Etihad’s new stylish loungewear takes you beyond your long-haul flight

The earth is filled with many mysteries, yes. But one that leaves us in complete awe (and bewilderment) is seeing photos of celebrities leaving the airport looking like they’re walking down a runway, bringing about questions like, “Why would anyone bother with zippers on a long-haul flight? How is one’s hair so perfectly blown after getting off a flight? Stilettos? On the plane?”

We don’t know about you, but sometimes (well, most of the time), our idea of in-flight attire is the comfiest pair of sweatpants in our wardrobe and beaten up Stan Smiths, paparazzi be damned.

Well, Etihad Airways has taken a step in the right direction by introducing a stylish new loungewear line which was launched at the Louvre Abu Dhabi last week. While most airlines already offer designer airplane pyjamas for business class passengers to change into while on the flight, Etihad aims to take in-flight attire to greater heights by offering chic loungewear that won’t look out of place even on the streets of New York.

Designed by Emirati brand A Friend of Mine, the new loungewear is inspired by the simplicity, clean lines and timeless elegance of traditional Emirati clothing — which are cleverly combined with current global trends to create an aesthetic unique to Etihad.

Simple, earthy colours are used to ensure that the pieces in the collection complement all skin tones and can be easily be paired with other items of clothing for everyday wear — so they can be worn long after the flight is over. The clothing is made of anti-bacterial and hypoallergenic Modal, ensuring that it is free of unnecessary stitching and embellishments, and is crease-resistant and breathable.

“In today’s throw-away culture, it has never been more important for us to challenge the norms and to create clothing which can be enjoyed in-flight, yet be strong and trendy enough to be kept and worn again as a bespoke item, whether relaxing at home or out with friends,” said Linda Celestino, Etihad Airways Vice President of Guest Experience and Delivery.

“By doing so, we also present our guests with a long-lasting and valuable memento of their experience with us. This is something uniquely Etihad and reinforces our position as the airline of innovation and choice.”

Etihad’s new loungewear collection will be offered to the airline’s passengers on all First Class flights, as well as those staying in The Residence (the airlines’ three-room, first-class suite) onboard the Airbus A380 fleet.

www.etihad.com