%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2FTAL-header-brandon-blackwood-american-airlines-premium-economy-kit-AABLACKWOOD0625-fb374253103840ee97ae8e504086283b.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
American Airlines Debuts New Amenity Kits With an Iconic Hollywood Designer
'I remember how excited I would get as a child, racing to find my seat and eagerly searching for the amenity kits,' the 33-year-old trending fashion designer told Travel + Leisure, noting that he often traveled and moved around the world since his stepdad was in banking. 'Each kit felt like a little treasure trove, filled with varied, thoughtfully designed items that brought me so much joy and curiosity.'
His goal while taking on this collaboration was to 'recreate that same feeling of excitement and wonder,' aiming for styles that meld functionality with whimsy. 'I wanted every kit to spark that sense of curiosity I once had as a child, bringing a smile to travelers,' he added.
The complimentary kits will be available on select summer flights starting in mid-June and running through September for passengers in premium classes flying between the U.S. and Asia, Australia, Europe, South America, and the Middle East, as well as on domestic cross-country and Hawaii flights.
Premium economy travelers will receive a blue-and-white pouch in Blackwood's trademark checkered pattern, while those in Flagship business will be treated to a black pouch with red accents including the checkered design on the inside.
The most coveted kit will be reserved for Flagship first class passengers, who will receive a mini version of Blackwood's viral Portmore bag, made of denim with a wrap-around zipper.
'The Portmore backpack holds a special place in my heart as one of the very first styles I created and the bag that truly put us on the map,' Blackwood said. He scaled down the design for the airline as an ode to his brand's 10th anniversary. 'It was a journey to take such an iconic bag and reimagine it for this significant moment in our history—this feels like a rebirth of a classic.' Brandon Blackwood with the his full American Airlines amenity kits.
Lexi Lambro/American Airlines
Inside each kit will be a curated selection of skincare products, including Buttah lip balm and towelette and Pholk lotion.
The collaboration is the second of the Texas-based carrier's limited-edition kits, which started in 2024 with women-owned B Corp company Raven & Lily in partnership with Stand Up to Cancer and helped raise $4.3 million for the nonprofit.
The opportunity marks a profound moment for Blackwood, who was on the 2024 Time 100 list for revolutionizing the fashion industry with the End Systemic Racism tote.
'Being a first to do something is always such a milestone, especially at this scale,' Blackwood told T+L of the opportunity as a Black designer to work with a brand like American Airlines, which he's long adored. 'Every first my brand has done has helped spotlight other brands of those that look like myself. It gives hope, spreads awareness, and shows that there is so much overlooked talent that's waiting to show up and show out.'
For those who have long supported his brand, he hopes they'll 'feel a sense of pride and see a reflection of both themselves and our brand in the kits,' while he hopes those happening upon his designs for the first time will see the kits as a 'warm welcome…inviting everyone to share this beautiful experience together.'
The partnership is a choice that the airline is excited to bring to their passengers for the summer travel season. 'Brandon's bold, fashion-forward designs are the perfect addition to our amenity kit collection, especially as we see our premium customers skewing younger, which is in line with Gen Z investing in luxury items and experiences,' the airline's chief customer officer Heather Garboden said in a statement obtained by T+L.
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