The best collaborations between NASA and streetwear brands

Of all american government agencies, NASA is the one that has captured the public's imagination over the years, becoming the backdrop for countless series, films and novels. The numerous collaborations between NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) and the streetwear brands that have taken place over the years demonstrate how the desire to explore the stars and space is still present and very felt in the new generations. 

The possibility of going into space has always represented for men something utopian, lived as a dream that goes beyond differences in gender, race and social status and making them null when compared to the infinity of the sky, of the universe. A whole generation is experiencing this increasingly intense relationship between the space program and the world of fashion. The desire for escapism and the legend that revolves around space missions have been relevant insights for many streetwear brands and turn NASA into a great brand with which to collaborate as well as a universe from which to draw graphic, historical and even new materials and constructions for the realization of their products.

Nike 

It wasn't a real collaboration, but when Nike released the pack at the All Star Game in Orlando in 2012 it reached the stars. The Nike Zoom Kobe VII Galaxy, Nike Zoom KD IV Galaxy, and Nike LeBron 9 Big Bang, Nike Dunk, Nike Air Flight One 'Galaxy' and the famous Galaxy Foamposite One were all popular for all sneakerheads of the time. The first official collaboration between Nike and NASA took place in 2018 with the release of an Air Force 1 Low and an Air Huarache inspired by the world of space travel. Both versions will feature premium suede and space-themed graphics on the Swoosh and inside the shoe. While on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission, Nick and Paul George created the Nike PG 3 NASA "Apollo Missions" for Nike. One of Nike's most iconic and valuable shoes, the NikeCraft Mars Yard Shoe 2.0 Tom Sachs Space Camp was not an official collaboration but was directly inspired by the world of NASA and lunar missions.

Vans 

Also in 2019, to mark the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission, the NASA x Vans "Space Voyager" capsule was released, which included four different sneakers, apparel items, a duffel bag and a backpack. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful Vans collabos ever seen, with thematic makeovers of the brand's historic models with accentuated midsoles, remable patches, foam hemths on display.

Heron Preston

After his partnership with the New York City Department of Sanitation, the American designer announced his collaboration with NASA during Paris Fashion Week FW18, thus realizing one of his childhood dreams. The capsule includes a reinterpretation of the spacesuit with 3M details, a silver denim jacket, T-shirt, sweatshirts and a Jetpack-looking backpack. 

Alpha Industries

Iconic former military apparel company Alpha Industries has been producing its L-2B Flight Jacket since the 1950s. For his FW17 collection, he partnered with NASA for a successful clothing capsule and was renewed the following year and added the Billionaire Boys Club brand to the partnership.

AAPE by A Bathing Ape

For his FW19 collection, AAPE by A Bathing Ape, BAPE's diffusion line, he created an entire collection in collaboration with NASA producing an entire line of outerwear with silver interior coating as well as a selection of classic streetwear items such as short-sleeved and long-sleeved t-shirts, sweatshirts and trousers.

Y's PINK by Yohji Yamamoto

Part of Yohji Yamamoto's collection of Y's PINK that was released in December 2017 was made up of a series of tie-dye sweatshirts and jerseys that, although not produced in direct partnership with NASA, reworked the space agency's famous "Meatball" logo. 

Puma

Also to mark the 50th anniversary of the landing, Puma launched the "Space Explorer" Pack, a re-issue of the CELL Alien and RS-X models that were decorated with the coats of arms and colors of the Space Agency.

Mercer Amsterdam

A luxury sneaker brand founded by Pim Dresen and based in Amsterdam, Mercer has collaborated on two occasions, both during 2018. He produced a limited edition sneaker capsule, in just 96 pairs, and then a second one named NASA x Mercer Amsterdam "Night Mission", inspired by the Apollo 17 expedition.