IMAGE OF THE YEAR 2001

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Awarded by the NAUMD and Career Apparel Institute

by Melaine Kanegis-Mader
Director of Public Relations, NAUMD

This year, the National Association of Uniform Manufacturers and Distributors’ (NAUMD) Career Apparel Institute (CAI) collaborated with Walt Disney World’s Creative Costuming division to produce the 23rd annual Image of the Year competition. Walt Disney World, a long-time member of NAUMD, infused a little of their magic into this year’s show to make it an unforgettable event. Dancers paraded through the audience in uniforms from the past while models strode down the stage in the award winning apparel.

The Image of the Year award competition gives members a chance to show off their products, take home an award, and achieve recognition for both their companies and their customers. Equally important, each entry promotes the career apparel industry as a whole. It’s a chance for every company making or selling career apparel to reveal how fashionable career apparel can be. As a wider variety of members win awards, more people realize what a strong uniform program can do for a company’s prestige.

Because the uniform industry continues to grow, judges enjoy a greater diversity of career apparel to select for an Image of the Year award. New markets are trusting the career apparel business to help shape their brands. Reliable clients in fields like the hospitality industry set themselves apart from increasing competition by updating and improving their corporate identity.

If your company has never entered the competition, now is the time to participate. The CAI welcomes NAUMD member companies of all sizes to enter the 2002 competition. Smaller manufacturers and dealers are especially encouraged to submit their programs for an Image of the Year. A panel of garment and fashion image experts, independent of the NAUMD and the CAI, carefully consider the size and budget of the program when judging image projection, neatness, practicality, use of color, originality, and coordination of garments with accessories. Each successful program is the result of hard work, creativity, and planning, and we applaud all of this year’s winners.


 

Winner
Carl’s Jr.

Anaheim, Calif.-based Carl’s Jr. has grown from Carl Karcher’s single hot dog stand in 1941 to approximately 13,500 employees, 566 company-owned locations, 363 franchises and 28 international outlets today. Carl’s Jr. wanted a new program that would create an updated and professional look that their employees would find exciting to wear. They achieved their goal by choosing the smart color combination of black and red that has proven to be very popular with employees. Crew uniforms include both golf shirts and V-necks. Both selections share the two-toned trim that makes this program distinctive to Carl’s Jr. Shift supervisors’ grey polos reinforce their leadership identity, yet uniquely trimmed collars and cuffs lend an overall consistency to the program. Pleated black pants minimize the appearance of soil prevalent in the quick service restaurant business. Black caps featuring the yellow and red Carl’s Jr. logo, unisex two-tone heavyweight jackets with fleece linings, windbreakers, managers’ button-down shirts (oxford or stripe), neckwear, and bib or half aprons complete this handsome new program.

Supplied by Crest Uniforms and Milliken & Company

 

Winner
Sprint PCS

Sprint PCS was looking to project a pro-fessional image through its uniform program which would enhance its corporate branding efforts. As one of the industry leaders in long distance and wireless telephone service, they achieved this by creating attractive, comfortable, coordinating pieces. Employees in their retail locations mix and match their uniform components to give them a diversity of choices throughout the week–while only having to do the laundry once! Relying upon the classic colors of red, white, khaki, grey and black, the selections include logo’d button-down shirts in red and white with the Sprint logo on the long-sleeved cuff; white, red and grey micro-check polo shirts with two-toned collars and cuffs; V-neck sweater vests in grey with red piping; and pleated, twill pants in black or khaki.

Supplied by All-Bilt/Careerlook, Inc.

 

Winner
Buffets Inc.

Friends Roe Hatlen and Dennis Scott founded Buffets Inc. in 1983, growing it into a work force of 11,000 at their Hometown Buffet and Old Country Buffet locations throughout the United States. Creating an apparel program that accommodates employees ranging in age from 16 to 60 and coordinates with their newly updated restaurant interiors was no small task. Buffets Inc. changed their program from an old fashioned style to one that is current, colorful, comfortable and acceptable to the different age groups who staff America’s 13th largest restaurant chain. Employees and patrons alike enjoy the bold, color-blocked shirts selected for greeters. Burgundy, hunter and navy are the signature colors used for the polo shirts for servers and dining room assistants. Long-sleeved button-down shirts done in the same color-block motif are another favorite and are worn with matching navy pants. Cranberry ball caps and half aprons complete the apparel selections for this great new uniform collection.

Supplied by Angelica Image Apparel and Springfield, LLC

 

Winner
Disneyland Resort Security

This Southern California family-oriented resort provides a safe and secure environment so the entire family can vacation worry free. Disneyland Resort’s new security uniforms serve by projecting an image that is sophisticated and maintains a level of authority. At the same time, the program promotes enough friendliness that children needing help can comfortably approach the officers. Navy jackets are available in Eisenhower and classic blazer styles. White shirts and visored hats improve the comfort level for employees in the summertime. Navy slacks, piped in burgundy trim, complete the apparel program for the 475 staff members assigned to security detail.

Supplied by Disneyland Costume Services

 

Winner
Discovery Cove

This Southern California family-oriented resort provides a safe and secure environment so the entire family can vacation worry free. Disneyland Resort’s new security uniforms serve by projecting an image that is sophisticated and maintains a level of authority. At the same time, the program promotes enough friendliness that children needing help can comfortably approach the officers. Navy jackets are available in Eisenhower and classic blazer styles. White shirts and visored hats improve the comfort level for employees in the summertime. Navy slacks, piped in burgundy trim, complete the apparel program for the 475 staff members assigned to security detail.

Supplied by Disneyland Costume Services

 

Winner
Bay Area Rapid Transit

The 700 station agents, train operators and foreworkers in the Bay Area Rapid Transit system (BART) work hard to get an average of 355,000 commuting professionals to work safely and on-time every day. To match that service, BART approached Hamburger Woolen Co. to select uniforms that set the standard to be the best dressed team in the transit industry. This comprehensive program includes a wide array of options designed to reflect professionalism, leadership, flexibility and style. Station agents may choose from double-breasted, single-breasted, or Chanel-style blazers with matching slacks and skirts; skirt and vest combinations; cardigans; pullovers or sweater vests in wine and navy; multiple blouse styles; button-down shirts; logo’d turtlenecks; and a variety of neckwear and headwear to suit individual preferences. Train operators wear jumpsuits and headwear bearing the BART patch; long- or short-sleeved aviator shirts; heavy or lightweight parkas; quilted vests; sweater vests and pocketed cotton pants. Jumpsuits and pants include reflective tape for safety. The foreworkers, who supervise the train operators and station agents, may choose from among double-breasted, single-breasted or Chanel-style blazers; checkered, striped or pinpoint shirts; drop- or jewel-neck blouses; single- or double-breasted suit vests; logo’d turtlenecks and a variety of headwear and neckwear. The collection promotes BART’s sophistication and reliability.

Supplied by Hamburger Woolen Co., Elbeco, Van Heusen, Red Kap and Tri-Mountain

 

Winner
Avis Rent-A-Car

Avis Rent-A-Car meets the business traveler’s needs by focusing on customer service and satisfaction. This program portrays a traditional business image with a contemporary flair throughout its garment offerings. Avis’s signature red teamed with charcoal grey and grey/white fineline aid in accenting silhouettes that are clean and easy to wear. The red, grey and white color scheme is reflected in pantsuits, jumpers, skirts, knit shirts, neckwear and outerwear. This program has been a win/win for both employee and company image.

Supplied by Uniforms To You, Burlington Raeford, I. Spiewak, Dan River and Cleyn & Tinker

 

Winner
Mandarin Oriental Miami

The Mandarin Oriental Miami is the newest property operated by the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, which employs a work force of 9,000 on three continents. This unique uniform collection in the Miami hospitality market fuses Asian minimalism with Latin spirit. The Asian-inspired clean-cut look with asymmetrical lines begins at the front door as guests are greeted by the doorman. The building’s white background is used very effectively in tandem with a color scheme inspired by the location. Peacock, coral, kiwi, honey and cream animate a variety of fabrications including wool tropicals, linen blends, jacquards, quilting and bamboo prints. Asian lines with vibrant Latin colors create the ambiance of the combined cultures within the hotel. Unique architecture, lavish marine scenery, the ultimate in guest services and a beautifully designed uniform program blend seamlessly to insure the Mandarin Oriental Miami’s reputation as a world class vacation destination.

Supplied by Uniforms To You and Burlington Raeford

 

Winner
Disney’s Grand
California Hotel

Nestled inside Disney’s California Adventure Theme Park, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel pays homage to the Arts and Crafts movement of the 1900s. Recreating the architectural style and texture, the hotel is designed with rich use of natural materials and the new uniform collection reflects the same colors, textures and period apparel indigenous to the West Coast at the turn of the century. Parking valets wear loden green plaid knickers, berets, stylized neckwear and short, chocolate brown jackets similar to those worn by the artisans of that time. Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel’s signature rose motif, along with rich green hues, camel and burgundy accents, projects sincerity for the room service personnel, door attendants, housekeeping staff, bell captains and guest services’ concierges. Nine hundred cast members in job descriptions ranging from front desk to custodial create the illusion of life from a hundred years ago with great assistance from this collection.

Supplied by Hamburger Woolen Co. and Burlington Raeford

 

Winner
Aladdin

The mystical legend of Aladdin and the tales of the Arabian Nights inspired the new uniform program at the Aladdin Resort & Casino. The Aladdin offers luxury, variety, fantasy and convenience to its Las Vegas visitors. Opulent, vibrant colors accent antique golds and coppers as the key design elements of this program. Design and function merge successfully with the introduction of microfiber fabrics. The theatrical yet contemporary uniform components comfortably serve the job functions of the 3,000 employees of the Aladdin Resort & Casino.

Supplied by Uniforms To You

 

Outstanding Achievement
Delta Airlines

The Atlanta-headquartered airline revamped the uniform program for its Crown Room Clubs, where VIPs socialize and conduct business while waiting for flights. Crown Room Club employees project their ability to meet every first class passenger’s need with the help of their sophisticated apparel. Men wear dark grey suits with deep blue shirts, patterned ties, and black shoes. Women match in dark grey suits with deep blue blouses, identically patterned scarves, and black pumps.

Supplied by VF Solutions (formerly Uniform Solutions; Div. of VF Workwear) and MCB Sportswear

 

Outstanding Achievement
DHL Worldwide Express

In the highly competitive air express industry, it pays to create and maintain a memorable brand identity. DHL Worldwide Express raises the bar with their new uniform program for delivery personnel. Clad in the company’s signature colors of red and navy, employees wear striking long- or short-sleeved color-blocked, logo’d polos with white piping on collars and sleeves, teamed with navy pants or knee-length cargo shorts, dark hosiery and slim grey belts. Cold weather selections include navy bomber-style or hip-length color-blocked jackets lined in red, white and navy logo’d turtlenecks and a choice of navy ball caps or knitted headwear embroidered with the DHL logo. Instantly recognizable and fashion-forward, DHL Worldwide delivers reliability at an incredible speed.

Supplied by Cintas, The American Belt Company, Reliable High Performance Products Inc. and Avondale Mills

 

Outstanding Achievement
Epcot Restaurant Marrakesh

Wait staff at this popular dining spot at Walt Disney World’s Epcot Center summon up visions of Moroccan nights, Rick’s Caf and balmy breezes. Attired in costumes native to Marrakesh, men wear white shirts with full sleeves, gold knickers and embroidered blue vests. Women wear gold full-sleeved blouses, sleeveless overdresses in a light green and white pattern with gold embroidery and piping, and pants striped blue, yellow and red.

Supplied by Walt Disney World Company

 

Outstanding Achievement
Sands Casino Resort

The Sands Casino Resort in Atlantic City, N.J. promises an exciting time for those looking to give Lady Luck a run for her money. Seventh Avenue Trade Apparel created a program that reflects the lively, upbeat ambiance of the gaming facility. Dealers wear turquoise, yellow, royal blue and berry colored shirts with complementary colors piped in the collar and cuff. Black half aprons embroidered with the hotel logo and black pants complete the cashiers’ ensemble. Door personnel may choose among long or short royal blue jackets with gold buttons, long- or short-sleeves, featuring Mandarin-style collars and cuffs trimmed in yellow, braided epaulettes, and black pants with yellow piping. The hotel logo is embroidered on the cuff. Blue headwear bearing the Sands’ logo with a yellow brim completes their wardrobe. Front desk personnel dress in beautiful Chanel- style blazers available in light pink, berry or light blue. They choose between black mock turtleneck or crew-neck sweaters and black slacks or skirts. Sands’ employees have responded very enthusiastically to the bold and colorful choices in this collection.

Supplied by Seventh Avenue Trade Apparel, Edwards Garment Co., Alpha Shirt Co., Inc., Hamburger Woolen Co., Inc. and Russell Corporation Fabrics Division

 

Outstanding Achievement
Fairmont Mirama Hotel

Nestled atop the scenic bluffs of Santa Monica beach, with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, the Fairmont Miramar Hotel Santa Monica has served as a quiet retreat for guests and Hollywood celebrities since 1921. Gatekeepers for this luxurious destination are clad in dark, notched-lapel jackets with collars and cuffs in contrasting camel, matching striped trousers, button-down vests, white spread collared shirts, dark ties, white gloves and traditional bell caps. Doormen wear long, peaked lapel coats with contrasting camel collars bearing camel piping on the sleeves, matching striped trousers, camel vests, white spread collared shirts, striped neckwear, white gloves and bell caps. Bellmen are outfitted in short, Chanel-styled dark jackets piped in camel, matching striped trousers, striped neckwear, white spread collared shirts and white gloves. Completing the ensemble are the valet uniforms featuring dark, Ike-styled jackets with knit collar and trim, matching striped trousers, white spread collar shirts and dark, solid neckwear. With front of house staff turned out in such traditional elegance, it is no wonder that business and leisure travelers alike are attracted to this tranquil haven.

Supplied by Uniforms To You, Midway Cap Co., Burlington Raeford and Milliken & Co.

 

Outstanding Achievement
MGM Grand

Overlooking the famous Las Vegas Strip, the MGM Grand features 5,034 guest rooms and magnificent suites, all offering the very finest in amenities. With its four 30-story emerald-green towers, the MGM Grand offers something for everyone. Guests at this Las Vegas mainstay are greeted by doormen attired in full regalia. Dressed in red, Edwardian-styled long coats, the doormen definitely make a sartorial statement. Notable for their fine detailing, the coats feature gold epaulettes and braid, formal black collars and cuffs accented in gold cord and brass buttons. Black and white horizontal striped vests, formal shirts and neckwear, black trousers with gold striping, patent leather shoes and Picadilly Square-styled hats and white gloves ensure a visitor’s first impression of the MGM Grand will be memorable!

Supplied by Uniforms To You, Midway Cap Co. and Burlington Raeford

 

Outstanding Achievement
Arrowhead
Plastic Surgeons

Superior Uniform Sales selected the eye-catching combinations to outfit the staff of Arrowhead Plastic Surgeons. Women choose from the crisp and striking navy short- or long-sleeved tee shirts with coordinating sweaters and red slacks or skirts. The attire projects an image of professionalism, vitality and–most important to this group of plastic surgeons–trust.

Supplied by Superior Uniform Sales, Inc.

 

Outstanding Achievement
Renaissance

As part of Marriott Lodging, Renaissance blends the unique charm of an upscale boutique with all the benefits of an established full-service hotel chain. Bold interior design, urban food and beverage venues and savvy service culture energize travelers in 56 international properties and 44 hotels in the United States. Bell captains wear black, double-breasted blazers accented with gold and black buttons, taupe cuffs and collar trim, coordinating gold woven neckwear, matching black trousers and white gloves. Bellmen wear Eisenhower-styled taupe jackets with Mandarin collars and cuffs trimmed in black. White gloves and gold and black buttons lend these service providers an elegant and stylized aura.

Supplied by Uniforms To You, Samuel Broome Uniform Cravats and Burlington Raeford

 

Outstanding Achievement
Disneyland Resort
Parking Lot

As families from around the world pour into Disneyland, the parking lot personnel welcome them and create the first impression that they have entered a protected environment. The new uniforms for the attendants contribute by radiating fun and safety. Logo’d white short-sleeved shirts feature yellow piping, yellow collars and red trim. Red zippered jackets add to this sporty look with navy collars, navy trim and yellow piping. Navy belts and pants and red ball caps with navy brims complete the identity.

Supplied by Disneyland Costume Services

 

Outstanding Achievement
Hyatt Regency
Beaver Creek

Located eight miles west of Vail, Colo., the Hyatt Regency Beaver Creek is a prime ski-in/ski-out, 1,700-acre mountain resort situated in the heart of Beaver Creek Village at the base of the 11,000-foot peaks of the Gore Range Mountains. With regular non-stop shuttle transportation and an increasing frequency of flights during the winter months, the Beaver Creek Hyatt features amenities such as a $5.5 million state-of-the-art spa, jogging paths, cycling trails and an 18-hole golf course within walking distance of the property. Female front of house personnel are attired in slate, notched lapel suits with contrasting stand-up beige collars and pocket piping, with brass buttons and coordinating scarves. Male employees wear two-button, notched lapel suits featuring brass buttons and contrasting collars. Beige, long-sleeved shirts and patterned burgundy and beige neckwear top off the new program and contribute to the ambiance of this scenic Colorado resort.

Supplied by Uniforms To You and Burlington Raeford

 
Above story first appeared in MADE TO MEASURE Magazine, Fall & Winter 2001 issue. All rights reserved. Photos appear by special permission.
Halper Publishing Company
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