The astronauts chosen for NASA’s Artemis III mission are set to make a style statement as they enter Earth’s orbit. They will don space gear created in partnership with Prada. This surprising collaboration was revealed at Prada’s SoHo store in Manhattan just before the Artemis III crew announcement.
Prada and Axiom Space introduced their revised Liquid Cooling and Ventilation Garment (L.C.V.G.). This garment will be worn under the Extravehicular Mobility Unit spacesuits also made by Axiom Space and Prada. These suits will be used during lunar missions, as well as lunar walks.
The event, held in the sleek, architecturally noted Prada store designed by Rem Koolhaas, began around 10:30 a.m. Waiters in black served champagne and green juice to the guests. A stage was set up amidst luxury items like high-end handbags and dresses to highlight the new space attire.
Jonathan Cirtain, CEO of Axiom Space, commented on the garment’s visual appeal—an unusual factor for space clothing. The L.C.V.G. represents a second phase of Prada’s work with Axiom Space, following their initial release of the EMU in 2023. The L.C.V.G. features a form-fitting gray fabric made with a proprietary yarn mix, including titanium.
The garment includes stirrup pants and black tubes extending from the shoulders. These tubes contour over the arms, waist, and thighs. Like a map of the human body, they provide pathways for cooling water to circulate throughout the suit. This design marks a shift from previous L.C.V.G.s which were akin to long underwear. The new version resembles a superhero unitard, part of its appeal to the audience.
The Prada event was not solely about fashion but highlighted functionality. The L.C.V.G. appeared alongside the AxEMU spacesuit, emphasizing their practical use in future space missions.