American Airlines is taking luxury travel to new heights with its latest partnership. This time with acclaimed fashion designer Brandon Blackwood. In a historic move, the airline has tapped the Brooklyn-based designer to create exclusive, limited-edition amenity kits for its premium cabin passengers. Read more inside.
Travel Noire reported that the exclusive partnership marks Blackwood as one of the first Black designers to collaborate with a major airline on such a venture. The designer, whose accessories have graced the arms of icons like Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, Megan Thee Stallion, and Heidi Klum, is now bringing his signature flair to the skies. Inspired by his childhood excitement when receiving in-flight amenity kits during global travels, Blackwood has crafted three custom designs that blend function with high fashion.
Premium economy passengers will receive a sleek blue-and-white pouch featuring Blackwood’s trademark checkered pattern. Business class travelers flying in American’s Flagship Business cabins will enjoy a more refined black case with elegant red accents and a subtly stylish interior. The most exclusive kit goes to Flagship First passengers: a denim-wrapped miniature of Blackwood’s viral Portmore bag, complete with a wrap-around zipper.
All kits include curated self-care essentials designed to elevate the in-flight experience. Each one contains Buttah lip balm, a refreshing towelette, and Pholk’s nourishing lotion—two Black-owned skincare brands that align with Blackwood’s dedication to highlighting diverse creators.
The collaboration officially launches mid-June and will run through September 2025 on select long-haul flights. Eligible routes include international destinations across Asia, Europe, South America, Australia, and the Middle East, as well as premium domestic routes like cross-country and Hawaii flights.
At just 33 years old, Blackwood has already made major waves in fashion. His “End Systemic Racism” tote catapulted him into the spotlight and earned him a place on Time’s 2024 100 Most Influential People list. By partnering with American Airlines, he expands his reach to luxury travel. He’s introducing his empowering designs to global audiences at 30,000 feet.
This marks American Airlines’ second limited-edition amenity kit collaboration, following its 2024 partnership with women-owned B Corp Raven & Lily and Stand Up to Cancer. That partnership raised $4.3 million. Now, with Brandon Blackwood’s visionary designs, the airline continues to blend style, social impact, and premium service into one unforgettable journey.
Congrats, Mr. Blackwood!
