Retro Flying

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A signed sketch by the late Joy Stokes, designer of Gulf Air’s cabin crew uniforms in the 1960s and 1970s, was recently donated by her son Michael Stokes to the national carrier and now appears in the airline’s Gulf Air Falcon Gold Lounge at Bahrain International Airport.

Professionally trained in art and design, Joy’s uniform designs from the 1960s till the late 1970s, defined the look of the airline: from the turtle collar dress and pillbox style beret to the then revolutionary concept of outfitting both male and female cabin crew in trousers and the master-stroke adaptation of the Middle Eastern headscarf in chiffon flowing from a central pillow box cap. Today, a version of the original iconic headdress design is still worn by Gulf Air female crew – recognisable in airports around the world.

Commenting on Joy Stokes’ long reign as Gulf Air’s uniform designer Gulf Air’s CCO, Ahmed Janahi, says: “During her time in Bahrain, Joy made an indelible mark on Gulf Air’s history. Designing some of our national carrier’s first uniforms, Joy helped shape the ‘face’ of Gulf Air for many years. We are delighted to receive and showcase her original sketch in our popular Gulf Air Falcon Gold Lounge at Bahrain International Airport – helping us celebrate the immensely positive and enduring impact Joy made.”

Michael Stokes says: “Joy Stokes was inspired by the brilliant light and vibrant colours of Bahrain and the Gulf. She loved wandering in the souqs and markets of Bahrain, where she could derive ideas for her designs and drawings. She shared her passion for Bahrain with her husband, Jimmy Stokes, a captain with Gulf Aviation/Air who joined the airline in 1961. Joy would be deeply humbled and honored by the recognition that Gulf Air is providing to her in prominently displaying her original uniform design. As a family we are privileged and delighted by the enduring link with Gulf Air and Bahrain that this represents.”

Gulf Air has been the Title Sponsor of the FORMULA 1 GULF AIR BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX ever since it made history as the first Formula 1 Grand Prix to be held in the Middle East in 2004. In addition, the airline has been Official Carrier of the biennial Bahrain International Airshow since it was first held in 2010.