A luxury fashion house and a space infrastructure developer collaborate on a new drop. No, this is not the kickoff of some absurdist joke. Prada and Axiom Space have uncovered their design for the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU) spacesuit. The suit, unveiled at the International Astronautical Congress in Milan, Italy, will be used for NASA’s Artemis III mission. Yes, NASA (and Space Axiom and Prada) are sending us back to the moon. 

Jointly developed by Axiom Space and Prada, the next-generation spacesuit’s outer-layer integrates luxury artistry with aerospace engineering. “The Axiom Space-Prada partnership has set a new foundational model for cross-industry collaborations,” says Matt Ondler, Axiom Space President, in a press release, “further expanding what’s possible in commercial space.” 

In a landmark decision, NASA will be sending the first female astronaut to the lunar surface, so AxEMU, in addition to increased flexibility and safety, will accommodate a range of anthropomorphic sizing, making it compatible with male and female body types. The suit’s white material reflects heat and protects wearers (fingers crossed that this reaches off-the-rack) from lunar dust and extreme high temperatures, and will permit astronauts to spacewalk for a minimum of eight hours. 

So where does Prada come in? 

In short, the fashion house’s expertise lent an innovative, yet aesthetically appealing hand to Axiom Space’s endeavor. The design and product team worked directly with Axiom Space engineers to customize the features of AxEMU that would not only protect, but visually galvanize space exploration. Advanced technologies and innovative sewing methods equip the spacesuit with a functionality and aesthetic appeal never seen before. Prada’s extensive knowledge and experience on production processes and high-quality materials elevated the brand to an ideal candidate for the suit’s construction and the broader commercialization of space.