Y-3: to infinity and beyond
Y-3 and Virgin Galactic have been developing the intersection of fashion and space, underpinned by a shared approach to design and innovation. Y-3, a fashion collaboration between adidas and Yohji Yamamoto, announces a partnership with the future of space access, Virgin Galactic.
The project materializes through an association driven by a shared desire to innovate and explore. To celebrate the partnership, Y-3 unveiled a prototype of the pilot flight-suit and a prototype flight boot.
It all happened at Spaceport America in New Mexico, home to Virgin Galactic’s Gateway to Space terminal. Lawrence Midwood, Senior Director, Design at Y-3, and Adam Wells, Head of Design at Virgin Galactic, revealed the prototypes.
They also gave and shared some insight into their collaborative journey. The Y-3 design team has paired the adidas brand’s technical know-how and Y-3’s directional approach to style with the use of advanced fabrics.
All of it along with special techniques and bespoke specifications to ensure fit, comfort and performance. This flight-suit is being designed to fully support a pilot’s natural seating position.
It was all identified through a series of tests and trials with the Virgin Galactic pilot corps.
Y-3 Virgin Galactic: Ready to Fly
Material engineering is key, as the flight-suit has been constructed from Nomex Meta-Aramid materials. Development was made through a 3D engineered pattern.
The specially developed flight boot contains leather and Nomex materials and features advanced structural details for tailored functionally, including an outsole with TRAXION™ outsole lugs for ultimate grip and an adiPRENE® heel insert for comfort and shock absorption.
These prototypes have reached a stage of maturity that will enable pilots to start trialing them in-flight during Virgin Galactic’s flight test program. The pilots’ feedback on such features and functionality can then be integrated into a fully resolved and test-proven design.
In addition to the work in progress developing the pilot flight-suit and boot, a bespoke limited edition Y-3 & Virgin Galactic partnership jacket has been revealed.
The jacket was designed, produced and distributed to the future astronauts. The ones who will be passengers of the first ever Virgin Galactic commercial space flights.
Check out the official statement of the Y-3 Virgin Galactic collaboration.
