Delta Flight Attendants Sue Lands' End Over Zac Posen-Designed Uniforms
Two flight attendants are seeing red over their new work ensembles, claiming they cause skin irritations and other health issues.
May 29, 2019 at 12:40 PM
3 minute read
When famed fashion designer Zac Posen rolled out his new line of Delta Air Lines uniforms in May 2018, the five different color schemes were seen as a radical departure from the airline's 30-year-old palate of red and blue. But two flight attendants are only seeing red over their new ensembles, and they're suing.
Gwyneth Gilbert and Monica DeCrescentis have filed a proposed class action against retailer Lands' End, which made the uniforms. Their lawsuit contends that the clothing causes skin rashes, headaches and other issues, reports the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Neither Delta nor Posen are named in the suit.
Gilbert is from Sandy Springs, Georgia, and claims the two dresses, pantsuit and sweater set she wore from the new line of uniforms gave her skin irritations and rashes, according to USA Today. She says Lands' End sent her a replacement shirt that was ”allegedly 'untreated,'” but the uniforms are in fact treated with chemicals for stain-release and anti-wrinkle properties. She says putting on the new shirt made her skin ”feel as though she had experienced a burn.”
Gilbert was placed on short-term disability leave, according to the lawsuit, and was able to return to work wearing a black pantsuit and white blouse, which have not caused her any symptoms.
DeCrescentis lives in New York and not only claims similar skin irritations but headaches and a low white cell blood count she attributes to wearing the new uniform over the past year. She also alleges that the dye in the clothing has transferred onto her skin as well as her sheets, towels and non-work clothes. She says she is still required to wear the uniform for work.
“As Delta flight attendants are non-union, at-will employees, many are reluctant to complain about the problems with their uniforms and suffer in silence, and other flight attendants wear undergarments or long underwear to protect themselves from new uniforms,” the lawsuit states.
The plaintiffs are claiming negligence on the part of Lands' End, as well as design defect, manufacturing defect and other claims. The suit is seeking certification for a class action as well as damages and attorney fees.
Delta issued a statement about the uniforms. ”While less than one percent of employees in the new uniform program have reported issues, Delta takes this very seriously and is working directly with employees on solutions that meet their individual needs,” the airline's statement said.
The airline also said it is planning to offer an option for untreated uniforms. Employees would need medical verification in order to qualify.
Lands' End told USA TODAY that it does not comment on pending litigation.
Posen's uniforms made their East Coast debut at LaGuardia Airport on Memorial Day of last year, according to Women's Wear Daily. The designer said he did a great deal of “job shadowing” in order to prepare the new outfits. It marked the first overhaul of Delta's uniforms since 2006.
“When Delta approached me with this opportunity I could not say no — it was such an incredible challenge to dress 64,000 employees for an iconic American airline,” Posen told The Hollywood Reporter. “I have always loved flying and it was great to be able to share my love of aviation and fashion.”
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