Skybus to Shangri-La: Ben Doctor Reimagines Midcentury Glamour for the Modern Jet Set at NYFW

What is New York Fashion Week without its emerging designers? It is the beating heart of the event, the source of its most thrilling and unexpected ideas. Yesterday, inside a packed Chinatown art studio, designer Ben Doctor delivered a potent dose of that essential energy, unveiling 18 looks that masterfully reimagined the romantic promise of midcentury air travel for a new generation.

Titled “SKYBUS” for Spring/Summer 2026, the collection drew directly from the history of the working flight attendant, a figure once defined by crisp, impeccable A-line uniforms that symbolized both elegance and adventure. Doctor’s genius lies in his update of this iconic silhouette for today’s “bus in the sky” reality, marrying the disciplined, sophisticated shapes of the 1950s and 60s with a distinctly modern, urban edge.

The show was a study in contrasts—a core tenet of the Ben Doctor design philosophy. Structured gingham jackets with exaggerated, architectural shoulders were contrasted with fluid, effortless trousers. Crisp white cotton evoked the pristine uniform of a Pan Am stewardess, while distressed textures and unconventional fabric choices grounded the collection in downtown New York grit. The romance of jet-setting to far-off destinations was palpable, but it was a romance earned, not given—a look for the traveler who values both style and substance.

This dialogue between past and present was amplified by key collaborations. Models’ strides were powered by Sneex, the groundbreaking "hy-heel" that merges stiletto sophistication with sneaker comfort—a perfect metaphor for a collection built on elegant practicality. The beauty look, crafted by makeup artist Iona Moura using AppleDoll products, followed a theme of “art over perfection.” It was a bold, intentional statement that complemented the clothing’s visionary blend of vintage inspiration and contemporary rebellion.

“The art of transformation unites the worlds of AppleDoll and Ben Doctor,” said Madeleine Favreau, AppleDoll's Founder. “Makeup and fashion exist in tandem. Both are incredibly powerful tools that should be wielded with intention and care. We're honored to work with a brand who holds values so close to our own. Together, we reimagine vintage glamour to dream up the future of aesthetics.”

With “SKYBUS,” Ben Doctor didn’t just present a collection; he offered a passport to a world where the golden age of travel is not a forgotten memory, but a living, breathing inspiration for how we move through our modern lives—with purpose, poetry, and impeccable style.

Ben Doctor NYFW SS26