When the all-female crew of Blue Origin’s NS-31 spaceflight soared into the stratosphere on April 14, 2025, the world didn’t just witness a scientific milestone—it also saw a style statement for the ages. With a crew that included Katy Perry, Gayle King, and Lauren Sánchez, this mission became as much about symbolism and visibility as it was about exploration. But one unexpected element stood out: the custom-designed space suits that fused fashion with functionality.
In a bold departure from the traditional boxy astronaut look, the women wore flattering, tailored flight suits co-created by Lauren Sánchez and renowned fashion house Monse, founded by designers Fernando Garcia and Laura Kim. It was a rare and powerful moment when space history met high fashion—and the result was nothing short of stellar.
Blue Origin’s NS-31 flight marked the first all-female crewed spaceflight since 1963. As the capsule crossed the Kármán line, the six women aboard experienced several minutes of weightlessness and a stunning view of Earth.
The crew included:
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- Lauren Sánchez – Journalist and aerospace philanthropist
- Katy Perry – Pop icon and UNICEF ambassador
- Gayle King – Acclaimed broadcaster and co-host of CBS Mornings
- Amanda Nguyen – Civil rights advocate and Nobel Peace Prize nominee
- Aisha Bowe – Former NASA engineer and tech entrepreneur
- Kerianne Flynn – Emmy-winning producer and women’s advocate
But before the capsule even left the ground, it was the flight suits that had people talking.
Designing the Suit: Science Meets Style
For Lauren Sánchez, this flight was about more than reaching space—it was about reimagining how women show up in it. Frustrated with the historically masculine design of spacewear, Sánchez partnered with Monse’s Fernando Garcia and Laura Kim to create something revolutionary: a spaceflight suit designed by and for women.
“We wanted something that worked, obviously—it had to be safe and functional,” Sánchez said in an interview. “But we also wanted to feel powerful, beautiful, and like ourselves in it.”
The result? A chic-yet-rugged, body-skimming suit crafted from flame-resistant stretch neoprene, equipped with:
- Dual-zip front closures
- Compression layers for support
- Waist-cinching belts for a flattering silhouette
- Flared-leg zippered options for comfort and cool factor
To ensure a perfect fit, each crew member underwent 3D body scanning so the suits could be tailored to their individual forms. The idea was to honor their individuality, while still presenting a unified look that reflected strength, modernity, and style.
According to Garcia and Kim, the suit design was heavily inspired by motocross and ski gear—apparel built for movement, power, and impact.
“We wanted it to look a little dangerous,” Garcia said. “Something sleek and powerful, but still distinctly feminine.”
The suits were also symbolic: no helmets, no hard armor, just clean lines and bold tailoring. It was an intentional choice to move away from the traditionally masculine aesthetic of space travel and to reflect a more inclusive future in aerospace.
Glamour in Orbit
Though safety and functionality were top priorities, the glam wasn’t lost on anyone—especially Katy Perry.
Before the flight, Perry joked, “We’re bringing glamour to space.” And she wasn’t wrong. The women looked like a futuristic dream team in matching tailored suits that managed to be fashion-forward and flight-ready.
Gayle King, known for her grounded and relatable commentary, added that the suits made her feel “confident and strong,” helping ease some of the nervousness leading up to launch.
In interviews after the flight, the crew reflected on the emotional and symbolic impact of what they wore. Amanda Nguyen noted that dressing in suits made by women, for women, sent a powerful message: “Representation matters—even in how we dress to change the world.”
The suits quickly became a viral fashion sensation, featured on social media, major news outlets, and even fashion blogs. But beyond the buzz, they stood for something deeper.
Lauren Sánchez’s effort to reimagine spacewear wasn’t just about aesthetics. It was about challenging outdated standards, showing that femininity and capability aren’t mutually exclusive, and making space feel a little more accessible for everyone.
In a post-flight statement, Sánchez wrote:
“I wanted to feel like the best version of myself in space—not someone hiding behind a bulky uniform. These suits let us do our job while still honoring who we are as women.”
The NS-31 flight was more than just a trip to space. It was a celebration of female achievement, leadership, and identity. And the flight suits—designed to be “flattering and sexy” without compromising performance—symbolized a new era where women are not just passengers in history, but designers of their own future.
Katy Perry may have sung “What a Wonderful World” as she floated above Earth, but it was Sánchez’s collaboration with Monse that helped make the entire moment visually unforgettable.
Because sometimes, making history isn’t just about where you go—it’s about how you show up when you get there.
