Modern workwear: CO:LAB chef’s dress
With the new CO:LAB chef’s dress from WEITBLICK, WEITBLICK GmbH & Co. KG is bringing a genuine innovation to the market. For the first time, a professional chef’s dress has been developed specifically for women working in kitchens, service, hospitality and the hotel industry. The clear focus is on functionality, freedom of movement and modern design. In doing so, the company is sending a clear signal for greater appreciation, diversity and contemporary workwear in an industry that is increasingly shaped by women.
A market first with a powerful message
For a long time, workwear in the catering and hospitality sectors was characterised by classic cuts that were predominantly based on men’s styles. Women often had to settle for designs that, whilst functional, were neither a perfect fit nor particularly comfortable. The CO:LAB chef’s dress fills precisely this gap. It is not just a new garment, but a clear statement: women should be able to project their professionalism without having to sacrifice comfort, freedom of movement or a modern silhouette. Shortly after its launch, the design attracted a great deal of attention. The chef’s dress is the subject of intense discussion on social media and is widely hailed as a groundbreaking development for the industry.
Developed by professionals, for professionals
Like all the designs in the CO:LAB collection, this garment was created in close collaboration with an experienced industry expert. Together with Antje de Vries, WEITBLICK developed a design that consistently takes into account the real-world demands of everyday working life. Antje de Vries is a chef and catering consultant who has been committed to social and environmental responsibility in the catering industry for many years. Her aim was clear: “It was important to me to develop a garment with WEITBLICK that understands the demands of everyday working life whilst consistently taking women’s perspectives into account.” The result is a dress that convincingly combines professionalism, style and practicality for everyday use.
High functionality meets modern design
Made from a high-quality bi-stretch fabric, the CO:LAB chef’s coat offers maximum freedom of movement and exceptional comfort. This flexibility is a decisive advantage, particularly in a dynamic working environment where staff are constantly on the move. The design was tested by female staff in real-world settings right from the development phase. The feedback was extremely positive from the outset. The chef’s dress is available in midnight blue, an elegant colour that integrates seamlessly into existing hospitality collections.
Visibility as part of modern corporate culture
The introduction of this garment goes far beyond a mere product expansion. It demonstrates just how much workwear has evolved as an integral part of corporate culture and employer branding.
Today, workwear fulfils several functions at once:
- It strengthens the sense of belonging within the team.
- It conveys brand values.
- It enhances a professional appearance.
- It promotes comfort and performance.
- It signals appreciation for employees.
Particularly in times of skills shortages and growing competition for talent, such details are becoming increasingly important.
A strong statement for women in the hospitality industry
Women have played a key role in the catering, hotel and service sectors for decades. Yet until now, there has been a lack of specific workwear that consistently meets their needs. The CO:LAB chef’s dress fills this gap with remarkable ease. And for us, one thing is clear: “This is the addition that quite simply no one had thought of before.” This statement by Genusspunkt editor Alexandra Gorsche highlights just how great the need for innovative solutions in workwear actually is.
Social media as a catalyst for innovation
The fact that the chef’s dress generated a strong response on social media shortly after its launch demonstrates the relevance of the topic. When a product not only impresses in terms of functionality but also addresses social developments such as diversity, visibility and empowerment, an emotional connection is formed that extends far beyond the product itself. For manufacturers, retailers and businesses, this opens up new opportunities to position themselves as modern and employee-focused employers.
Ordering via specialist retailers
WEITBLICK distributes its products through a network of qualified retailers. Interested businesses can easily find the right contact via the WEITBLICK retailer search and purchase the CO:LAB chef’s uniform directly from a specialist retailer.
Why initiatives like this are so important for the industry
The hospitality industry is undergoing profound change. Issues such as staff retention, diversity, employer branding and recognition are becoming increasingly central. Innovations today no longer arise exclusively in the kitchen or on the floor, but also in areas such as corporate culture, leadership and workwear. The CO:LAB chef’s dress exemplifies how companies can take up social developments and translate them into practical solutions. It is a product that combines functionality and attitude.
Our conclusion: More than just a garment
With the CO:LAB chef’s dress, WEITBLICK has taken a remarkable step forward. The company is not simply launching a new product onto the market, but is sending a strong signal for visibility, equality and modern workwear in the catering and hospitality sectors. For businesses that value their staff and wish to position themselves as forward-thinking employers, the CO:LAB chef’s dress is far more than a uniform. It is a statement. And possibly the beginning of a new era in hospitality workwear.
About Alexandra Gorsche
Alexandra Gorsche is an Austrian food journalist, moderator, speaker, consultant and culinary voice with a strong focus on fine dining, hospitality and contemporary restaurant culture. She is editor-in-chief of Genusspunkt, responsible for the culinary direction of stayinart and contributes to renowned publishers and media brands such as Callwey Verlag. Her work explores the intersection of gastronomy, culture, design, travel and entrepreneurship from Michelin-starred restaurants to emerging food trends, chefs and hospitality concepts.
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