Virgin Galactic, Y-3 team up for hip-looking space travel apparel

The last few years have been kind to the space science and industry, putting it back on the map as one of the "cool" things in life. Being an astronaut (or even just a mohawk-wearing NASA engineer) is once again a cool and even reachable profession. But you know what would make astronauts cooler? Why, fancy new clothing, of course! That is why Virgin Galactic and Y-3 have announced a partnership that would give birth to a new line of "space apparel" for pilots, ground crew, and even passengers. Space isn't just the last frontier for humanity. Apparently, it is also for fashion designers as well.

It isn't surprising for Virgin Galactic to get into this kind of endeavor. After all, it is one of the few companies aiming to make space travel a commercial business. Pretty much like tourism. And in that kind of business, form is just as important as function. A new line of clothing, shoes, and accessories would be needed to make pilots comfortable, flexible, and stunning, all at the same time.

The other half of the partnership involves Y-3, itself a collaboration between Adidas and well known Japanese designer Yohji Yamamoto. As such, Y-3 has the needed knowledge for designing "futuristic" type of sportswear that utilizes advanced materials and manufacturing techniques.

The first prototype to come out of this partnership is a pilot flight suit and a pair of boots. The suit itself is made of Nomex Meta Aramid, a material that has the properties of kevlar but is more flexible than it. Designed in an all-black motif, it seems like an early prop for a TRON film, sans the neon lighting. The boots are also made from the same material but adds grips on soles and heel inserts for absorbing shocks and impacts, a fact of life for any astronaut.

While these prototypes are more intended for pilots, Y-3 will be designing apparel for the whole shebang of the space travel business. That includes members of the operations and maintenance team and even the hosting staff.

SOURCE: Virgin Galactic

Images VIA: Engadget