Washington: Italian luxury fashion house Prada has introduced a specially designed inner-layer garment intended for NASA astronauts, highlighting the brand’s growing ambitions in the expanding space industry. The unveiling took place at Prada’s Manhattan store during a media event held in New York.
The body-fitting suit was developed in partnership with Houston-based space infrastructure company Axiom Space. According to Reuters, the garment incorporates knitted ventilation tubes and forms part of the newly developed Liquid Cooling and Ventilation Garment system designed for astronauts heading into space.
Collaboration With Axiom Space
Speaking at the launch event, Prada Chief Marketing Officer Lorenzo Bertelli said the company possesses a broad range of expertise and technical knowledge that can contribute to advanced industries such as space exploration. Jonathan Cirtain, CEO of Axiom Space, also noted that innovation in space technology can emerge from industries that may initially appear unrelated, including fashion and luxury design.
The newly introduced garment is designed to support astronauts during missions by helping regulate body temperature and assisting ventilation during spacewalks. Reports from Reuters and other media outlets stated that the product is part of Prada’s continued collaboration with Axiom Space following earlier work on next-generation spacesuits for NASA missions.
Linked To Artemis Moon Missions
Prada had first entered the spacewear segment in 2024 when it collaborated with Axiom Space on spacesuits connected to NASA’s Artemis program. Those suits are expected to play a role in future lunar missions, including Artemis 4, which is anticipated to target a moon landing in 2028.
The latest unveiling further strengthens Prada’s position as one of the first luxury fashion companies to move beyond inspiration from space travel into direct technological collaboration within the aerospace sector. Luxury brand strategist Thomai Serdari told Reuters that Prada has progressed from simply drawing inspiration from space to becoming actively involved in the industry itself.
Luxury Industry Looks Toward Space Travel
As commercial space tourism gains attention from wealthy consumers, luxury brands are increasingly exploring opportunities linked to the sector. Reuters reported that companies such as Under Armour and Columbia Sportswear have already collaborated with space-focused firms on apparel and fabric technologies.
Axiom Space has teamed up again with @Prada to introduce the Liquid Cooling and Ventilation Garment (LCVG), the innermost layer within the #AxEMU spacesuit that is designed to protect astronauts from the elements when they explore the lunar surface for the first time in more than… pic.twitter.com/Oqoz8x8Ohj
— Axiom Space (@Axiom_Space) June 7, 2026
Industry experts believe Prada’s move could help the company align itself with innovation and futuristic thinking while also appealing to affluent customers interested in space travel. Luca Solca, global head of luxury goods at Bernstein, noted that renewed interest in moon missions and space exploration is expected to draw significant public attention, making it an attractive area for luxury brands seeking visibility.
Luxury Sector Faces Market Challenges
Prada’s expansion into the aerospace field also comes at a time when the luxury goods sector continues to navigate economic pressures. Reuters reported that after signs of stabilization following a prolonged slowdown, the industry faced renewed disruptions linked to the Iran conflict earlier this year, affecting travel and luxury spending in several regions.
Despite growing interest from major luxury players including Louis Vuitton, Hermès and Chanel, analysts believe brands are likely to pursue distinct approaches rather than directly replicate Prada’s strategy in the space industry.
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