Ever since Richard Branson first announced Virgin Galactic back in 2004, the idea of developing a commercial spacecraft for space tourists has always had one focus: to make the impossible possible.
Now that Virgin Galactic’s new test launch places it on the verge of opening up a brave new world to Joe Public, it has found a surprising new partner to team up with: Y-3 by Yohji Yamamoto.
With huge importance placed on the level of precision involved to make space flight feasible, every bit of equipment and technology are as essential as the men that pioneer the monumental task. With every detail been given incredible attention, what to wear is no exception. This is where Y-3 comes in.
Y-3 is a sports-oriented, apparel brand whose designs have it at the forefront of the ‘future sportswear’ pack. It’s because of this that the Adidas-associated brand will be the third-party supplier to handle the apparel aboard Virgin Galactic flights.
To celebrate this partnership, Y-3 unveiled a prototype of the pilot flight suit and prototype flight boot at Spaceport America in New Mexico, the home of Galactic’s Gateway to Space terminal.
The suit brings together Y-3’s use of advanced fabrics, special techniques and bespoke specifications to create a suit that gives every pilot the best fit, comfort and performance possible. A lot of attention was given to the material engineering, as the suit is constructed from Nomex Meta Aramid material through a 3D engineered pattern.
The boots might look very simple and functional at first glance, but closer examinations reveals the small details that are flight specific and stylish. The boot is constructed from Sci-Fi sounding materials: Nomex and rubber with a traxion outsole. The pilot’s names are embroidered along the laterals in white, contrasting the boots, with Y-3 embroidery at the lower heels in bold, and Adidas’ iconic three stripes in the rear in reflective material.
In addition to the pilot flight-suit and boots, a bespoke limited edition Y-3 & Virgin Galactic partnership jacket was revealed that was distributed to the first passengers of the first ever Virgin Galactic commercial space flight. It’s fair to say that this partnership is one that will go where no sportswear brand has gone before.