In late September, I was anxiously Ubering my way towards JFK airport. I checked my bag for all of my work travel essentials—wallet, passport, laptop, phone. Then I checked it again. Everything was there, and I was, despite the New York traffic, well ahead of schedule, but I was still nervous, thinking about the long work days and nights that lay ahead of me in Milan and Paris. I was winging my way to Europe for the spring 2026 collections, a two-week period jam-packed with shows, meetings, and events. I am the luckiest person on the planet to be able to do this, but the truth is, it’s also an exhausting time away from friends and family. Thankfully, this season, I had the opportunity to find some respite before the chaos even began. I was flying to the first leg of the journey in Milan with Delta One, which has added a few very stylish updates to its experiences both on the ground and in the air over the last year.
Courtesy of Delta Air Lines
After taking a few deep breaths, I exited my Uber and made my way to the private Delta One security screening area. This is one of the most luxurious things a regular traveler could ask for: a concierge-style check-in service that whisks you through a secluded security checkpoint and straight into the new Delta One lounge. The airline is celebrating its centennial this year, and the new lounge is one of its tentpole launches pegged to the milestone.
Inside the lounge, I found a proper sit-down restaurant with a menu that included dishes like roasted halibut and steak frites, as well as a bar area that looked more like a high-end watering hole in downtown Manhattan than your typical pre-flight beer counter. I grabbed some Japanese-style bites from the marketplace and sat down in the glass atrium overlooking the tarmac. Staff came around to offer water refills, sparkling and still, as well as wines. Nearby, other travelers were heading into the spa for everything from express services to full-body massages and facials. Not only was the space well-appointed with details like a gold-leaf ceiling, sculptural chandeliers, and marble mosaic-tiled floors, but it also felt inviting and warm. I could have happily stayed there much longer than I needed to before my flight—a rarity at any airport.
Courtesy of Delta Air Lines
Feeling relaxed after an hour in the Delta One lounge, I eventually made my way to the gate. Once I boarded, I got to my seat and found a Missoni amenity kit featuring the Italian heritage label’s signature chevron pattern and gold logo. Inside the pouch, there was more chevron on the socks and eye mask, as well as Marvis toothpaste and products from Grown Alchemist. The plush comforter and blankets were also designed in collaboration with Missoni—a style-forward offering that goes a step above any other airline right now.
The in-flight experience was as inviting as the lounge, with a delicious food menu and unparalleled service on board. It was elevated but approachable, thoughtful and refined, just like the new uniforms I saw on board—a new collection of crew uniforms that include pieces like sharp navy suiting, striped silk scarves, and a tailored wrap-dress in burgundy.
Courtesy of Delta Air Lines
According to Delta’s managing director of onboard and uniform brand experience, Ekrem Dimbiloglu, Delta’s new look and feel is having a positive effect on customers, and the uniforms add to this because “they’re designed with intention.” He adds, “This collection is a seamless extension of Delta’s brand identity, spanning terminals, tarmacs, and time zones.”
Indeed, Delta One offers a perfect way to travel for those who want their flight experience to feel luxurious. I felt at ease both on the ground and in the air, and by the time I’d landed in Milan,I was ready to take on the busy days ahead—a sweet, stylish beginning to my fashion week journey.
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