“I think this is where you get a true sense of celebrity style. I can't imagine calling in a stylist to dress you when you arrive at the airport. I loved vintage photos of Audrey Hepburn with her big glasses, her hair in a scarf, her tailored coat and her Louis Vuitton bag. It was so chic,” she says.
Of course, the Bassett Kennedy approach has been another source of inspiration over the years.
“I love CBK's airport style – it's always practical with a trouser and top combination, but with a touch of style, like an Hermes belt or Prada open-toed sandals. Her luggage is classic and logo-free. Her carry-on luggage has a sporty, tech-forward vibe that I love,” she says.
In the '50s, '60s and even '70s, travel was an exclusive affair reserved for the rich and famous, but it lost its appeal as athleisure brands took over “airport style.”
Arrivals for the Cannes Film Festival are often prime hunting grounds: in May, French actress Virginie Ledoyen was the perfect “French girl” look in crisp white trousers and a navy double-breasted blazer, while model Didi Stone's bright red Miu Miu set was the ultimate in comfort. Luckily, there's more than one way to nail airport style.
When it comes to his own travel style, Kumar Nair values versatility and practicality while still maintaining a put-together look.
“I love layering. I start with a Petit Bateau tank top, then a shirt or long-sleeve T-shirt, usually from the Comme des Garçons Play collection. Then I throw on a sweatshirt, jumper or cardigan. Usually Margaret Howell, because wool or cashmere are great quality and don't shrink in the cold air of the plane,” she says. “I have a lot of pashmina shawls that I've collected over the years, so I always have one with me. I wear trousers or slacks, never jeans. I usually wear Gucci loafers or Charvet slippers. They're slippers, so they're comfortable.”
Sinead Katz, style director at online retailer The Outnet, is also a fan of dressing up while on the go. “Even though I'm not flying to my destination on a private jet, I still try to look as chic as possible and channel Brigitte Bardot or Jackie O. I try to stay away from sweats and dress smartly because you never know when you might need to upgrade,” she says.
But comfort remains a priority for Katz, and she says classic flared jeans, a white T-shirt, a chunky knit, and cashmere socks are in-flight essentials.
Katz says the enduring obsession with vintage airport photos of celebrities is a throwback to a time when people lived and traveled differently, but she believes the images still hold appeal today.
“In the '50s, '60s and even '70s, travel was an exclusive occasion only available to the rich and famous. It didn't lose its glamour until the 2000s, when new, more affordable airlines were established and athleisure brands replaced 'airport style,'” she points out.
“The iconic posed photos of Hollywood's elite descending from jets in smart skirt suits and pumps were unique at the time, as fans only saw their favorite icons step out in red carpet attire. But even today, we remain fixated on celebrities' off-duty travel attire.”
Katz's own list of air travel style icons includes old movie stars Elizabeth Taylor and Catherine Deneuve, but he also credits Kate Moss and Julia Roberts for revolutionising air travel style in the '90s with their denim and chic, relaxed blazers.
As for tips to follow when traveling in style today, Katz says you can't go wrong with cashmere, which is comfortable and looks sophisticated. Her only no-no is high heels.
“[B]”Brands like Arch4, Tove, Nili Lotan and Toteme are great for capsule travel outfits. Slip-on ballet pumps are my go-to shoe. Wearing heels at the airport still baffles me,” she adds. “In my opinion, there's just no room for heels while standing in line at passport control.”
