Kiwibank reimagines the once uninspiring work uniform
Corporate work wear, in particular uniforms, has (rightly so) long had a reputation for being mundane and drab.
Kiwibank is proving to be a changemaker in this space, leading the way with a completely reimagined uniform capsule that offers options designed around inclusivity and individuality.
Kiwibank has worked with five New Zealand designers to design the wardrobe – Barkers, Jen Sievers, Kiri Nathan, Little Yellow Bird, and Standard Issue.
The outcome is a refreshing take on staff uniforms – an individualistic, capsule wardrobe that has something for everyone, including bespoke lavalava, kurti, hijabs, and genderless clothing.
“Workplace dress codes were first created to enforce discipline, conformity, and status. What’s deemed appropriate in the workplace has changed over the past few decades, and Kiwibank is leading the charge into a new age of workwear, creating a progressive wardrobe that accurately reflects the diversity of Aotearoa today,” says Kiwibank Chief Executive Steve Jurkovich.
It’s been a decade since Kiwibank’s last significant workwear change and the new 46-piece collection considers choice, accessibility, gender neutrality, and cultural and religious preferences to encourage team members to express their individuality.
The new approach allows for Kiwibank team members to mix and match items to curate their unique looks so they can bring their true selves to work while representing ‘modern’ New Zealand.
It has been designed to evolve over time, adding in new garments and designs that reflect current cultural demands, as well as fashion trends and evolutions in fabrics.
Jurkovich says giving Kiwibank team members choice in what they wear to work every day was key in the design process.
“We talk a lot about bringing your whole self to work and there is no better visual representation of that than what people wear and how that reflects the many identities and cultures that make up Aotearoa New Zealand.
“To deliver the best results for our customers, we need to ensure our team can thrive and perform without barriers. This new Kiwibank wardrobe enables them to do just that.”
The Kiwibank Wardrobe will be worn from mid-2023.
Images supplied