Vintage Airplane Fabric Bags
From Flight to Fashion: Seattle’s Boeing Legacy Reimagined
During the late 1960s and early ’70s, Boeing’s Seattle design teams developed a series of experimental upholstery fabrics for its 747 and 727 aircraft—durable woven textiles engineered to withstand the rigors of flight while expressing each airline’s unique identity. These distinctive fabrics appeared in the cabins of legendary carriers such as Pan Am, TWA, Braniff International, Western Airlines, Aerolíneas Argentinas, Egypt Air, and Air New Zealand, capturing the artistry and optimism of the golden age of air travel.
Today, we’re honoring that legacy by preserving and reimagining these authentic vintage Boeing 747 and 727 upholstery fabrics—connecting Seattle’s history of innovation to the craftsmanship of modern sustainable design.
Explore the Boeing Fabric Library: Vintage Airline Textiles & Prototypes
Sky Arches
Vintage Boeing upholstery fabric, 1970s — undulating geometric waves in bteal, lue, green and violet
Aerolinas Argentinas - Verdant Bloom
Vintage Boeing textile created for Aerolíneas Argentinas, 1970s — elegant tonal green upholstery with woven floral pattern.
Western Airlines - Orbit
Developed for Western Airlines interiors, 1970s — bold concentric circle motif in blue and gold.
Western Airlines - Paisley
Developed for Western Airlines interiors, 1970s — ornate paisley textile in multicolor jewel tones
AVIATION HISTORY, MADE FOR DAILY LIFE
From aircraft interiors to your daily essentials — a collection that reimagines authentic airplane fabrics into washable, everyday handbags built to last.
At Crystalyn Kae Accessories, we transform genuine 1970's-90's Boeing upholstery fabrics into machine-washable, rain-ready handbags built for decades of daily use. Each bag is proudly made in Seattle, USA, sewn in our studio on restored vintage industrial sewing machines—the same kind of heavy-duty equipment originally used to stitch these aircraft interiors—ensuring strength, precision, and longevity.
This limited-edition collection blends the glamour of mid-century flight with the practicality of contemporary design, allowing you to carry home a piece of aviation history that’s as durable as it is distinctive.
Time travel
Delving into the Boeing archives, Crystalyn was able to piece together the intricate details of the planes that once showcased these fabrics. It was an immersive journey through time, unlocking a wealth of information that breathed life into the collection. By connecting the fabrics to their original Boeing aircraft, the handbags became not just accessories but gateways to a rich aviation heritage.
a remarkable discovery
we discovered a beloved chapter of aviation history from an estate sale of a retired Boeing employee: a veritable treasure trove of vintage upholstery fabric samples for airplane seats from the late 1960's and early 70's. These iconic textiles are our muse for our latest handbag collection.
a legacy of sustainable handbag design
For the past 20+ years Crystalyn Kae has been crafting accessories that stand the test of time.
Crystalyn Kae's expertise shines through in each handbag, as we meticulously cut, stitch, and shape the materials into wearable works of art. Every stitch, seam, and finishing touch is a testament to the passion and skill that goes into creating a truly exceptional bag that will last a lifetime.
paying homage to iconic fabrics
Recognizing the historical significance of these vintage fabrics, we embarked on a quest to uncover the specific Boeing planes these samples were used on. The Boeing archives have provided invaluable insights into the aircraft models, cabins, and upholstery designs of that era.
We have slowly been able to identify the airlines and planes that once showcased these fabrics. By connecting the fabrics to their original Boeing aircraft, these new handbags are a way to experience the glamour and elegance of air travel in the 1970s.
handbags in Flying Colors
follow our journey as we breathe new life into these materials, carefully balancing their inherent beauty with contemporary design elements into bags and travel accessories that strike the perfect blend of past and present
