KM Malta Airlines launches new uniform accessories in collaboration with Charles & Ron

When passengers board a KM Malta Airlines flight, they’ll be greeted by cabin crew sporting elegant new accessories that reflect both Maltese heritage and contemporary design sensibilities. These sophisticated additions come courtesy of Charles & Ron, one of Malta’s foremost fashion houses, which has been entrusted with breathing new life into the airline’s visual identity.

A Maltese Legacy Taking Flight

For Charles & Ron, this collaboration represents more than just a design project. “It’s an honour,” Ron reflects. “As a brand, we’ve always embraced Malta and taken our history and origins on our journey. Being part of the legacy of the airline is absolutely a part of this story.”

The decision to engage a local fashion house for this important visual refresh speaks volumes about KM Malta Airlines’ commitment to showcasing home-grown talent. “This has happened in the past, and it’s refreshing that local designers are being asked and incorporated into the home-grown look. This is how we can promote the country and push talent,” Ron observes.

“We were given a design brief, keeping in mind that these accessories are accompanying the existing uniforms,” Ron notes. The range includes ties, scarves, handbags, belts and hats – all created to work around them, with different scarf and tie designs to distinguish between pilots, cabin crew and in-flight managers.

Heritage Meets Contemporary Design

At the heart of the new designs is Malta’s most recognisable symbol – the eight-pointed Maltese cross. “It’s the most iconic symbol of the island, instantly recognised in other countries,” Ron explains. This emblem features prominently in the graphic elements of the accessories, creating an immediate visual connection to Malta’s heritage.

While preserving the airline’s traditional navy and red colour scheme, C&R have introduced a fresh light blue, with a tinge of grey, which Ron describes as a beautiful “sky colour”. This thoughtful addition complements the existing palette while representing the airline’s primary domain.

The new accessories balance aesthetic appeal with practical considerations. The traditional square scarves and men’s ties feature similar patterns, creating a cohesive look across the crew, while the updated navy blue and red hats offer a “fresh look” to the whole ensemble.

Special attention has been paid to functionality, with the new handbag designed to be “slightly larger than what they had before”, making it more practical for crew members as they go about their duties.

This consideration reflects the designer duo’s understanding that airline uniforms must serve both style and substance and that, often, practical needs can go unmet.

While researching their approach, Charles & Ron looked to other airlines for inspiration but remained firmly anchored in Malta’s identity. They noted the contrast between the avant-garde designs adopted by some carriers and Malta’s more traditional approach, aiming to “find the middle ground” that prioritises wearability and comfort.

The result is a design that Ron describes as “uncomplicated, simple and pleasing”, yet effective in brightening the current uniforms. The carefully crafted accessories feature various renditions of the Maltese cross, creating visual interest without overwhelming the overall look.

Looking Ahead

“For the team at C&R, it is both an honour and a privilege to be entrusted with the creation of the new accessory designs for KM Malta Airlines. These carefully crafted embellishments are designed to complement the existing uniforms, infusing a vibrant new dimension into the crew’s appearance,” Ron continues.

So, as you settle into your seat on this KM Malta Airlines flight, take a moment to notice the elegant accessories worn by your cabin crew. Look closely and you’ll spot the iconic eight-pointed Maltese cross woven into their design. This is an ode and a tribute to Malta’s rich heritage, reimagined through the contemporary vision of the celebrated Charles & Ron fashion house.