How the airport evolved into a fashion runway

Bella Hadid nails a chic airport look in a trendy ensemble'
'Kate Middleton just raised the bar on airport style'
'Deepika is off to Mumbai and she choose this designer's outfit.'
Do any of these headlines sound familiar to you? It's possible that you've read the exact headlines - or at least iterations of them - over the years. And the reason you're probably well-versed with lines like these is because the world has become increasingly obsessed with what these reports have in common - what's trending on the tarmac.

How times have changed
Dressing fashionably for the airport isn't a new trend by far. In fact, back in the Golden Age of Hollywood, actresses like Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor were regularly captured by shutterbugs in glamorous, seductive avatars as they descended from airplanes while, clearly, dressed to impress.

The reason behind this immaculate dressing - think heels, pearls and gloves - was very much linked to the glamour of air travel itself. "Back in the 1950s, commercial flights were a relatively new novelty and so people dressed for the occasion," explains Duha Shabib, fashion guru and founder of Dubai-based communications agency Not a Cliché consultancy. "People would arrive at the airport in their best dresses, suits and furs."

Of course, this is the world of fashion we're talking about, where change is the only constant. As commercial airlines became more common and affordable, this high standard dwindled. Add to it the increased security clearances and long wait times, and airport fashion was in desperate need of a major overhaul. Suddenly, comfort became king. "With dress code slackening dramatically, this gave way to an uber-casual 'passenger uniform' - that could look sloppy at best," points out Duha.
Follow the celebrities
Celebrities have always been held accountable to standards mere mortals are not - probably more so in the world of fashion. While most of us could probably get away with mussed up hair and pyjamas while exiting those eight-hour flights, the risk of getting caught on camera meant celebs had to emerge fresh-faced and fashionable. In Hollywood, waiting outside the airport to click pictures of celebs was so routine that, last year, Los Angeles airport opened up a private terminal to help them stay away from prying eyes.
Bollywood caught up with the art of airport fashion - but at a slower pace. "If you could see some of the older pictures I have of celebrities coming out of airports, you'd be surprised," says Mumbai-based photojournalist Viral Bhayani. "It looked like they would just pick up stuff from their wardrobes. If they dressed up like that today, they would be trolled. We would click pictures of them anyway but they were never dressed for the occasion."

According to Viral, it was Priyanka Chopra who started the airport fashion trend in Bollywood. "She started appearing at airports very well-dressed. Soon, other actors started following suit," he says.

But why are airports such a popular place for the paparazzi anyway? Viral lists out a number of reasons. "For starters, you get good daylight pictures. Most other events, like red carpet occasions, happen at night. Secondly, people are in the mood to dress up. Thirdly, most publications don't like covering events where brands are involved. Since airports don't have any branding, those pictures are preferred."

Today, not only do celebs know that there are paparazzi on the other side waiting to take pictures, they expect it. Earlier this year, Karan Johar got the media's attention when he tweeted: "Was about to land! Wore a new jacket! Product in hair! Big sun glasses were put on! New bag pack positioned for capture! And then....the worse thing happened!!!!! The paps Were NOT there!!!!! Shattered! Will now repeat this look and pray! (sic)".

All about athleisure
With more celebrities opting for stylish ensembles on the tarmac, dressing for the airport increasingly became a must, even for us regular folks. Reshu Malhotra, a UAE-based celebrity hairstylist who previously worked as a member of cabin crew, also credits this trend to the advent of social media. "While travel has become more accessible, it's still a sign of social mobility to post pictures on Instagram or 'check in' at the airport. It's still a stage for fashion lovers."

However, as fashion director of bespoke luxury management firm RR&Co, Rosemin Manji, points out, we shouldn't hold ourselves to the same standard as that of celebrities.
"A celebrity hairstylist once told me that they would actually meet stars in a bathroom at the LA airport so that they could touch up their hair and makeup before they leave," she laughs. "In fact, there would be a team waiting for them there and they would make sure that the celebs leave looking really polished and ready for the paparazzi! That's why I think it's really hard to judge people based on what celebrities are wearing - we need to stop comparing ourselves to them."

Sound advice, indeed. However, Rosemin also points out that this is no excuse to dress shoddily. "The world is really small - you do tend to bump into people you know at the airport today and it's important to look presentable - so wearing pyjamas to the airport is definitely out. I believe that people who have a true personal style will inject that into every aspect of their life - whether they're going grocery shopping, getting their nails done, going to a gala or going to the airport. It's all about finding a look that works for you."

Luckily, there's a solution to the fashion dilemma of looking both chic while being comfortable, and it's a trend that has risen over the years - athleisure. "Almost every designer brand now has a sporty line, including the likes of Chanel and Gucci and they're perfect for label-conscious people. Alternatively, you could also go for athletic brands like Lululemons. Today, everything from the suitcase you have to your airport accessories are meant to look cool while offering you comfort," points out Rosemin. "That's why one of my main pet peeves is women who are struggling with heels in airports. Being comfortable is an absolute must."

Reshu Malhotra echoes a similar statement. "I think 2019 is the year to leave the heels packed in your suitcase. Instead, opt for comfy sneakers or ankle boots," she says. "If there's one fashionable shoe we keep seeing again and again at the airport, it's the sneaker. I think we'll be seeing more stylish kicks pop up at fashion weeks. Whether you go for a white or colourful pair, your sneaker choice will make the outfit."
So, as you get ready to jet off this December, keep in mind that it's possible to look good and feel good. Invest in those airport classics - a good cardigan for the cold, slip-on shoes or sneakers, leggings, a good moisturiser, concealer and tinted lip balm. Oh, and don't forget your passport.
janice@khaleejtimes.com