Sartorial spacemen: Virgin Galactic reveal collaboration with Adidas’ Y-3 label
In space, you may not be able to hear people scream – but at least there’s now no need to dress so badly that they might actually want to. Not now Richard Branson’s space tourism venture Virgin Galactic has unveiled a partnership with Yohji Yamamoto’s Adidas label Y-3 to develop a new range of bespoke flight suits for pilots and passengers.
The two companies have been plotting the collaboration since December 2013, according to Virgin Galactic’s head of design Adam Wells, but went public this week at their Norman Foster-designed launch facility Spaceport America with the first fruits of the development – three prototype pilot flight suits constructed from the flame-resistant, tough hydrocarbon material Nomex, a close relative of body armour Kevlar. Y-3 is also supplying custom fit boots based on its GSG-9.2 German special forces boot.
The prototype suits blend conventional pilot flight suit design with a 3D pattern experimental NASCAR suit from Adidas’ innovations department – combining bonded seams with careful design to ensure comfort if seated for long periods of time, as well as stretch features to help reach overhead instrument controls, explains Lawrence Midwood, Y-3’s senior director of design.
The prototypes will be reviewed and redesigned based on pilot experience during the roll out of Virgin Galactic’s second, sub-orbital rocket powered SpaceShip Two – VSS Unity – this February. VG’s first SpaceShip Two, VSS Enterprise, broke up during a test flight in 2014, killing one pilot and seriously injuring the other.
'At Y-3 we’re very inspired by uniform and work wear but to take inspiration from something is one thing – to try to provide a garment that experienced professional pilots will wear during test missions is something else,' said Midwood. 'The suit needs to be safe, bold, strong and confident – projecting security so the pilot is safe and comes across as a safe, heroic figure… who you’d trust taking your father on a daring trip.'
Watch the official Y-3 and Virgin Galactic partnership announcement on film
INFORMATION
For more information, visit Virgin Galactic’s website
Photography courtesy of Y-3 and Virgin Galactic
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox
-
Find yourself at Six Senses Kyoto, the brand's breathtaking Japan debut
Six Senses Kyoto opens its doors boasting tranquil, luxurious interiors by Blink Design Group
By Danielle Demetriou Published
-
Shigeru Ban’s mini Paper Log House welcomed at The Glass House
'Shigeru Ban: The Paper Log House' is shown at The Glass House in New Canaan, USA as the house museum of American architect Philip Johnson plays host to the Japanese architect’s model temporary home concept
By Adrian Madlener Published
-
Artist Mickalene Thomas wrestles with notions of Black beauty, female empowerment and love
'Mickalene Thomas: All About Love’, a touring exhibition, considers Black female representation
By Hannah Silver Published
-
Mushrooms are being transformed into sustainable luxury materials
The fashion and sportswear brands on a mission to create a greener future with fungi, from Stella McCartney to Lululemon
By Laura Hawkins Last updated
-
Dive into Adidas’ first liquid billboard in Dubai
In celebration of the German brand's full-cover women’s swimwear line, female beachgoers in Dubai were invited to make a splash in the first liquid billboard
By Laura Hawkins Last updated
-
Adidas and Allbirds unveil lowest carbon footprint trainer
‘Futurecraft.Footprint’, the first design in Adidas and Allbirds’ pioneering partnership, is an elemental performance shoe with a carbon emissions footprint of just 2.94kg
By Laura Hawkins Last updated
-
Step up! New collectible trainers for rare sneaker seekers
From Valentino's stud-embellished sneakers to sleek silhouettes by Tod's and Prada inspired by soundsystem and racing boat design, we present the trainers essential for your archive
By Laura Hawkins Last updated
-
Adidas and Allbirds join forces in the race against climate change
Announced today, a new performance shoe developed by the two brands will leverage natural materials and technical innovation to achieve the lowest-ever carbon footprint
By TF Chan Last updated
-
Tread lightly: eco trainers to minimise your carbon footprint
By Nick Compton Last updated
-
A monumental Dior retrospective opens at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris
By Amy Verner Last updated
-
Raf Simons and Adidas launch a limited-edition range of trainers
By Romy van den Broeke Last updated