Designer look for Air India crew on hold

The sky may be the limit for Indian fashion but the national carrier is unwilling to pay a price to drape its staff in designer styles.

In May 2005, Air India approached renowned designers Tarun Tahiliani and JJ Valaya to send in sketches for new staff uniforms for which the final choice would be made by French couturier Pierre Cardin. In June 2005 Tahiliani and Valaya were short listed by the airline to design staff uniforms. Designers sent samples but no decision was forthcoming. In October, a letter from Air India informed the designers that it planned to continue with existing uniforms and agreed to pay a fee of Rs 25,000 for their design efforts. But the designers say that is not enough. "We designed everything and I told them it was Rs.25,000 for one round and I sent them a letter that you have be financially responsible for these samples, its tragic. I am going to file legal charges," Tahiliani said.

Fashion designer Ritu Kumar has been through a similar experience with Air India. Six years ago she was approached by the airline to design staff uniforms but after she sent in several samples her designs were rejected. "I had been approached. I gave them designs which was not easy to put and they had a meeting and they gave the tender to someone else. They are representing the country, it cant be done in an adhoc manner," said Ritu Kumar. When contacted, Air India said as they were busy with the merger with Indian Airlines, the new uniforms would have to wait. Should the designers take legal action they have a ready defence. "There can be no breach of contract because there is no written contract. It's not confirmed its still an open issue once the merger is done we will reopen it so the chance of litigation doesn't arise," said S Venkat, GM Public Relations, Air India. So as of now the Maharaja continues with its old set of clothes.

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