UK airline launches copycat of Princess Diana’s famous £42k Virgin Atlantic sweatshirt – just in time for Christmas
VIRGIN Atlantic has launched their first ever lifestyle collection – and it includes the iconic Princess Diana jumper.
The airline has collaborated with British designers Fenella Smith and Oliver Co to create the huge range of treats just in time for Christmas.
On sale from today, the most popular item is expected to be the “Queen of the Skies jumper” which was inspired by the “Fly Virgin Atlantic” sweatshirt Princess Diana wore in 1995.
Costing £70, the blue jumper originally sold for £42k in auction, so is a fraction of the price.
It now comes in navy and cream, with sizes from S to XL, although buy it during a flight and it will cost you just £58.33 thanks to the cheaper Duty Free price.
However, there are lots of other items in the range too, including Virgin Atlantic t-shirts, luggage tags, passport holders and playing cards.
Shai Weiss, CEO at Virgin Atlantic, commented: “On our mission to be the most loved travel company, we’re committed to elevating our customer experience at every opportunity.
“Our passion for design is one of the things our customers love most, and this brand new travel range will enhance their journey, both on and off the runway.
“Collaborating with talented British designers Fenella Smith and Oliver Co, we’ve curated a collection of responsibly crafted pieces, each underpinned by our commitment to providing a premium experience, while making every customer touchpoint as sustainable as possible.”
Designer Fenella Smith added that they were inspired by the Virgin Atlantic bright red.
The full collection of Virgin Atlantic’s lifestyle range include:
- High Flier passport holder – £70
- Hello luggage tag – £40
- Big Spender card holder – £50
- Landing gear travel wallet – £90
- Canvas travel tote – £90
- Flight bag – £95
- Runway ready pouch – £60
- Billie Holiday jumper (available in blue and cream) – £70
- Billie Holiday t-shirt (available in blue and cream) – £35
- Queen of the Skies jumper (available in blue and cream) – £70
- Queen of the Skies t-shirt (available in blue and cream) – £35
- Rain Bow jumper (available in blue and cream) – £70
- Rain Bow t-shirt (available in blue and cream) – £35
- Virgin Atlantic playing cards – £12
- Virgin Atlantic pronoun badge card – £10
The Princess Diana jumper was gifted to Princess Diana by Richard Branson himself, and eventually given to her personal trainer Jenni Rivett.
Ms Rivett said in a statement after the jumper went up for auction: “This sweatshirt was given to HRH by Sir Richard Branson.
“It became her most worn top on her regular visits to the gym.”
Princess Diana’s iconic sheep jumper by the brand Warm & Wonderfall sold for even more – a whopping £916,700.
For something slightly cheaper, we’ve rounded up the 10 travel stocking fillers for less than a fiver.