The design for the spacesuit for NASA’s 2026 Artemis 3 mission is fashioned by luxury Italian maison Prada and Houston-based startup Axiom Space. And no, it’s not all pleats and exquisite colour blocking marking a new era in the history of space fashion. They’ve stuck to the original mandate (thank god for that) and the external design does not deviate significantly from what astronauts have previously worn. It’s the same old heavy white suit, with grey patches on the knees and elbows and red trim added, just with the added edge of Prada’s knowledge of raw materials, manufacturing processes, and creative design.
This got me thinking, what if other luxury brands branched out and took up projects slightly unexpected, away from the norm. Especially for fashion maisons. Imagine Versace running a VR and gaming vertical and maybe say, The Row running a highly obscure, invite-only (slightly cultish) home decor circle with no social media presence. Well, we’re in luck, because the AI software Gemini has already handpicked such careers for these brands and in case the Creative Directors are in a bit of a rut, here’s some job inspo away from all of that fashion overdose.
Chanel
Fine Art Collaborations:
Chanel could partner with renowned artists to create limited-edition art pieces or installations featuring their signature aesthetic. Tweeds and houndstooth overdose. I’d love that.
Versace
High-End Gaming and Entertainment:
They could design limited-edition gaming consoles, virtual reality experiences, or themed entertainment venues. Albeit with their maximalist tinge, that’s not going anywhere.
Rick Owens
Industrial Design:
Known for favouring the brutalist aesthetic, Rick Owens could create furniture, lighting fixtures, and home decor pieces that reflect his signature industrial chic style.
Loewe
Art Toys and Collectibles:
A line of limited-edition art toys and collectibles that incorporate their signature motifs and materials seems plausible. Will sell like hotcakes, hope JW Anderson is reading this.
Sabyasachi
Cultural Experiences:
Sabyasachi could organise cultural events or workshops that showcase Indian arts, crafts, and traditions, owing to the rich legacy and adoration for the arts that reflects seamlessly through their offerings.
Elie Saab
Event Planning and Design:
Acquainted with the magnanimity of the wedding culture globally, haute couture fashion label Elie Saab can find enormous potential in the bespoke event planning and design services, specialising in creating glamorous and unforgettable experiences.
Vivienne Westwood
Experiential Retail:
Westwood can create immersive retail experiences that challenge traditional shopping norms and engage customers on a deeper level to expand her brand beyond fashion while remaining true to her rebellious and provocative spirit.
Burberry
Heritage Preservation and Restoration:
Burberry has to be the most British brand ever. They could partner with heritage organisations to preserve and restore historic buildings or landmarks, by bringing in their expertise on such matters and even consult. So posh.
Schiaparelli
Surrealist-Themed Education and Workshops:
Daniel Roseberry’s baby is adept enough to offer educational workshops or courses on surrealism, art history, or creative thinking. These alternative ventures allow Schiaparelli to expand their brand beyond fashion and explore their surrealist aesthetic in new and exciting ways. Send link for enrolment please.
Louis Vuitton
Luxury Yacht and Boat Building:
LV could design and build luxury yachts and boats that incorporate their iconic monogram and travel-inspired aesthetic. Their cruise trips, imagine!
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