Some might assume that uniforms are corporate, boring and personality-less. That can certainly ring true, and definitely is the case with big box brands where the team is all sporting ill-fitting polo tops, embroidered with the brand logo and a cheap name tag pinned on the chest. This type of uniformity doesn’t help to create any brand identity or allow the team’s personalities to shine. The guests’ feel like they are walking into a Starbucks and you can see that soul-crushing clock-in/clock-out look on their faces. That’s not my vibe. ‘
However, I do absolutely love a uniform program that helps to create ambiance, tone and taste level. And let me be clear, I melt for an all-red Musso and Frank tux, but here I’m talking about uniforms that are a bit more understated and flexible in that they read as something you’d want in your own closet.
I’ve seen it done well so many times, but it’s not as common as it could be, considering that fashion is something that’s so readily at our finger tips. My favorite thing is to compliment a server’s pants or top, only to have them tell me that it’s part of their staff uniform. That’s working for me! And if the restaurant/hotel sells it, I’d buy. I especially like when uniforms are not simply homogenous silhouettes, but rather a color palette in different shapes and forms. That way, there’s diversity in the look/feel of the clothing, but it still feels of the same family.
The uniform designer who kills it in that realm is Finery. They are based in Downtown LA and create uniform pieces that I wear off the job. Perfect colors, cool modern silhouettes (I just am really not a polo person…), lots of customization and the best team. I’ve worked with them on several hotel projects and it’s always been a dream. The understand the needs of service work; pockets, lightweight, easy to wash and size up or down. They outfit tons of iconic boutique hotel brands, but nothing is cookie cutter and all of the styling feels unique.
There are some hotels - I won’t name names! - that go too on-the-nose/Wes Anderson for me. I’m just not a fan. Your team is not a prop - they are people who are creating the energy and guest experience. I like when uniforms feel organic and natural to the person and the place. But still, it’s nice to know that if you need to flag someone down for the check, you’re waving at the right person. Simple accessories, colors and shapes really do the trick.
Digging in my mental archives, I am recalling the now defunct restaurant, Onda, run by Jessica Koslow of Sqirl and Gabriela Cámara of Contramar. The restaurant didn’t survive Covid but the uniform experience lives in my head rent free. They partnered with Eckhaus Latta to fit their staff in looks that felt really fresh and different. A rainbow of pastel splitter-splatter shirts with delicate buttons, cool trousers in a breathable crisp white fabric. It was a super rad runway show of a restaurant team bustling plates and cocktails across the room. Unfortunately I can’t find any good images in my photo roll, but I found this one in an internet dig. It doesn’t show off the true outlier-quality of the uniforms at the time, but maybe gives you a sense.
Great White’s team looks hit for me too. Cream on Cream on Cream down to the shoes, with some neutral earth tones and simple branding. The staff as-dressed adds to the interior design experience; a pop of beachy clean that feels fun, carefree and keeps the NA beer or sav blanc flowing.
Image via @greatwhite
A simple tee-shirt always does the trick to set the tone poolside at Wayfinder Waikiki
I’m also enjoying unexpected details on housekeeping uniforms. I love that there is elegance added to Housekeeping’s looks at Hotel Il Pelicano. Housekeeping is the heart of the house; the team that keeps the whole operation running and are most deserving of a little pizzaz.
And so many more. Bravissimo to the hospitality brands that utilize fashion to enhance the guest experience.
And since I have you…if you’re in Los Angeles this weekend, a reminder to check out LA Design Weekend. I’ll be hosting events on Saturday and Sunday, and there are tons of pop-ups, gallery shows and open studios to check out nearby I’m showing off my Corner Booth x RAD Furniture collab stools all weekend long as well. See you there!
Saturday 6/22 Snyder Depass debut’s their Temple collection at Justine’s Wine Bar 11am - 2pm. We’ll have cardamon cold brew, donuts and handmade giveaways.
Sunday 6/23 Gerald’s pops up at Woon 11-2pm. Join us for lunch and party vibes. We’ll also be featuring our exclusive color way Duo stool designed in collaboration with RAD, to subtly flip the space for the day.
See you there!