From left to right: Ponto Footwear's Aaron Roubitchek and Joey Marquis, Capsule Six's Diana Lomonaco, Oyster's Woodie White, Issa Rae, Ember Niche's Timothy Campbell and Jarrett Raghnal, Ana Mero, Cadence's Steph Hon
Delta, Issa Rae launch collab at LA Fashion Week | © Delta

The American airline Delta has launched its first-ever fashion collection in collaboration with Issa Rae at Los Angeles Fashion Week. The collaboration features a unique travel collection by six small business owners.

View of Hawthorne, Los Angeles, California from an airplane
View southwest across Hawthorne, Los Angeles County, California from an aeroplane heading toward Los Angeles International Airport © Famartin via Wikimedia Commons

Delta’s collaboration with Issa Rae at LA Fashion Week

Delta launched its first-ever fashion collection at Los Angeles Fashion Week on October 7th. The collection is a collaboration with American multi-hyphenated artist Issa Rae. The event was streamed live on Delta’s Instagram account and can be rewatched here.

The collection is named Runway Runway and features an exclusive, limited-edition collection designed by six small fashion designers from across the United States. Described by Delta as “a globetrotter’s wardrobe created by travellers for travellers”, the collection was presented in an aeroplane hangar in Hawthorne, Los Angeles, California, and is available for purchase in limited quantity at DeltaRunwayRunwayCollection.com.

“Our partnership with Issa has been a dream come true for Delta, allowing us to connect over our shared passion of lifting and connecting small businesses with others around the globe,” said Emmakate Young, Managing Director – Brand Marketing and Sponsorships at Delta. “As travel demand continues to rise, this campaign and the travel-inspired collection show that it’s time to explore. We hope Delta’s Runway Runway encourages others to be present, make new connections and find their own inspiration through travel.”

Hands in a circle
Diversity hands © Charles Gay/Delta

Showcasing six small business owners

Delta’s effort to support small businesses has a long history, and their goal with Runway Runway was to showcase and inspire diverse fashion designers from across the US. This is why their collection is a collaboration with six small fashion designers, who were all brought into the spotlight at the show. Here is a small overview of them.

  • Oyster, founded by Woodie White, is a travel-oriented apparel brand whose motto is “Travelling is a Sport.” White’s goal was to design clothes that can be worn both inside and outside of planes and airports.
  • Ember Niche is an eyewear brand founded by Timothy Cambell and Jarrett Raghnal. Their goal was to design stylish and durable eyewear that can withstand long red-eye flights.
  • Ponto Footwear is a footwear brand founded by Aaron Roubitchek and Joey Marquis. Their goal was to create sustainable, versatile and lightweight shoes that can fit in any carry-on and slip off easily at airport security.
  • Ana Mero Swim is a swimsuit brand founded by Ana Mero. Her goal was to create swimwear that is inclusive to diverse body types and can be worn in multiple styles for light packing.
  • Cadence, founded by Steph Hon, creates customizable toiletry kits made from recycled ocean-bound plastic. Hon’s goal was to design toiletry kits that are functional while being good for both health and the environment.
  • Finally, Classic Six, founded by Diana Lomonaco, creates pieces designed with the intention to create more with less and to be mixed and matched in order to pack light without losing style.

“My collaboration with Delta’s Runway Runway campaign is about more than showcasing the travel-inspired collections from these six unique, creative designers,” Issa Rae said. “It’s about elevating their stories, each deeply rooted in the belief that there is comfort in human connections, strength in being present, and inspiration to be found in the adventures we embark on.”

Do you think Delta’s collaboration with Issa Rae to showcase small fashion designers as part of their first fashion collection is a good idea? Let us know down below!

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