The approximately 2,600 employees of the Eurostar high-speed train service have been sporting new uniforms since yesterday. This is the first comprehensive uniform revamp for the company in over a decade.
The 54-piece collection reflects the European spirit and is inspired by the various European cities served by Eurostar. In addition to cultural references to the cities and countries in the network, there is also a gender-neutral approach, as staff can choose between trousers and skirts, regardless of gender.
French elegance combined with urban flair
The new uniforms were designed by French designer Emmanuelle Plescoff, who had previously collaborated with Christian Lacroix. They were developed over a period of more than two years in collaboration with approximately 80 employees, including wearer trials, to gather feedback on comfort, functionality, and fit.
The style emphasizes French elegance with monochrome navy blue and sleek cuts, but combines it with street art elements from cities such as Brussels and Amsterdam, evoked by a scarf with a graffiti print, and dark green Dr. Martens boots as a nod to British self-expression.
Scottish kilt
Another striking feature is the contemporary inclusive approach. Cultural references to the cities are interwoven with a gender-neutral approach, which also includes the Scottish kilt.
Staff can therefore choose from trousers, skirts, dresses, and tunics, regardless of gender. The idea of a skirt or kilt-like option stems not only from Scotland’s heritage but also from the concept of modular or gender-neutral design. However, this will undoubtedly lead to jokes among travelers about the “True Scotsman” who wears no underwear.
Focus on sustainability
The aim is for Eurostar employees to now present themselves to customers in the same uniform, regardless of whether they are traveling to London, Amsterdam, Cologne, or Paris, to increase recognizability, brand identity, and the European spirit.
Eurostar, which carried 19,5 million passengers last year, has also launched a recycling campaign to give the old uniforms a new purpose. They will be reused in products such as mattresses or hanging basket linings.
Sustainability was also a consideration for the new uniforms, with a choice of recycled polyester and organic cotton, while production takes place in factories in the Euro Mediterranean region.
