Etihad turns 15 with party at Louvre Abu Dhabi

Supermodel Joan Smalls and actress Liv Tyler were among 400 guests at a star-studded party at Louvre Abu Dhabi last night to celebrate Etihad Airways’ 15th anniversary.

The airline also unveiled a limited edition collection of scarves and ties created in collaboration with fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg, which will be worn by Etihad cabin crew next month.

The design of the new accessories was inspired by the Yas Marina Circuit in a nod to Etihad’s 10-year partnership with Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which takes place next month from November 23 to 25.

“The F1 is such a prestigious event and I was thrilled to collaborate with Etihad Airways on this exciting project,” said Ms von Furstenberg, who is also president of the Council of Fashion Designers of America.

“The geometric pattern of the scarf was inspired by the Grand Prix racetrack and there are so many layers of meaning to the colours.

“Purple is the colour of royalty and the orange is inspired by the sand because what is more beautiful than a sunset in the desert?

“I hope the cabin crews feels very proud to wear the

The new Etihad scarves feature a geometric pattern in purple for royalty and orange for the desert

scarf. It reflects everything Etihad is about – elegance and style.”

Etihad started flying on November 5, 2003, with a single Airbus A330 aircraft which flew from Abu Dhabi to Al Ain. Regular commercial flights started a week later to the Lebanese capital, Beirut.

Ms Smalls presented the new creations at last night’s celebration, with a photo shoot at Yas Marina Circuit and a video as part of the Etihad Airways’ Model Diaries series, which has also featured Chanel Iman, Nick Bateman and Shanina Shaik.

Ms Tyler’s presence was tinged with nostalgia, as her father Steve Tyler’s band Aerosmith performed the closing concert at the first F1 event 10 years ago.

“We are thrilled to be launching these limited edition cabin crew scarves and ties in collaboration with world-renowned fashion designer, Diane von Furstenberg, here at Louvre Abu Dhabi,” said Tony Douglas, chief executive of Etihad Aviation Group.

“Not only are we launching it to commemorate 10 years of Formula One racing in the capital, but it also coincides with our 15-year anniversary and that’s what makes this collaboration so special to us.”