Jet Set Style: How Fashion in the Air Evolved
The beginnings of air travel are rooted in glamor since early flyers were usually civilians of the upper class, including celebrities and famous personalities. Some of these frequent travelers included actresses like Katharine Hepburn and Ava Gardener, both of whom can be seen in the film “The Aviator” playing on DIRECTV STREAM. The glamorous styles associated with air travel changed from the 1950s far into the 1990s and later evolved into the modern jet set styles we see today.
The Early Days of Travel Style
Though air travel was popularized in the 1950 and 1960s, tickets were quite expensive, and travel was therefore limited to only those who could afford it. Those who could afford to travel by plane could also afford designer clothing and luggage, and many travelers could be seen sporting looks by Chanel, Andre Courrèges, and Pierre Cardin as they boarded flights. This time period also saw the birth of the paparazzi, and many celebrities, especially women, wore their best looks for travel since they knew they would likely be photographed.
In terms of style, travelers of this time often wore separates consisting of full skirts and form-fitting tops. Streamlined jackets, coats, and capes were also popular. As for luggage, most travelers would bring suitcases for functionality, but women would still carry small designer handbags since this was "in" for the time.
The Golden Age of Jet Set Style
By the late 1960s, the first wave of space travel had already become a hot topic in newspapers, and many clothing designers took the chance to make pieces inspired by this subject. New space-age looks that came about featured angular shapes, tall boots, and shiny materials. These looks then carried over into the 1970s and were seen on plane travelers like Brigitte Bardot and Catherine Deneuve.
In the late 1970s and for much of the 1980s, the previous glamor associated with air travel reduced as plane tickets started to become more affordable for the general public. However, this came with a change in air travel style, too, as more emphasis was placed on the look of luggage rather than the clothing of travelers. This helped form what we may think of today as true jet-set style, which is categorized as chic but comfortable tops and pants combined with designer purses, bags, and suitcases with, of course, designer sunglasses and accessories.
Aviation Fashion of the 1990s and 2000s
As plane tickets continued to drop in price during the 1990s and 2000s, many travelers of all classes filled airports all around the world, each bringing their own unique style with them. At this time, it no longer became important for travelers to sport designer carry-ons, let alone designer clothing. Simultaneously, the popularization of tracksuits and comfortable clothing, such as with looks by Juicy Couture, put more emphasis on comfort during travel. Even celebrities of this time, like Paris Hilton, opted for comfortable styles.
The Modern Airplane Look
While comfort has continued to be at the forefront of air travel, recent looks at airports suggest that the classic jet-set style may be making a comeback. Matching sets that consist of pants, tops, sweaters, or cardigans in knit materials are quite popular, proving that travelers can have comfort and style at the same time. Many celebrities have been spotted in sets like these with designer luggage and sunglasses, too, much like those of the 1980s. And, with the prevalence of social media, famous figures are now in control of sharing photos of themselves on private jets, making it easier for them to choose which travel styles they want to share with the public.
Summary
While air travel style was once categorized as glamorous and perhaps over the top, it has evolved into something that can be both comfortable and stylish. The ‘airport look’ will continue to develop and grab attention as we go forward in the future.