Over the summer, jet-set glamor began to feel more like Easyjet shams, as passengers prioritized convenience over style when it came to airport fashions in the face of long delays and even longer check-in queues. Others ditched flashy holiday pieces in favor of multi-purpose ensembles — all the better for meeting those limited baggage allowances.
But for A-listers, the arrivals hall will always be a catwalk – perfect for flexible looks that don’t reflect a trace of jet lag. In the ’90s, supermodel airport style consisted of denim, cozy cashmere and leggings, and while this cavalier approach to first class has stood the test of time (see Noomi Rapace, who recently wore Linda Evangelista in loafers, a traditional tweed blazer and jeans channeled) , it’s been trumped by show-stopping looks lately: think prints, tailoring and party heels.
Of course, the world’s most famous travelers don’t travel on vacation packages, instead luggage belts serve as the backdrop for their impromptu photo ops when they land in Cannes and Venice for international film festivals. It’s only appropriate to crank up the glam when exiting Nice’s VIP terminal or boarding a vintage speedboat straight from Marco Polo Airport.
The most eye-catching prints are from Pucci, with Didi Stone and Tina Kunakey wearing pieces in bold psychedelic patterns – see Kunakey’s Lido-Ready Mini Dress by Artistic Director Camille Miceli, the debut for the Italian label. The brand’s heritage is steeped in jet-set resort wear, perfect for kicking off film festivals on the French Riviera or in Italy’s most atmospheric city.
Forget about wrapping yourself in gray marl for the long haul, the stars know bold hues turn heads. Case in point: Jodie Turner-Smith lands in Venice in a sheer Sunset Shade suit and carrying not one but two Gucci bags. The Florentine home is steeped in luxurious travel heritage. The brand’s Jackie bag – relaunched for 2021 – was originally dedicated to Jackie Kennedy and her jet-set style. As Florence Pugh later when she came to the festival don’t worry darling co-stars, she may have had an outsized emotional baggage in tow. However, she successfully deflected attention from on-set rumors with her outfit: a purple Valentino three-piece suit that was just as bubbly as the spritz of Aperol she posed with ahead of the film’s premiere.
Nothing says chic like stepping off a plane in impeccable, wrinkle-free tailoring. Proving that monochrome is just as effective as eclectic colour, Anne Hathaway and Julianne Moore exited Nice Airport in May in androgynous black suits and paparazzi-proof oversized sunglasses. Obviously both have a flair for carefree French girl dressing. Bonus points go to Moore for carrying Bottega Veneta’s Kalimero woven bag from Mathieu Blazy’s debut collection for the brand.
At a time when a single piece of luggage is expected to hold all of our vacation essentials, a microscopic handbag can make an oversized impression. As we stuff our essentials into a holdall, celebrities sport sporty accessories that border on the ridiculously impractical. (Suit)case in point: Tessa Thompson carries a Vivienne Westwood bag in mini tartan with party heels and a bow in her hair, and Barbara Palvin arrives in Venice with a bag the size of a Croque Monsieur.
