Dame Vivienne Westwood brings back the era of airline chic with Virgin Atlantic collaboration

Dame Vivienne Westwood is bringing back the era of glam air travel, as she's redesigned the iconic Virgin Atlantic uniforms.

The legendary British designer, who's famed for her love of punk rock fashion, has devised some chic new styles that could give the days of Pan Am chic a run for their money.

Focusing on clever tailoring, silhouette and of course, practicality, Vivienne's new designs will flatter shape and form as well as packing a statement thanks to their clever cuts.

Lucky Virgin Atlantic air hostesses can look forward to slipping on a piece of couture with the Westwood suit, with a pinned down collar on the jacket, nipped-in waist and single button.

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Slanted pockets and the fitted cut at the waist will help highlight a feminine silhouette, while the dart on the pencil skirt will be comfortable yet still demure.

Black hand gloves and a Virgin Atlantic pin on the lapel add embellishments to the design, which is still in the brand's iconic red.

Meanwhile, the Virgin stewards can look forward to a very Saville Row-esque fitted three-piece suit in a dark burgundy wool with a white shirt and flashes of grey wool under the lapels and pockets.

Speaking of her collaboration with Richard Branson's airline, Dame Vivienne said she ensured the new line would be every inch as "body conscious" as the rest of her fashion.

She said: "My clothes have always got a very strong dynamic rapport with the body - they are very body conscious, they help you to look glamorous, more hourglass, more woman.

"I design things to help people to hopefully express their personality."

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Richard Branson added: "Virgin Atlantic has a distinct spirit and from a design perspective we continually try to challenge the norm and stand out from the crowd.

"Our current uniform has been around for more than 10 years and we have seen other airlines start to copy it."

Virgin Atlantic staff will begin trialling the uniform this July, giving them time to provide feedback on its practicality, design and wearability ahead of the launch in 2014.