A uniform tends to align us with a certain role, designating us as part of a collective. But it can also inspire confidence and a sense of belonging, while at the same time taking some of the decision-making out of our day as we no longer need to choose what to wear. For a long time, “fashion” has struggled to break into the professional kitchen – but that’s all starting to change.

A chef ’s kitchen is an environment heavily steeped in tradition, almost symbolic of the career. The chef ’s uniform was originally sketched by the world’s first celebrity chef, Marie-Antoine Carême, in 1822.

Image: Hanfred Rauch, styling: Bianca Jones.

Titled “Le Maître d’Hôtel Français”, the sketch showed two chefs standing next to each other, each in a white hat and a double-breasted coat, with an apron tied around the waist. It wasn’t until 1878 that the uniform became “fashionable” and was adopted more widely.

To read the full story, grab your copy of the 2024 Eat Out magazine – on shelf at your nearest Woolies and other select stores!