Space Haute Couture: Astronauts to Wear Prada Spacesuits for Mission to the Moon
Prada fashion house in collaboration with the commercial space company Axiom Spac has created a new space suit design that will be worn by astronauts during the upcoming mission to the moon, CNN reports.
The presentation took place during the International Astronautical Congress in Milan, Italy, on 16 October.
The new suits for astronauts are predominantly white. In some places, such as on the elbows and knees, the spacesuit model has grey spots.
Although the design does not contain logos, it still features red accent lines on the forearms, waist and portable lifestyle backpacks, which echo the defining features of Prada's Linea Rossa sub-brand.
The suits also have a number of innovative features - thanks to special shoes, participants in missions to the moon will be able to stay in outer space for at least eight hours every day.
The creators of the design claim that the suits will be made of white material that can reflect heat and provide protection from high temperatures and lunar dust.
In addition, the new astronomers' clothes have improved mobility compared to previous samples that have already been used for travelling to the Moon.
During the presentation, the creators of the suit said that Prada's professional knowledge of textile production and sewing techniques helped to ‘bridge the gap’ between functionality and style.
‘This is an innovative partnership. We are combining engineering, science and art,’ said Russell Ralston, executive vice president of Axiom Space, during the press conference.
The presented model of suits is suitable for both women and men.
During the presentation of the suit, its authors said that it took several years to create. During this period, 10 specialists of the fashion house constantly travelled between Milan and the Axiom Space base in Houston (USA).
NASA's Artemis III mission is expected to land on the lunar surface in the second half of 2026, the first time since 1972. The next mission to the Earth's satellite will be the first time a woman can take part.
‘Today, anyone with money can go into space. Soon it will be affordable, and people will be able to visit the Moon. So I think we're just at the beginning of a new era,’ said Lorenzo Bertelli, Marketing Director of Prada Group.