United Airlines Polaris Day Blanket
A limited-edition Polaris day blanket translating fashion design into a premium onboard textile experience.
Context
As Design Lead at WESSCO International, I led the development of the United Airlines × Saks Fifth Avenue Polaris Day Blanket, featuring an original pattern by fashion designer Claude Kameni. The project formed part of Saks Fifth Avenue’s The New Wave designer accelerator program, which celebrates emerging fashion talent.
My role was to translate Kameni’s fashion print into an aviation textile that could be manufactured at scale while maintaining the integrity of the original design. Following the limited-edition launch, I also led the development of the standard grey quilted Polaris day blanket introduced across the fleet.
Challenge
The challenge was adapting a fashion print for airline production while preserving its character across a woven textile.
The blanket needed to deliver warmth, comfort, and durability for long-haul service while reflecting both United’s premium cabin experience and Saks Fifth Avenue’s design-led identity. Following the special edition, the permanent Polaris blanket also needed to establish a timeless design suitable for long-term fleet use.
Our Approach
Translating Fashion into Textile
Working with Saks Fifth Avenue and Claude Kameni, I adapted the original artwork for woven production, refining colour, scale, and repeat patterns to suit the manufacturing process while preserving the character of the design.
Designing for Airline Performance
The blanket was woven using 100% recycled plastic yarns, balancing softness, durability, and sustainability for repeated airline use. Multiple rounds of textile development refined weave density, colour accuracy, and pattern clarity before production.
Developing the Standard Collection
Following the limited-edition program, I led the development of the permanent grey quilted Polaris day blanket. The new design introduced a quieter, more timeless aesthetic while maintaining the premium quality established through the Saks collaboration.
Sampling and Production
Working closely with WESSCO’s sourcing teams and textile manufacturing partners, I oversaw sampling, construction refinement, and production development across both blanket programs.
The Work
Development of the limited-edition United Airlines × Saks Fifth Avenue Polaris day blanket.
Adaptation of Claude Kameni’s fashion artwork for woven textile production.
Development of the permanent grey quilted Polaris day blanket.
Colour, weave, and material refinement using 100% recycled yarns.
Textile sampling, production development, and manufacturing coordination.
Collaboration with United Airlines, Saks Fifth Avenue, Claude Kameni, and textile manufacturing partners.
