TWA Flight Center Architect Inspires Chic Fashion Brand’s Spring 2025 Collection

Although its planes have been grounded for 23 years, Trans World Airlines (TWA) maintains a ubiquitous hold on the imaginations of generations of travelers. With the influence of Charles Lindbergh, the development of the DC-1, the support of Lehman Brothers and John D. Hertz, and the investment of Howard Hughes, the airline was positioned to be the most progressive air travel company in history.

From 1930 to 2001, when it was acquired by American Airlines, TWA broke barriers. On October 25, 1930, the airline offered one of the first scheduled all-airline services from coast to coast. It became the first airline to hire the first African-American flight attendant in 1958, the first airline to regularly offer in-flight movies, and the first to become an all-jet airline. Now, in yet another first for this legendary travel brand, it’s taking off from a new runway by inspiring a trendsetting denim brand aimed primarily at Gen Z.

Using the iconic TWA Flight Center as its muse, EB Denim’s “Off The Runway” collection celebrates the sleek lines of an air terminal and the bold architecture of Eero Saarinen. Known for the innovative jeans worn by celebrities like Taylor Swift, Kylie Jenner and Hailey Bieber, the brand is expanding its categories to knitwear and introducing new ready-to-wear styles with an expanded color palette.

“The collection is directly based on the work of Eero Saarinen, especially at the TWA Flight Center,” said Elena Bonvicini, founder of EB Denim, via email. “Visually, the mid-century modern design and color palette used throughout TWA is recognizable around the world. the collection. I was also inspired by the way design harmonizes form and function, these are exactly the kind of design principles I wanted to bring to this collection. The curved architecture and elegant lines of the terminal influenced not only the shapes and cuts, but also the design. mood — creating pieces that embody a mix of structure and fluidity.”

Saarinen, known for his neofuturistic designs, was the architect behind JFK’s famous TWA Terminal, which opened in 1962. It went dark in 2001, reopened after an expansion after four years, and became a combination hotel/travel center in 2019. The 512-room property has a museum that celebrates the history of TWA, the Jet Age and the mid-century modern design movement. From floor to ceiling, it exudes all the mid-century modern vibes that have inspired fans old and young.

“For this collection, I wanted to create something that would resonate across generations,” Bonvicini said via email. “TWA’s flight center, designed by Eero Saarinen, is not just an architectural icon, but a cultural symbol of travel and innovation. Visitors will no doubt recognize its nostalgic elements, but for the younger generation, it’s about more than just familiarity. The space was built in the 1960s, but uses Neo-Futurism design principles: organic lines, asymmetry and unexpected shapes, almost like. if you are looking to the future. Timeless, yet modern – a space that transcends eras. The fluidity and functional elegance of the terminal reflect the essence of New York City.

Although Bonvicini’s target audience is too young to appreciate TWA’s story through her own lived experience, she had already built a fashion brand with an eye to the past. Bonvicini’s process is built on recycling vintage Levi’s 501 jeans into sustainable, ready-to-wear products. EB Denim was ideal to face a muse more familiar to the older public. She sees the new collection as a reflection of a period of rapid growth for her seven-year-old brand, as it evolves beyond its denim roots and takes off into new fashion territory.

The “Off the Runway” collection’s homage to TWA is obvious for anyone who likes color.

“The color palette of this collection is inspired by the red details of the TWA terminal, which is synonymous with period and neo-futuristic style,” said Bonvicini. “Red not only reflects the boldness and excitement of travel, but also the holiday season. a palette that feels both nostalgic and fresh, bridging the past and present in a way that feels perfect for the pre-spring/holiday season.”

In the long term, EB Denim aims to be the denim brand of choice for the next generation, while creating a selection of denim styles for women of all ages, reflected in a wide variety of cuts and styles – high waist, low waist , more classic cuts and more innovative jeans, straight leg, wider leg styles, skinner fit.

For fashionistas with vintage tastes or travelers who appreciate a good pair of jeans, the “Off the Runway” collection fills a fascinating niche at the intersection of fashion and travel.