High Fashion Meets the Cosmos: A Blend of Style and Space Exploration
In an extraordinary fusion of fashion and space exploration, the European Space Agency (ESA) hosted its first-ever fashion show at the Science Museum in London in May 2016. The event, dubbed "Couture in Orbit," was a unique spectacle that brought together students from some of Europe's most prestigious fashion schools, including Paris, London, Milan, Copenhagen, and Berlin.
The inspiration for this celestial catwalk came from visits by ESA astronauts to these schools. For instance, Lis Fornæs of the Fashion Design Akademiet Copenhagen shared that her students were fired up by a visit from Danish ESA astronaut Andreas Mogensen. Similarly, students from Ravensbourne in London were inspired by UK ESA astronaut Tim Peake.
The Italian students were intrigued by the fluid movements and gestures of astronauts in microgravity, while their counterparts in Copenhagen found inspiration in photosynthesis seen from space and the lack of visible country borders from above. ESA suggested the Italian students focus their projects on health and nutrition, as their assigned astronaut, Samantha Cristoforetti, is deeply engaged in these areas.
The show featured models, some of whom glided around on roller blades, adding a touch of outer-space flair. The event was not just a display of fashion but also a showcase of high-tech functional textiles. Sympatex, Bionic Yarn, and 37.5® Technology by Cocona® provided materials that were both stylish and functional for the space-themed outfits. Xsens provided 3D motion tracking sensors to the schools for the project.
Other exhibitors at the special Lates included D'Appolonia, eXtreme Materials, INanoE, Technical Absorbents, JOHAN technology, and LEAP technology. The show was launched by musician Pharrell Williams, who is the creative director of Bionic Yarn, a New York City-based start-up that makes fabric from recycled ocean plastic.
The students put in a considerable amount of effort despite their busy schedules, with those from Ravensbourne working tirelessly to complete their projects before graduating at the end of the year. The show included a video welcome by UK ESA astronaut Tim Peake and a performance by singer Jordan Gray.
Professor Ramiro Alvarado of ESMOD Berlin found the project amazing and stated it took them to new places, while Alex Tapia of Bionic Yarn described the show as innovative and refreshing. Gregory Haggquist, inventor of 37.5, stated that fashion will always be important and that their goal is to add reactive materials to all types of fabrics while allowing designers to have the freedom to share their creativity.
This unique fusion of fashion and space exploration marked a new chapter in the relationship between the European Space Agency and the world of haute couture, demonstrating that the stars are not just for gazing at but for inspiring innovative and creative ideas.
Science and technology intertwined with fashion and lifestyle were the focus of the "Couture in Orbit" event, held at London's Science Museum by the European Space Agency (ESA) in May 2016. High-tech functional textiles from Sympatex, Bionic Yarn, and 37.5® Technology by Cocona® were used to create stylish, space-themed outfits, while Xsens provided 3D motion tracking sensors to the participating fashion schools for the project.
