Sandals Resorts is celebrating its 40th anniversary by giving its uniforms a fashion upgrade. Sandals is commissioning renowned fashion designer Stan Herman to reimagine the style. The inaugural “Anniversary Collection” debuted on June 1 at the opening of Sandals Royal Curaçao, the resort’s first venture into the Dutch Caribbean.
“A new island to call home within our sweet Caribbean, along with a next-generation resort reflective of its unique hues and diverse landscapes, is a celebration in and of itself during this landmark year,” said Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts, Adam Stewart. “As we commemorate this special moment in time, we are honoring the Team Members at the heart of our operation with a modern collection that is as chic and sharp as it is comfortable for the Caribbean. Most importantly, we want them to feel as much pride in representing Sandals as we do to have them along for the journey. From the moment we met with Stan, introduced him to the team and watched the magic of his ability to turn their ideas into tangible designs, we knew we had found a cherished partner.”
From the guest-facing team at the front of house, including bell service and Sandals’ iconic butlers, to the all-inclusive resorts’ culinary outlets to the heart of house team behind the scenes, all Sandals Team Members are getting new uniforms — and they had a say in their design as well. To create clothing for a wide range of categories and venues, Herman spent many hours in destinations and in conversation with team members to authentically capture a sense of place while prioritizing comfort and ease of care. Updated fibers and recycled materials are also incorporated throughout several pieces, upholding Sandals’ commitment to sustainability in the Caribbean.
“The ensembles are designed to tell a story. From day to evening, from check-in to the beach, they are pieces that guests might even envision in their own personal wardrobes,” said Herman, former president of the Council of Fashion Designers of America and a three-time Coty award winner. “We sought to evolve beyond traditional hospitality looks to reflect today’s luxury travel aesthetic, just as Sandals has done in their approach to the brand’s own evolution and ingenuity.”
Sandals Royal Curaçao is the first to receive the new designs. Fabric colors were selected to feel sun-washed with a soft fade that reflects the natural and weathered appeal of island style. The new resort is nestled within the protected Santa Barbara private estate, seamlessly intertwining the natural wonders of the desert, ocean, mountains, and beaches. More modern touches are scattered throughout the collection, such as bespoke silver “S” pins, representative of Sandals, that butlers will wear centered on their shirts in place of a tie, paired with a signature printed pocket square with Curaçao’s iconic colors and stunning Dutch architecture.
“When you arrive on the island you are driven through an incredible oasis, so we have dressed the bellmen, greeters and front of house staff in light blues, aquas, turquoise, and sand shades, to mirror the magnificent sea setting and to reflect the contemporary, elegant tone of the property,” said Herman. “Building on this, the styles will transition across the board at nighttime with rich navys and earth tones to add warmth and elegance. There will be an immediate sense of calm and welcoming upon arrival, regardless of what time of day.”
Many world-class restaurants at the resort have their own fashion identity, so Herman took that into consideration when creating their uniforms. For example, Island Crimson, the prominent color of Butch’s Island Chip House, the namesake restaurant of founder Gordon “Butch” Stewart, small ruffles on the shirts at Latin-themed restaurant Zuka, traditional tunics with navy piping at Greek staple Aolos, and aqua jackets at the Japanese-inspired Gatsu Gatsu.
“While each staff member is in a different uniform depending on their location and position, there is a larger sense of inclusion and cohesiveness among the team at Sandals Royal Curaçao with our wearable, contemporary looks,” says Herman.
Stewart adds, “The unique way in which Stan has immersed himself into the soul and essence of Sandals to create world-class, stylish designs for our new uniforms — and for the future of our brands — is a work of art in and of itself. They are a thing of beauty.”
The Sandals Resorts collection will be unveiled across all hotels over the next 2 years. Plans are underway for entirely new designs to be featured at the new Sandals Dunn’s River opening in Ocho Rios, Jamaica in 2023. Uniform collections are also coming to the company’s family-friendly Beaches Resorts brand, with unique touches inspired by each respective destination.