Luxury Conquers Space: Prada Dresses the First Female Astronaut
This publication is also available in: 
Français 
English (UK) 
Deutsch 
Italiano 
Español
Walking on the Moon in Prada? This dream is about to become a reality for the very first female astronaut to set foot on lunar soil! The Italian luxury brand has teamed up with engineering company Axiom Space to create new space suits, unveiled in a preview on October 16 in Milan during a press conference.
These suits will accompany the astronauts of NASA’s Artemis III mission, scheduled for September 2026, in their exploration of the Moon’s South Pole.
A giant leap for humanity, fashion, and women! Decoding a fashion and lunar project that inspires dreams.
The Astronomical Collaboration of Prada and Axiom Space
How do you go from the runways of Fashion Week to the Moon? Quite easily if you possess the expertise of Prada!
The collaboration between Prada and Axiom is based on Axiom’s space expertise and the textile know-how of the luxury brand to create highly technological suits for astronauts who will face the extreme challenges of the Moon—freezing temperatures, intense radiation—while ensuring the safety and freedom of movement of the astronauts.
Beyond the technical aspect, this suit has a historical dimension, as highlighted by Matt Ondler, president of Axiom: “The first woman, the first person of color, and the first non-American on the Moon will wear this suit.” According to Axiom, this collaboration marks an additional step in the connection between science and art.
The Design of the Suits
The Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU), the full name of this space suit, is a true jewel of technology.
It has been designed to withstand the extreme and unpredictable conditions of the lunar South Pole, where the environment is particularly hostile. Thanks to its expertise in materials, manufacturing techniques, and innovative design, Prada has worked hand in hand with Axiom Space to develop this unique suit, capable of protecting astronauts and making human exploration of this region of the Moon possible for the first time.
Unveiled at the International Astronautical Congress organized by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), the suit is the result of a unique collaboration between international leaders in technology, innovation, and creativity. It is worth noting that this is a major first for a fashion brand to push innovation so far into the space domain.
If you happen to be in Milan, don’t hesitate to go admire this space suit on display since October 18 in an installation at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. A visit we highly recommend!
Space: The New Playground of Luxury?
If Prada is the first brand to venture into the design of space suits, it is highly likely that others will follow and also want to capitalize on this new market.
Will we see a segment dedicated to space travelers? Probably, but it is equally likely (and more accessible) that brands will focus on another rapidly expanding market: technological clothing adapted to the challenges of climate change.
This collaboration marks a groundbreaking turning point in fashion: the entry of haute couture into the space sector. It may seem historic, and indeed it is! Believe me, this partnership between Prada and Axiom Space is just the beginning that will lead to a sudden technological advancement in the design, qualities, and technological performance of future garments.
Throughout history, fashion has redefined our relationship with the body, time, culture, and the environment; it only took a space suit for luxury to soar to the stars.
Image credit: ©Prada/AxiomSpace
