Eccentric bajillionaire Richard Branson launched himself into space in another example of the ultra-rich using their fortunes to stoke international curiosity and drive to explore the cosmos.
Since space travel is no longer something left to former Air Force pilots who underwent years of rigorous training, we’re now at a point where these figureheads of their respective mega-businesses can buy a ticket to ride and then commodify the heck out of their space travel.
Branson’s Virgin Galactic did one thing that Musk’s SpaceX did not, at least not immediately, and that’s team up with apparel brand Under Armour to create official co-branded merchandise.
Like just about every other merchandise drop these days, this one is a “capsule” collection of 10 pieces “formed from both brands’ shared values of innovation and technological advancement,” according to Yahoo.
The very Space Age-looking merchandise was made with Under Armour’s RUSH and Recover technology, with features like mineral-infused fabric, anti-odor properties and stretching textiles. Basically, it has everything you need for the rigors of space travel and also your daily workout.
We believe in always pushing boundaries, whether that’s through human performance or with @virgingalactic to design spacewear for the next generation of spaceflight. Check out the limited edition Under Armour + Virgin Galactic Collection now. https://t.co/dNEzPorBwH pic.twitter.com/redo80s0Vr
— Under Armour (@UnderArmour) July 12, 2021
The design is centered around a black and blue color palette, which is appropriate given the view from up top.
This partnership actually started before Branson’s voyage to the stars, with Under Armour designing the clothing and uniforms for eventual commercial flights on Virgin Galactic. Back in 2019, Virgin enlisted UA to design apparel and footwear for both pilots and passengers.
On the other side of the aisle of business owners becoming pioneers of the heavens, Elon Musk’s SpaceX brand is finally cashing in on the hype through merchandise. You might remember that the copyrighted nature of SpaceX was a thorn in the side of many a Florida merchandiser during launches, and the otherwise very creative Musk’s company didn’t really have much to offer SpaceX fans.
The official SpaceX store is now much more robust, with items like sweatshirts that say “STARSHIP,” T-shirts commemorating specific launches, and basic designs celebrating the uber-rich Musk’s desire to “Colonize Mars.”
Commercial space travel that’s accessible to “normal people,” as in non-astronauts, was always kind of a starter-pack idea of the future, sort of like flying cars. We’re still working on the flying cars thing, but commercial space travel looks like it actually is right around the corner.
Good to know that branded apparel will be right there along with it.
