A Welcome Change
The new uniforms – gray with accents of light blue for Observatory hosts and black with red accents for the security team – feature subtle details inspired by the Empire State Building and its Art Deco style. Gold cogs and wheels line the vests, jackets, ties, and hats as a nod to the Fifth Avenue Lobby’s brilliant 23 carat gold ceiling. The service caps maintain their classic shape with the updated colorways.
The four-piece Observatory host and gift shop attendant uniforms were chosen in a vote by Observatory social media followers. Observatory Host Robert Gross – who has served the Empire State Building for nearly 25 years – wore several iterations of the team uniform throughout his tenure and praised the fresh take on his daily workwear.
“The change is great, and the look is more modern than what we had before,” said Gross. “These uniforms have the classic ESB feel with a renewed sense of style.”
The uniforms – from concept to finished product – were developed alongside Peyman Umay, a design house that specializes in high-end menswear and womenswear. The designer described the new uniforms as an “impeccable fusion of the building’s iconic past and futuristic vision.” Umay and his team conducted the fittings and alterations in the Empire State Building’s uniform room.
A Modern Tribute
This brand-new upgrade is more than a change in appearance—it is a continuation of the Empire State Building’s mission to reimagine the guest experience with a continued celebration of the history, authenticity, and artistry of New York City’s most defining landmark.
“These new uniforms are a modern tribute to the Empire State Building’s legacy,” said Diane Fields, vice president of property management at the Empire State Building. “The uniforms blend function with classic Art Deco elegance to create a look that is as iconic as the building itself. Our security team now reflects the same timeless style that defines the Empire State Building experience.”
The Reimagined Observatory Experience
The Empire State Building Observatory welcomes millions of visitors from around the world each year and remains an important part of the Empire State Building’s history and charm. The new team uniforms mark a final step in the Observatory Experience’s $165 million reimagination that added a dedicated visitors entrance, interactive museum, and renovated 102nd Floor Observatory. The Empire State Building Observatory Experience was voted the #1 attraction in the world in Tripadvisor’s 2024 Travelers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Things to Do.
The next time you visit the iconic Empire State Building, take a moment to appreciate the new Observatory and security team uniforms’ timeless elegance and contribution to New York City’s most beloved landmark.
This post has been updated from a previous version.
