A historic mission to space
In what promises to be a groundbreaking moment for both space exploration and fashion, the first all-female civilian crew is set to embark on a Blue Origin spaceflight today.
Leading the charge is Lauren Sanchez, fiancée of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, joined by global pop sensation Katy Perry and a roster of accomplished women who will soar to the stars.
This historic event is sure to capture the world’s attention, but there’s an added twist: the crew is wearing stunning designer outfits as they blast off.
Fashion meets space exploration
While the mission itself is a giant leap for women in science and space, it’s the fashion choices that are truly turning heads. Forget the typical baggy, utilitarian spacesuits you might expect — this crew is stepping into space in jewel-toned, figure-hugging creations that combine futuristic aesthetics with glamorous flair.
The suits, designed by the powerhouse duo Fernando Garcia and Laura Kim of Monse, are a stylish blend of high fashion and space gear. The design team, also known for their work as creative directors at luxury brand Oscar de la Renta, crafted these suits to be as functional as they are fashionable.
Garcia explained, “Simplicity was important, and comfort and fit, but we also wanted something that was a little dangerous, like a motocross outfit or a ski suit. Flattering and sexy.” Indeed, these suits are all that and more, designed with a sleek, body-con fit made from flame-resistant stretch neoprene rather than the usual stiff, shiny fabric typical of astronaut gear.
The suits are equipped with a dual-zip front for a “just unzipped” vibe, a slight mandarin collar, and a belt to cinch the waist.
Perhaps the most eye-catching feature is the zippers on the calves, which allow the wearer to create a dramatic flared effect. As pop star Katy Perry quipped, “We’re putting the ‘ass’ in astronaut,” and with the Monse-designed suits, she certainly isn’t wrong.
The incredible all-female crew
In addition to Sanchez and Perry, the crew includes a group of trailblazing women from various fields. Kerianne Flynn, a producer and Sanchez’s close friend joins the mission alongside Aisha Bowe, a former NASA engineer and CEO of STEMBoard, and Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics researcher and advocate for survivors of sexual assault. Emmy-winning journalist and CBS Mornings co-host Gayle King will also be part of the crew, marking another remarkable achievement for women in media and space exploration.
These women are not only breaking barriers but are doing so with a sense of style that perfectly blends high fashion with space exploration, redefining what it means to go to space in the 21st century.
The flight details
Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket is set to launch on April 14 at 9:30 AM ET (Eastern Time), propelling the crew to an altitude of 100 kilometers (62 miles) above Earth.
This will take them beyond the Karman line, the internationally recognized boundary of space. Once in space, the crew will experience about four minutes of weightlessness before the capsule returns to Earth, guided by three parachutes to ensure a soft landing. The entire mission will last approximately 10 minutes.
Where to watch
For those eager to witness this historic event, Blue Origin will be broadcasting the flight live. Coverage will begin at 8:00 AM ET, with the launch scheduled for 9:30 AM ET. You can watch the entire mission on Blue Origin’s official website or their X account.
So, mark your calendars and prepare for a dazzling event in space history.