Embark on an extraordinary journey with \"Vogue Air,\" a specially chartered American Airlines flight exclusively for models, beauty teams, and Vogue personnel, whisking them from New York's JFK to Los Angeles' LAX for the much-anticipated Vogue World: Hollywood event. This behind-the-scenes account captures the excitement and unique atmosphere of this glamorous flight. From the pre-dawn airport arrival, bustling check-in lines filled with fashion's elite like Liya Kebede, Lila Moss, and Alex Consani, to navigating security with a touch of Vogue flair, every moment was infused with anticipation. The article highlights the exclusive Greenwich Lounge experience, where early risers mingled over breakfast before boarding this one-of-a-kind aerial event.
The day commenced at an ungodly hour, 4:30 a.m. EST, as passengers gathered at JFK. Despite the early call, spirits were high, buoyed by the VIP treatment of a dedicated Vogue World check-in. The scene was a veritable who's who of the fashion world, with prominent models and industry figures already queuing, eager for their assignments on Vogue Air. This early morning bustle underscored the exclusivity and significance of the event they were all headed to.
By 4:50 a.m. EST, after a seamless check-in process, the group made its way towards TSA. A minor, humorous incident involved a near collision with model Lila Moss, who gracefully brushed it off. A brief moment of airport security humbling was quickly overcome by proudly displayed Vogue and Dogue merchandise, serving as credentials for the fashion contingent.
Just ten minutes later, at 5:00 a.m. EST, the team arrived at the Greenwich Lounge, transformed into a Vogue World: Hollywood haven. While coworkers were present, a conscious decision was made to enjoy the pre-flight tranquility before official work hours began. The lounge provided an opportunity for casual conversations and catching up, notably with model Sherry Shi, who was making her runway comeback after a two-year hiatus.
As 6:00 a.m. EST approached, a gradual movement towards the departure gate began. A decision to forgo the elevators in favor of carrying luggage down stairs proved to be a challenging, albeit amusing, start to the day, prompting lighthearted considerations about integrating model-level fitness into their routines.
By 6:50 a.m. EST, the boarding line had grown considerably, drawing curious glances from other travelers. Once settled aboard, the plan for models to rest was momentarily interrupted by Lulu Tenney's readiness for a photoshoot with Acielle Tanbetova. The discovery of separated seating arrangements for the authors was deemed a silver lining, allowing for undisturbed rest instead of six hours of chatter.
An exciting interlude at 7:10 a.m. EST involved a visit to the cockpit, where pilots Pete and Joel welcomed the Vogue team. The pilots, particularly Joel with his connection to Vogue's Chloe Malle, expressed their delight in hosting such a distinguished group, noting it as the most fun, if not the most famous, roster of passengers they had ever flown.
Around 10:00 a.m. EST, Vogue's global design director, Parker Hubbard, initiated the in-flight content creation, rousing the models for a photoshoot. The models, including Nora Attal and Ugbad Abdi, enthusiastically embraced the session, comparing it favorably to their Milan-Paris fashion week flights, primarily due to the exclusive Vogue environment and first-class amenities. These included a lavish breakfast and bespoke Vogue World: Hollywood gifts, like a garment bag and a custom Vogue x American Air amenity kit, enhancing the luxurious experience.
This exclusive aerial journey, meticulously organized and brimming with fashion's brightest stars, served as a stylish and unforgettable prelude to Vogue World: Hollywood. It was a unique blend of professional engagement and luxurious travel, creating a memorable experience that seamlessly fused the worlds of high fashion and elite air travel, ultimately setting a glamorous tone for the main event.