags Design

1966 Pucci II  "Ports of Call"

As an alternative to the culottes and tunic, Pucci added a 100% nylon dress with a string belt and tights in a pattern "symbolizing the nations of the world that serve as Braniff ports of call".   Lime/clear shoes from Neiman Marcus allowed the pattern to show right down to the toes.  

(See Close-up) In a harlequin pattern, Pucci intermingled his stylized flags with Mexican instruments and Pre-Columbian Art of Central and South America.

Braniff 1966 Uniform Flags Design Close-up
Flight Attendant Manual & Neiman Marcus Shoes

Braniff 5-year Service Pin 

1968 Pucci III  "Classic"

 Many might wonder if plum (fuchsia) uniforms can be considered classic.  In any case,  this was a monotone color scheme, with a splash of colors in the scarf.  The dress was plum or pale pink Trevira blend, with matching hose and shoes.  The wool coat was reversible pale pink/plum.

Navy blue luggage with a plum and pink stripe band coordinated with this Pucci uniform.

1968 Braniff Uniform with Scarf Braniff Pucci III Uniform Coat

 

Phyllis in Uniform
My friend Phyllis welcoming you aboard.

 

Braniff 1969 CSA Uniform

 1968 Pucci III  Variation

This uniform was designed for the Passenger Services and Operations Agents at airports and ticket offices.

A variation of the plum uniform, with a mandarin collar, three-quarter length sleeves (which we pushed up out of the way), front zipper and dropped waist with a suede belt.  A faux leather belt replaced the suede belt in 1970.

That's me, looking quite a bit crumpled, after the long drive home from work in the Summer of 1969.

Braniff 10-year Service Pin 

Braniff 1971 '747 Braniff Place' Uniform

1971-73 Pucci IV
"747 Braniff Place"

The Pucci print returned with this uniform, as did versatility.  The color choice was pink or blue, with a square neck, ruffle neck, or sleeveless scoop neck.  It could be worn knee length, above the knee, or mini length with 'palazzo' trousers or with hot pants.  The uniform was a lightweight Qiana, and very comfortable.  The shoes had one green heel.  Matching patterned scarves had  the 'BI' logo.

Braniff 1973 '747 Braniff Place' Uniform

 

 


This time, Pucci added a purse and an umbrella.  Rarely seen except in promos, they were really quite impractical.  Lingerie was also available to us in the 'Pucci IV' pattern.

Flight Attendant Wings
Dove Wings Pendant

Braniff 15-year Service Pin

1971 Pucci IV  Variation

This was the uniform for the Passenger Service Agents at airports and ticket offices.  A variation of the pink uniform, styled with a v-neck and the darker pink bodice.  Palazzo pants matched the bodice.  I wore the uniform shortened from the original length, as did most of us, with my palazzos cut to shorts length for the Summer.  Much cooler and more practical!  Qiana was lightweight, but it still clung on those hot Summer days. ~ Right ~ Playing with my Scottie puppy after work in 1973.

Braniff 20-year Service Pin

1974 Pucci V and VI

A combination of solid color and a magnificent swirling design was the final Pucci uniform.  The polyester jumper in green, blue, or turquoise could be worn alone (but rarely was), with the patterned nylon leotard, or a turtleneck sweater. with matching slacks as an added component.  A patterned nylon dress, front-placket buttoned, was an another choice, usually worn with a string belt.

The meal service apron was half turquoise, half green with opposite color pockets.  A reversible green and turquoise wool coat, matching hat, and turquoise and green Neiman Marcus shoes completed the uniform.
Trivia:  Originally, these leotards were issued with beautiful fabric covered shank buttons.  However, in 1976, the buttons were changed to a flat translucent dark gray.  Perhaps it was decided they would create a smoother look under the jumpers, or the fabric buttons were catching on everything and therefore deemed impractical.
I'll never know, but somehow I doubt Emilio Pucci would have approved of using plastic buttons on his design.

 

My friend Kay (right) with Emilio Pucci.

 

1974 Pucci V  Variation

This was the uniform for Passenger Service Agents at airports and ticket offices.  The jumper and pants were navy blue, worn with the same patterned leotard.  ~ Right ~ My passport photo in uniform in the Winter of 1975.

Braniff 25-year Service Pin

Braniff JFK Int'l Airport
Braniff Terminal JFK Int'l Airport ~ 1964

Braniff International

I'm goin' where sun keeps shining 
Through the pourin' rain
Goin' where the weather suits my clothes
Backin' off of the Northeast winds
Sailing on a summer breeze
Skippin' over the ocean like a stone.
~ Nilsson  1969

Braniff 727-200 Blue Livery

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