Uniform appeal

Simon Jersey has been supplying hotel uniforms for the past 39 years, with A.Ronai LLC exclusively distributing the range in the Middle East for 29 years.

A.Ronai LLC design and production manager David Sprakes says that over the past 18 months, he has seen “a move to simpler styles and more neutral colour palettes”.

“For the most part I think this will continue as the number of properties with a more minimal, contemporary interior design open in the region,” comments Sprakes.

Working alongside A.Ronai managing director Gavin Dodd, Sprakes says the company focuses on providing uniforms that are practical as well as being aesthetically pleasing.

“Every customer is different — some have a very clear image of what they would like, some have none at all. We like to give them options, which can then be distilled into the ‘final’ product,” says Sprakes.

“There are very few ‘rights’ or ‘wrongs’ in design — it’s all down to taste, so by working closely with the customer, giving them the benefit of the knowledge and expertise that we have gained over the years, taking their ideas and ours and combining all that to produce a uniform that is not only practical, but aesthetically pleasing, is our approach,” he continues.

“We also consider the practicalities of future demand and supply. The balance of available Simon Jersey catalogue stock items with bespoke pieces helps us to ensure that when a customer needs to place a small re-order after roll-out, we can supply with ease.”

A common mistake in the industry, says Sprakes, is when hotels try to “‘re-invent the wheel’ in the name of originality”.

“The reason why classic garments work is that they are tried and tested. I’m not saying that you shouldn’t fine-tune a design to suit your venue, but you should look at what works and use that as your starting point. A lot of hotels also use too many colours in their uniforms, which just results in the uniform looking disjointed and visually messy,” he says.

Sprakes adds that poor design is “a shame when so many properties here have exceptional architecture and interior design, yet the uniforms don’t embrace that cutting-edge spirit”.

“I wouldn’t like to point the finger at any one particular hotel, but there is such a homogenised look to a lot of uniforms here — too many round neck waistcoats with embroidery! It’s been done so often it no longer looks special,” says Sprakes.

The new Simon Jersey catalogue is available from this month, offering the company’s best sellers — such as the poly/wool/lycra suiting — and new styles and colourways in all of the ranges, such as suiting, bar and banqueting, kitchen, spa and accessories.

Story continues below

“We are very proud of the hotel uniforms that we have designed and supplied, in particular Media Rotana in Dubai and Radisson Blu and Park Inn on Yas Island. All three show how classic styles can be combined with more trend-led pieces to produce good-looking yet practical uniforms,” says Sprakes.

CONTACT

A.RONAI LLC
Tel: +971 4 341 4409
Email: mesales@ronai.co.uk
Web: www.ronai.co.uk