The view from the 86th floor Observatory at the Empire State Building has not changed. The look inside has.

The employees are getting new uniforms — light gray jackets and hats with bright blue trim, along with slacks and vests in the same light gray. They will replace burgundy uniforms that were introduced 15 years ago — uniforms that have become almost as familiar to tourists and office tenants in the building as King Kong and Fay Wray.

More than 100 Observatory hosts and gift shop attendants will wear the work of renowned fashion designer Peyman Umay who worked over two years to incorporate the Empire State Building’s iconic Art Deco style and complement the colors of the Observatory’s extensive exhibit galleries.

“The new year brings a new look to the World’s Most Famous Building with a uniform design as unique and timeless as the Empire State Building itself,” said Empire State Realty Trust’s Chairman, President, and CEO Anthony E. Malkin. “The fresh design is an authentic, new take on the building’s iconic Art Deco flair and works well with the finishes found throughout the Observatory.”

The “Empire Steel” gray, four-piece uniforms – which feature “City View Blue” accents on lapels, interchangeable collars, and asymmetrical pocket flaps – were chosen in a vote by Observatory social media followers to replace the previous burgundy garments. Elegant details point to the building’s architectural legacy through custom embroidered patches, printed ties, and lasered metal buttons. Gold cogs and wheels, a nod to the landmark Fifth Avenue Lobby’s brilliantly restored 23 carat gold ceiling, line the jackets and vests. The Observatory hats maintain their classic service-cap shape with the updated “Empire Steel” and “City View Blue” colorway, that is predominantly found throughout the Observatory Experience.

“The change is great, and the look is more modern than what we had before,” said Robert Gross, who has served as an Empire State Building Observatory host for nearly 25 years. “These uniforms have the classic ESB feel with a renewed sense of style.”  

Peyman Umay – a fashion design house that specializes in high-end menswear and womenswear– consulted the Empire State Building Observatory team through the process from the design concept to the completed product. Uniforms are fitted and altered in the Empire State Building’s uniform room.

“The new Empire State Building uniform is an impeccable fusion of the building’s iconic past and a futuristic vision. It’s about now,” said designer Peyman Umay. “My team and I focused on creating more than just a uniform – rather an unmistakable feel of clothing – that features modern design details to enhance the ESB’s unalterable brand identity, reflecting the true soul of such an archetype. In a most organic alignment between two brands, this feels right. It simply feels magical. For this dream journey, I am grateful.”