In an unprecedented fusion of high fashion and space exploration, Prada is set to leave its footprint on the lunar surface—albeit through design. The Italian luxury house has partnered with Axiom Space to create the spacesuit for NASA’s Artemis III mission, which aims to land the first woman and the first person of color on the moon, potentially as soon as September 2026.
Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada Group’s Chief Marketing Officer and Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, is the visionary behind this cosmic collaboration. “Partnering with Axiom Space has been an unprecedented journey,” Bertelli shared with Vogue via email. “I am particularly proud of our teams who have worked to provide tailor-made solutions to increase astronauts’ comfort and flexibility.”
The spacesuit was unveiled at the International Astronautical Congress in Milan, marking a significant milestone in the Artemis program. NASA has tasked Axiom Space with developing the Extravehicular Mobility Unit, essentially the next-generation spacesuit. In turn, Axiom enlisted Prada’s expertise in materials and design to enhance the suit’s functionality and aesthetic appeal.
“We are pioneering a new era in space exploration,” stated Russell Ralston, Axiom Space’s Executive Vice President of Extravehicular Activity. “For the first time, we are leveraging expertise in other industries to craft a better solution for space.”
While the suit bears no overt Prada logo, its design subtly echoes the brand’s Linea Rossa technical line, known for its distinctive red accents. The white exterior is punctuated with strategic red lines, a nod to Prada’s heritage and a visual cue that blends form with function. These red stripes are more than stylistic; they serve to distinguish the mission commander from other crew members—a detail that Mrs. Prada and co-creative director Raf Simons found particularly meaningful.
Prada’s involvement extends beyond aesthetics. The brand contributed to the development of the suit’s outer layer, focusing on advanced materials and innovative sewing techniques. Designed to withstand the moon’s extreme temperatures, especially at the lunar south pole, the suit enables astronauts to operate in the coldest regions for up to two hours and perform spacewalks lasting at least eight hours.
This venture isn’t Prada’s first foray into technical gear. The brand’s history with high-performance apparel dates back to its work with the Luna Rossa sailing team in the America’s Cup. The experience gained from crafting specialized sportswear has proven invaluable in meeting the rigorous demands of space travel. In fact, some former Prada employees who worked on Linea Rossa have transitioned to roles at aerospace companies like SpaceX and Boeing.
“We have proposed to Axiom new weaving processes with high-performance yarns or near-seamless production that could become interesting future solutions for the spacesuits team to consider,” Bertelli noted, hinting at long-term implications beyond the Artemis mission.
The Artemis III mission represents more than a return to the moon; it’s a step toward future deep space exploration, including potential missions to Mars. NASA’s collaboration with private-sector partners like Axiom Space, Prada, and SpaceX signifies a new era where cross-industry expertise accelerates innovation.
The astronauts selected for this historic journey have yet to be announced. However, NASA has affirmed its commitment to inclusivity: “For the benefit of all humanity, NASA and its partners will land the first woman and first person of color on the surface of the Moon with Artemis.”
As the world anticipates this monumental leap, Prada’s contribution symbolizes a melding of technology and artistry, function and fashion. It’s a reminder that exploration, whether terrestrial or celestial, is a human endeavor enriched by diverse perspectives and skills.
In the words of Bertelli, this collaboration is “just one small step” in a much larger journey—a journey that now, quite literally, includes reaching for the stars.
