Before the 1979 Revolution, Iran Air—widely known as “Homa”—stood among the world’s most prestigious and rapidly expanding airlines.
Its flight attendants symbolized a modern, outward‑looking Iran, and the position was regarded as an elite and highly desirable profession for young women. Throughout the 1960s and 70s, these stewardesses became international style icons, embodying the glamour of the Jet Age. Their uniforms, often created by top fashion designers, featured tailored blazers, knee‑length skirts, and elegant pillbox hats.
h/t: vintag.es
Strict grooming standards shaped their polished appearance, from carefully styled hair to refined makeup and posture. At that time, no hijab was required, and attendants wore their hair uncovered. Securing a job with Iran Air demanded strong education and multilingual fluency, making the selection process extremely competitive. Many attendants had studied abroad and were trained to deliver exceptional “Persian hospitality” on the airline’s famously luxurious routes, including the nonstop Tehran–New York service.
They served as cultural ambassadors, enjoying global travel and a level of social mobility rare for the era. After the 1979 Revolution, however, the role was transformed, with modest uniforms and headscarves replacing the cosmopolitan image to reflect the values of the new Islamic Republic.