The Alliance Francaise in Johannesburg has opened up a new exhibition showcasing a collection of the uniforms worn by Air France’s cabin crew since 1953.
The exhibition puts French fashion, style and culture into the spotlight – through aviation.
BUILDING CULTURAL TIES
The opening, held at Alliance Francaise’s Johannesburg centre was the epitome of French sophistication and style.
The event was attended by doyens of the airline industry as well as representatives from French companies operating in South Africa, diplomatic corps, NGOs and other stakeholders.
FRENCH STYLE AND SOPHISTICATION
The French are indeed well-known for their style and sophistication and their cuisine.
The opening of the new exhibition, hosted by two key French organisations, was a very classy affair.
There was even a runway, where models showed off the uniforms worn through the decades.
The uniforms and their backstories are on display at the exhibition.
FRANCE – SOUTH AFRICA TIES
Speaking to invited guests, French Consul Etienne Chapon said that Air France and the Alliance Francaise were two significant pillars of French culture in South Africa.
Chapon humorously added that he had not realised that these organisations shared the same initials, AF.
However, Chapon went on to coin a new meaning for the abbreviation AF. “Always Fashionable,” Chapon said. This could certainly be felt throughout the evening.
From the refreshments and appetising canapes to the fashion show, showcasing the different uniforms throughout Air France’s history.
SHOWCASING AIR FRANCE AIRLINE UNIFORMS
Addressing guests gathered at the contemporary-style building, Air France – KLM Country Manager Southern Africa, Wilson Tauro, said that this new exhibition demonstrates how Air France has evolved over the past 71 years.
“This exhibition showcases our vintage aircraft and our stylish uniforms dating back to 1953,” Tauro said.
OPENING OF JOHANNESBURG EXHIBITION
The new exhibition, ‘Decades of Connection: A Fusion of French Elegance and the South African Spirit’, officially opened on 16 October at the Alliance Francaise in Lower Park Drive Parkview, Johannesburg.
The exhibition curated by Air France and the Alliance Francaise showcases Air France’s evolution while connecting France and South Africa.
From aircraft used to stylish cabin crew uniforms, the exhibition tracks these developments through the decades.
The exhibition is free to the public and will be on display at the Alliance Francaise, until 29 November.
Would you like to visit this free exhibition?
Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com. Or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and for the latest news.
