TheDesignAir –Etihad complete the soft-furnishing circle with glorious new luxury Giorgio Armani amenities
It seems Etihad Airways has finally completed its upgrade to the passenger experience by enriching the offering with a stunning new collection of amenity kits and loungewear created in partnership with renowned Italian design house, Giorgio Armani, the sister brand to Armani/Casa that already features in the airlines bedding and tableware.
The new amenity kit ranges replace the Acqua Di Parma range – which now features on Air Canada – with a more refined and luxury wellbeing brand, ESPA. It’s not just at the front that there are changes afoot, as Etihad has also introduced a range of complimentary tote bags for guests on longer flights in Economy as a creative solution to an amenity kit.
The stylish new range carefully curates both the luxury design language of Giorgio Armani, and the brand aesthetic of Etihad, something that we’ve been hoping airlines would adopt for several years. It seems Etihad is leading the charge in finding ways to collaborate with luxury household names without losing their chance to imprint their own design language too. There are bespoke amenity kits for each premium cabin, as well as luxurious designer loungewear and slippers. The range will be progressively rolled out on flights from the end of February.
Turky Al Hammadi, Head of Product and Hospitality, Etihad Airways said: “As well as offering convenience, style and luxury inflight, our guests will take home their own co-branded Giorgio Armani amenity bag for use when travelling or at home. These sought-after bags come in collectable colours and styles meaning frequent flyers can build their personal Giorgio Armani collection.
“We’re also very proud to introduce a complimentary range of stylish and functional tote bags to our guests on longer flights in Economy. Not only will these bags be a handy gift, but they’ll help us to further reduce single-use plastic.”
In Etihad’s Business Class, the amenity kits come in two unisex styles – a clutch bag and a cube. The co-branded Giorgio Armani and Etihad unisex clutch bag features “The Dunes”, a contemporary print design drawing inspiration from the rolling sands of the stunning Liwa desert in Abu Dhabi.
With travel wellbeing in mind, the Business class kits are filled with luxury ESPA skincare products including Nourishing Lip Treatment, Hydrating Spa Face Mist and Rejuvenating Hand and Body Lotion, alongside convenient gifts including plush slippers, an eyeshade, earplugs and a travel dental kit.
Meanwhile, guests flying in The Residence, Etihad’s unique three-room private suite in the sky, and those in First class will be treated to a stylish and highly desirable Giorgio Armani and Etihad branded large folio bag – one of the largest amenity kits in the sky. Collectable in four colours, the bag is perfect for use post flight to carry documents, tablets or even a 13” laptop, and will be a coveted accessory for all stylish travellers.
The large folio bag comes packed with goodies from ESPA, including Hydrating Spa Face Mist, Nourishing Lip Treatment, Restful Pulse Point Oil to aid relaxation in flight, a generously sized Rest and Recovery Night Balm and Rejuvenating Hand and Body lotion. As well as these refreshing products, the gifts include practical eyeshades, ear plugs and a dental kit.
While Emirates has just announced a new set of pyjamas for Business Class passengers, Etihad won’t be beaten. The Residence and First class guests are also gifted bespoke Giorgio Armani and Etihad loungewear and slippers, beautifully presented in the large Giorgio Armani folio bag. Created with luxurious fabrics, the modern silhouette of this fashionable loungewear is perfect for both relaxing and sleeping while flying and post-flight.
The charcoal loungewear is soft to the touch, anti-wrinkle, and features a Henley neckline and bespoke tonal print inspired by the modern Abu Dhabi skyline, as well as matching trousers with pockets. The Giorgio Armani slippers in a matching tonal print have a plush faux fur inner sole for additional comfort.
In Business class, Etihad takes Emirati design inflight with the new Etihad Business Class loungewear gifted to all guests on ultra-long haul flights over nine hours. The luxuriously soft loungewear is inspired by the traditional Emirati dress and proudly features the iconic Emirati V stitching on the chest which is unique to the UAE’s national dress. Plush slippers complement the set. And we have to say, we think this is perhaps some of the most stylish loungewear in the skies.
While Etihad might be losing the unmistakable scent of Acqua Di Parma in their cabins, Etihad has partnered with aromatherapy and wellness pioneers ESPA to provide luxury skincare products for amenity kits as well as premium cabin washrooms. Guided by 30 years of experience ESPA creates deeply sensorial wellness experiences to nurture and nourish holistic wellbeing.
Lastly, in Economy, guests on flights over six hours are welcomed with a tote bag containing their inflight essentials, including gifts of Beekman hand cream, eyeshade and ear plugs. The branded tote bag is a useful gift for carrying excess items or future shopping. While the tote comes in three collectible designs featuring the tailfin designs of Etihad’s iconic aircraft livery, including the Greenliner and Manchester City special liveries, there’s something even more special about these products.
Each bag is made from a 500ml PET bottle rescued from landfill. Packing the inflight amenities in the reusable bag also removes further single use plastics that would normally be used to pack the items individually.
We’re thrilled to see these advancements for Etihad. With the new terminal, continued upgrades to the passenger experience, and new 787-9 aircraft this is certainly Etihad’s year.
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