A luxury fashion brand making space history? You heard it right. On October 16, at the International Astronautical Congress in Milan, Axiom Space and Prada unveiled the new Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU) spacesuit. This groundbreaking design will accompany NASA’s Artemis III mission, which will land astronauts—including the first woman—on the Moon in 2026, marking humanity’s return after the Apollo 17 mission in 1972. This announcement is more than just news; it’s proof that Prada isn't just about runways—it's about redefining boundaries.
When Fashion Meets Space Exploration Prada’s collaboration with Axiom Space goes beyond aesthetics. Together, they’ve developed a next-gen spacesuit derived from NASA’s xEMU model, fine-tuned to withstand the harsh environment of the Moon's South Pole. This region is particularly challenging with extreme temperatures and permanent shadowed areas, holding traces of water ice and other ancient elements from the solar system's early days. Prada’s expertise in high-performance materials and precision craftsmanship ensures the AxEMU spacesuit will keep astronauts comfortable and safe for extended spacewalks of up to 8 hours. Beyond thermal resistance, the suit is designed to operate efficiently in the coldest, darkest craters for a minimum of two hours—a significant upgrade over its predecessor.
Functional Fashion, the Prada Way From enhancing cooling systems to reworking the helmet’s visor with durable yet transparent materials, Prada shows that luxury isn’t just about style—it’s about functionality. The final version will appear in white to reflect heat and protect astronauts from lunar dust, with subtle hints of Prada’s signature touch. While the iconic triangle logo won’t make it to space, keep an eye out for the brand’s signature Prada Red Stripe woven into the sleeves, pants, and helmet—a sophisticated, standout detail against the dark expanse of the Moon.
Breaking Barriers, One Step at a Time Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada’s Marketing Director, summed up the brand’s venture into space: "Overcoming our limits is one of the values that best reflect the spirit of Prada and the vision of my parents. I am very proud of the result we show today; it is only the first step of the collaboration with Axiom Space. The collaboration with them does not end here” Beyond the collaboration, this project aligns perfectly with Prada's spirit of embracing challenges, connecting luxury fashion with cutting-edge technology. It’s another ambitious step in Prada’s “Pradasphere”—adding space exploration to a portfolio that already spans fashion, jewelry, beauty, and sportswear.
Luxury Brands Beyond Earth Prada isn’t the first luxury brand to reach beyond Earth’s atmosphere. The 1960s saw Omega watches defying gravity, engineered to endure extreme G-forces and temperatures. Now, in 2024, Prada joins the journey to space, taking fashion to a new frontier. This mission reflects a growing trend: luxury brands are no longer content with drawing inspiration from space—they’re becoming a part of it. As humanity returns to the Moon, these partnerships mark a new era of collaboration between fashion and science, proving that what we wear can inspire the future—not just here on Earth but across the stars.
Who Will Wear Prada on the Moon? NASA hasn’t revealed the full Artemis III crew yet, and the final versions of the AxEMU spacesuits are still undergoing testing. But one thing’s for sure: the astronauts making history in 2026 will be wrapped in Prada-designed innovation and style. From Milan to the Moon, Prada reminds us that the future of fashion has no limits.