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CNN Live Today
High-Flying Fashions, Delta Hires Top Designer
Aired February 09, 2004 - 11:34 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: Top designers are used to creating fashions for the runway, but not necessarily the airport runway. Delta Airlines has hired one of Hollywood's hottest designers to create new uniforms for its employees.
Designer Richard Tyler here to talk about the project. And I mean, here.
RICHARD TYLER, FASHION DESIGNER: Here, right.
KAGAN: Here with me. You're based here in L.A.
TYLER: Yes, we are.
KAGAN: Which makes me wonder, how does a nice guy from Australia, a successful clothing designer, based in L.A., end up designing for an airline that's based in Atlanta, Georgia?
TYLER: It's pretty -- it's a dream come true for one thing. So, they came out and visited us, and it was -- you know, it's an incredible corporation, but they were so warm and with hat southern charm. I think the charm...
KAGAN: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) the charm got you?
TYLER: The charm got us here.
KAGAN: It got you.
TYLER: So, you know, that's what it was.
KAGAN: Plus a fun project. I mean, if you go back -- and I think we found some old video or some old pictures of old fashion from flight attendants...
TYLER: Oh, really?
KAGAN: Let's look at some of this. I mean, it's so campy and fun. But as you look forward, do you have cart blanche to do whatever you want with these uniforms?
TYLER: I don't think I would get away with that right now.
KAGAN: Yes, the little short skirts, though.
TYLER: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) fuchsia. And yes, a little bit -- actually, they've been really, really great. They've given us cart blanche to design the uniforms. But I think they chose me because I'm known for suits...
KAGAN: A good tailored look.
TYLER: ... tailoring and classics.
KAGAN: Yes.
TYLER: So, I don't think I'm going to really give them fuchsia or purple outfits.
KAGAN: We don't have any sketching or anything that you're planning, but just kind of...
TYLER: No.
KAGAN: ... first impression when you think...
TYLER: Well, definitely, it's going to be classic, and it's going to be a return to glamour for travel, you know, like it used to be. I think you're too young to remember that.
KAGAN: Thank you very much. You know, you should think glamour, but these are different times. You have terrorism. You have difficult times in the airline industry. Is it appropriate to bring glamour back?
TYLER: Don't you think it's uplifting, people want to feel great again? I think especially -- you know, we met a lot of this stuff in Delta, in Atlanta...
KAGAN: You are talking with flight attendants?
TYLER: Oh, yes, definitely.
KAGAN: And we're not talking flight attendants, by the way. You'll be designing the pilots' uniforms?
TYLER: Well, hopefully the pilots.
KAGAN: Yes.
TYLER: Yes, right through from...
KAGAN: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
TYLER: Yes. So...
KAGAN: When you talk with flight attendants, what do they tell you they want in their uniforms?
TYLER: They just want to feel great again. There was one stewardess said that she spends an hour pressing her clothing and getting it ready every morning, which they're really into Delta. They love Delta. And she puts it on, and she feels like, you know, just -- you know, she just got out of bed.
KAGAN: But the colors that Delta has right now, they don't exactly jump off the screen.
TYLER: You know...
(CROSSTALK)
KAGAN: I think they're gray and dark blue, kind of drab.
TYLER: Yes, you fly Delta a lot.
KAGAN: Yes, I kind of live on a Delta airplane.
TYLER: But they're gray and dowdy, and the sweaters are big. So, you know, we have to change that and give them -- you know, and really, I've never seen anyone so excited about, you know, this and what Delta is doing, you know, thinking for the future, especially right now with, you know, the economy.
KAGAN: Right.
TYLER: The airlines have been going through rough times, you know.
KAGAN: Right, there have been a lot of layoffs, especially among the flight attendants. So, I would think some might be concerned...
TYLER: Yes.
KAGAN: ... with the airline say, well, you know, you should be spending this money on bringing our jobs back rather than our nice uniforms.
TYLER: Well, that came up. That came up. But also, you know, the same person that said that, you know, why are we spending money on us, actually they are. And I think once they, you know, have this new uniform, it's really going to uplift them. And let's hope it -- you know, let's hope the passengers start dressing better, too.
KAGAN: Absolutely, yes.
TYLER: You know, because once I see the airline stewardesses, you know, wearing it, and, you know, the flight attendants, and it's going to go right through, even to the crown room and everywhere.
KAGAN: Back in the day you used to have to dress to fly.
TYLER: Yes...
(CROSSTALK)
KAGAN: And now, people just get on their sweats and the (UNINTELLIGIBLE) and all of that.
TYLER: I know. So, it's going to be -- I think that's going to be great.
KAGAN: All right, the biggest dress-up night in Hollywood is coming up, the Oscars just a couple of weeks away. I know. I try to ask designers ahead of time. You can't tell me who you're dressing.
TYLER: We don't know.
KAGAN: Well, you never know until what they pick.
TYLER: And then you may choose something, and they don't wear it. And then you sit there and you go, oh, somebody is coming, and then they go, oh...
KAGAN: Never mind. So, you can't commit on that. But you did have quite a few stars on the red carpet with the Golden Globes.
TYLER: The Golden Globes, that's right.
KAGAN: You had Stockard Channing.
TYLER: Stockard Channing, Diane Keaton.
KAGAN: Yes, and I think we have a picture. Stockard Channing, and I've got to tell you, I saw her in person. I think she's never looked lovelier than she looked on that day.
TYLER: And she's a fabulous person. She's so easy to work with, you know.
KAGAN: You also had Jamie Lee Curtis.
TYLER: Yes.
KAGAN: And the big talker, the big winner...
TYLER: Yes, right.
KAGAN: ... Diane Keaton.
TYLER: I thought she looked fabulous. That's Diane Keaton. Everyone just gave her such a hard time, but...
KAGAN: All in the white and the gloves.
TYLER: All in white, and that's Diane Keaton.
KAGAN: So, how does that work? She comes to you...
TYLER: Can you imagine her in a sexy gown? You know, (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
KAGAN: How does it work? She comes to you.
TYLER: Yes.
KAGAN: And she says, I want to wear white, I want to wear gloves.
TYLER: Yes, well, she came into the store, and, you know, we saw a few things. But, look, I think she looks beautiful. That's Diane Keaton.
KAGAN: And she does have her own look.
TYLER: Yes, that's her style. That's her style, and I thought she looked great. And her hair looks great. But, look at how beautiful she is.
KAGAN: She watches the show every morning. She came over and told me that.
TYLER: She did?
KAGAN: Yes.
TYLER: Well, that's fabulous.
KAGAN: Absolutely.
TYLER: She's so sweet, isn't she?
(CROSSTALK)
KAGAN: Very nice, and a winner, and a nominee.
TYLER: And she's nominated again...
KAGAN: Absolutely.
TYLER: ... for an award, so she really deserves it.
KAGAN: One final question, without telling me exactly who you would be dressing, what do you think the look will be on the red carpet for Oscars this year?
TYLER: Well, it's interesting, if you looked at the Grammys last night, they were quite glamorous. Beyonce and...
KAGAN: Oh, she was beautiful.
TYLER: ... (UNINTELLIGIBLE), they looked fabulous. So, I think you'll probably see more very glamorous gowns and not so much fru-fru (ph). I think just silhouette.
KAGAN: Fru-fru is out, glamour in.
TYLER: Hopefully out.
KAGAN: OK. These technical fashion terms, you're on your way to New York for Fashion Week.
TYLER: Yes, we've got Fashion Week which starts this week, and my show is Friday.
KAGAN: Good luck with that.
TYLER: So, I'm just a little nervous. KAGAN: Just a little. Good luck.
TYLER: Thank you.
KAGAN: I'm sure your things will be beautiful.
TYLER: Thanks.
KAGAN: Richard Tyler, good luck with the Delta uniforms.
TYLER: Thank you.
KAGAN: You'll have to debut them on this program. Come back to the show and show them. We would love that.
TYLER: That would be fabulous.
KAGAN: OK.
TYLER: Yes (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
KAGAN: 2006.
TYLER: Yes.
KAGAN: Very good. Thank you. Appreciate it.
TYLER: Thank you.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com.
Aired February 9, 2004 - 11:34 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: Top designers are used to creating fashions for the runway, but not necessarily the airport runway. Delta Airlines has hired one of Hollywood's hottest designers to create new uniforms for its employees.
Designer Richard Tyler here to talk about the project. And I mean, here.
RICHARD TYLER, FASHION DESIGNER: Here, right.
KAGAN: Here with me. You're based here in L.A.
TYLER: Yes, we are.
KAGAN: Which makes me wonder, how does a nice guy from Australia, a successful clothing designer, based in L.A., end up designing for an airline that's based in Atlanta, Georgia?
TYLER: It's pretty -- it's a dream come true for one thing. So, they came out and visited us, and it was -- you know, it's an incredible corporation, but they were so warm and with hat southern charm. I think the charm...
KAGAN: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) the charm got you?
TYLER: The charm got us here.
KAGAN: It got you.
TYLER: So, you know, that's what it was.
KAGAN: Plus a fun project. I mean, if you go back -- and I think we found some old video or some old pictures of old fashion from flight attendants...
TYLER: Oh, really?
KAGAN: Let's look at some of this. I mean, it's so campy and fun. But as you look forward, do you have cart blanche to do whatever you want with these uniforms?
TYLER: I don't think I would get away with that right now.
KAGAN: Yes, the little short skirts, though.
TYLER: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) fuchsia. And yes, a little bit -- actually, they've been really, really great. They've given us cart blanche to design the uniforms. But I think they chose me because I'm known for suits...
KAGAN: A good tailored look.
TYLER: ... tailoring and classics.
KAGAN: Yes.
TYLER: So, I don't think I'm going to really give them fuchsia or purple outfits.
KAGAN: We don't have any sketching or anything that you're planning, but just kind of...
TYLER: No.
KAGAN: ... first impression when you think...
TYLER: Well, definitely, it's going to be classic, and it's going to be a return to glamour for travel, you know, like it used to be. I think you're too young to remember that.
KAGAN: Thank you very much. You know, you should think glamour, but these are different times. You have terrorism. You have difficult times in the airline industry. Is it appropriate to bring glamour back?
TYLER: Don't you think it's uplifting, people want to feel great again? I think especially -- you know, we met a lot of this stuff in Delta, in Atlanta...
KAGAN: You are talking with flight attendants?
TYLER: Oh, yes, definitely.
KAGAN: And we're not talking flight attendants, by the way. You'll be designing the pilots' uniforms?
TYLER: Well, hopefully the pilots.
KAGAN: Yes.
TYLER: Yes, right through from...
KAGAN: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
TYLER: Yes. So...
KAGAN: When you talk with flight attendants, what do they tell you they want in their uniforms?
TYLER: They just want to feel great again. There was one stewardess said that she spends an hour pressing her clothing and getting it ready every morning, which they're really into Delta. They love Delta. And she puts it on, and she feels like, you know, just -- you know, she just got out of bed.
KAGAN: But the colors that Delta has right now, they don't exactly jump off the screen.
TYLER: You know...
(CROSSTALK)
KAGAN: I think they're gray and dark blue, kind of drab.
TYLER: Yes, you fly Delta a lot.
KAGAN: Yes, I kind of live on a Delta airplane.
TYLER: But they're gray and dowdy, and the sweaters are big. So, you know, we have to change that and give them -- you know, and really, I've never seen anyone so excited about, you know, this and what Delta is doing, you know, thinking for the future, especially right now with, you know, the economy.
KAGAN: Right.
TYLER: The airlines have been going through rough times, you know.
KAGAN: Right, there have been a lot of layoffs, especially among the flight attendants. So, I would think some might be concerned...
TYLER: Yes.
KAGAN: ... with the airline say, well, you know, you should be spending this money on bringing our jobs back rather than our nice uniforms.
TYLER: Well, that came up. That came up. But also, you know, the same person that said that, you know, why are we spending money on us, actually they are. And I think once they, you know, have this new uniform, it's really going to uplift them. And let's hope it -- you know, let's hope the passengers start dressing better, too.
KAGAN: Absolutely, yes.
TYLER: You know, because once I see the airline stewardesses, you know, wearing it, and, you know, the flight attendants, and it's going to go right through, even to the crown room and everywhere.
KAGAN: Back in the day you used to have to dress to fly.
TYLER: Yes...
(CROSSTALK)
KAGAN: And now, people just get on their sweats and the (UNINTELLIGIBLE) and all of that.
TYLER: I know. So, it's going to be -- I think that's going to be great.
KAGAN: All right, the biggest dress-up night in Hollywood is coming up, the Oscars just a couple of weeks away. I know. I try to ask designers ahead of time. You can't tell me who you're dressing.
TYLER: We don't know.
KAGAN: Well, you never know until what they pick.
TYLER: And then you may choose something, and they don't wear it. And then you sit there and you go, oh, somebody is coming, and then they go, oh...
KAGAN: Never mind. So, you can't commit on that. But you did have quite a few stars on the red carpet with the Golden Globes.
TYLER: The Golden Globes, that's right.
KAGAN: You had Stockard Channing.
TYLER: Stockard Channing, Diane Keaton.
KAGAN: Yes, and I think we have a picture. Stockard Channing, and I've got to tell you, I saw her in person. I think she's never looked lovelier than she looked on that day.
TYLER: And she's a fabulous person. She's so easy to work with, you know.
KAGAN: You also had Jamie Lee Curtis.
TYLER: Yes.
KAGAN: And the big talker, the big winner...
TYLER: Yes, right.
KAGAN: ... Diane Keaton.
TYLER: I thought she looked fabulous. That's Diane Keaton. Everyone just gave her such a hard time, but...
KAGAN: All in the white and the gloves.
TYLER: All in white, and that's Diane Keaton.
KAGAN: So, how does that work? She comes to you...
TYLER: Can you imagine her in a sexy gown? You know, (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
KAGAN: How does it work? She comes to you.
TYLER: Yes.
KAGAN: And she says, I want to wear white, I want to wear gloves.
TYLER: Yes, well, she came into the store, and, you know, we saw a few things. But, look, I think she looks beautiful. That's Diane Keaton.
KAGAN: And she does have her own look.
TYLER: Yes, that's her style. That's her style, and I thought she looked great. And her hair looks great. But, look at how beautiful she is.
KAGAN: She watches the show every morning. She came over and told me that.
TYLER: She did?
KAGAN: Yes.
TYLER: Well, that's fabulous.
KAGAN: Absolutely.
TYLER: She's so sweet, isn't she?
(CROSSTALK)
KAGAN: Very nice, and a winner, and a nominee.
TYLER: And she's nominated again...
KAGAN: Absolutely.
TYLER: ... for an award, so she really deserves it.
KAGAN: One final question, without telling me exactly who you would be dressing, what do you think the look will be on the red carpet for Oscars this year?
TYLER: Well, it's interesting, if you looked at the Grammys last night, they were quite glamorous. Beyonce and...
KAGAN: Oh, she was beautiful.
TYLER: ... (UNINTELLIGIBLE), they looked fabulous. So, I think you'll probably see more very glamorous gowns and not so much fru-fru (ph). I think just silhouette.
KAGAN: Fru-fru is out, glamour in.
TYLER: Hopefully out.
KAGAN: OK. These technical fashion terms, you're on your way to New York for Fashion Week.
TYLER: Yes, we've got Fashion Week which starts this week, and my show is Friday.
KAGAN: Good luck with that.
TYLER: So, I'm just a little nervous. KAGAN: Just a little. Good luck.
TYLER: Thank you.
KAGAN: I'm sure your things will be beautiful.
TYLER: Thanks.
KAGAN: Richard Tyler, good luck with the Delta uniforms.
TYLER: Thank you.
KAGAN: You'll have to debut them on this program. Come back to the show and show them. We would love that.
TYLER: That would be fabulous.
KAGAN: OK.
TYLER: Yes (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
KAGAN: 2006.
TYLER: Yes.
KAGAN: Very good. Thank you. Appreciate it.
TYLER: Thank you.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com.
