With only six months left until 2020, nostalgia is king. The sentimental feeling of something familiar has wielded its powers over all of us one time or another; but, throwback culture seems more pervasive than ever. Personally, coming off of a severe Stranger Things binge, I too fell victim. Even without living through the era, one cannot help but feel emotionally involved in the entirety of the experience. Experiences of different music, fashion, slang, architecture, brands, and ways of living sends us into a state of irresistible curiosity.
Now in full self-reflection mode, why did I just buy a tie dye Woodstock tee over the weekend? Why did I watch Stranger Things season three in one sitting? Probably the same reason I found myself practically frolicking around the TWA Hotel this afternoon. Secretly tucked in the JFK airport and in its fifth week of operation since it closed at the turn of the century, the hotel practically serves as a time capsule. Honoring the original architect, Eero Saarinen, the space appears virtually untouched, true with reminiscent furniture and decor of its 1960s heyday.
Now, since my hotel-obsessed mother’s siren call (or Instagram DM, rather) I was intrigued and quickly took to the idea of sipping an old fashion at the rooftop pool while watching planes take off. The intrigue soon turned into a must-see destination once Louis Vuitton used this landing strip to present their women’s 2020 Resort collection. Seems they caught onto the runway pun early…
Despite the fact that LV forgot to hire me as their stylist for the show, I still got my designer fix through the incredible flight attendant uniform exhibit. Over 400 pieces were on display, representing looks from 1940 to 1990 including works by Balmain, Valentino, and Ralph Lauren. The fashion application of uniforms and what they are to communicate presented an interesting visual dialogue through each year’s look. Observing each ensemble, the personality of each woman was so evident through the colors, intricate designs, and properly cheeky set of millinery. Basically, our airlines need to step up their style game.
In between taking dramatic snapshots on every surface in the sunken lounge and stairway maze, the realization came about that the whole hotel was an exhibit. An ode to the Jet Age and an invitation to us all to revel in the beauty of the past. Time travel into a golden era travel fantasy, one where vermouth is served by the gallon and Sinatra is smooth over vinyl.
I walked into this fantasy cocked and loaded with a retro inspired and sunshine-y tonal look of my own. In the spirit of restoring period pieces, I mixed a few of my favorite vintage goods with the new age. Outfit recipe and editorial shenanigans below!
- Pleated high-waisted shorts
- Vintage Cashmere sweater
- Pointed toe ballet flats
- Flat cat sunglasses
- Vintage wicker bag
- Shell-printed silk scarf
- Vintage statement earrings
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