Long Before Louis Vuitton's Cruise 2020 Show, the TWA Terminal Was Stylish as Hell

By Samantha Sutton
May 07, 2019 @ 6:30 pm
Getty Images

There's something about travel and fashion that seem to go hand in hand. Chanel has held plenty of runway shows where the theme was girls on the go — its latest set was a train station, and a few years back, it transformed the Grand Palais into an airport. Now, it's Louis Vuitton's turn to take flight, as the fashion house held its Cruise 2020 show at the Trans World Airlines terminal at John F. Kennedy Aiport. While TWA is no longer around, and the terminal has recently been revamped and turned into a hotel, we're pretty excited about this nod to history and iconic style.

After all, famous ladies like Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn once stepped on and off planes in this very spot — and they weren't wearing sweatpants while doing so, either. Rather, flying was a full fashion experience back in the day, and items like fur coats, oversize hats, and structured skirt suits didn't feel out of place.

Louis Vuitton's latest collection, however, was more inspired by Creative Director Nicolas Ghesquière’s first impressions of New York, rather than old Hollywood. The designs included much of what was big in the '80s — strong shoulders, jewel tones, poofy, layered skirts, striped business wear, and all — but mixed it with a futuristic feel. Not exactly Audrey Hepburn, but still a stylish and welcome throwback.

Either way, we're currently reconsidering our preferred flying combo of oversized sweatshirts and leggings, and feel it's worth taking a look at the fabulous outfits that TWA saw. Please consider it our petition to hold a fashion show at this landmark location every year.

Start Slideshow

1 of 17

Marilyn Monroe

Bettmann/Getty Images
This outfit is the epitome of old Hollywood style: A form fitting dress (complete with a bow detail), long gloves, and furry coat. Plus, check out those drop earrings. Glam!
Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 17

Cher

Ron Galella/Getty Images
Considering the western trend is so big at the moment, we wouldn't be surprised if a top model copied this look tomorrow.

3 of 17

Gregory Peck and Veronique Passani

Bettmann/Getty Images
Gregory Peck is the star here, but while he looks very dapper in that suit, we're digging his (ex) wife's layered, short-sleeved dress and matching hat.
Advertisement

4 of 17

Mary Tyler Moore

Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Clean and simple with a pop of pattern — Mary's coat is the best of both worlds.

5 of 17

Debbie Reynolds

Bettmann/Getty Images
Even in wind and rain, Debbie looked as glamorous as ever while stepping off the plane.

6 of 17

Jane Fonda

Bettmann/Getty Images
We're not sure what we love more: Jane's scarf and necklace pairing, or her classic, structured bag, which is pictured at her side. (Also, was she ever not a fashion icon?!)
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 17

Marlo Thomas

Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Doesn't this dress remind you a bit of Meghan Markle's look from the royal baby reveal? She smartly styled it with chic yet practical kitten heels — and her cute pup.

8 of 17

The Fifth Dimension

NBC/Getty Images
Fun fact: they're shooting a video for the song "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In." Also, where can we get these maxi dresses? We hope they passed those down.

9 of 17

Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor, and Laraine Day

Bettmann/Getty Images
The dresses! The gloves! Elizabeth's cropped cardigan! This celebrity street style is quite different from the sheer styles and chunky sneakers of today (but, honestly, we love both).
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 17

Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner

Bettmann/Getty Images
Hello, Ava's structured suit and sunglasses — that's a power look if we've ever seen one.

11 of 17

Frances Farmer

Bettmann/Getty Images
This vintage fascinator sort of reminds us of 2019's padded headband trend. And now we feel inspired to add a brooch to our outfits.

12 of 17

Twiggy

Bettmann/Getty Images
Leave it to Twiggy to give us signature '60s style with this swing coat.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 17

Jayne Mansfield

Keystone/Getty Images
Mariska Hargitay's mom (and dad, Mickey Hargitay) were dressed to the nines when they traveled. We love how Jayne's scarf matched her shirt, and how she completed her look with statement-making, furry hat.

14 of 17

Joan Collins

Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Between the bow and the layered necklaces, we wouldn't think twice if we saw someone wearing this in 2019.

15 of 17

Mamie Van Doren

Bettmann/Getty Images
We hope Mamie was traveling somewhere tropical, because that wide-brim, polka dot hat is fit for the beach.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 17

Audrey Hepburn

Bettmann/Getty Images
We won't let Audrey's matching fur-trimmed hat and coat distract us from her chic, woven, chain strap purse.

17 of 17

Sophia Loren

Archive Photos/Getty Images
Yes, the actress truly did step off the plane decked out in a top hat, fur coat, and doctor bag.
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Up Next

Advertisement
© Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.instyle.com