The ESMOD Paris International University of Art for Fashion is one of five European design schools participating in Couture in Orbit, ESA’s project to look at the future of fashion using space materials and technology. Cristina Labat , modelling teacher at ESMOD Paris, gives an overview of the school’s role in the event.

Working on Couture in Orbit was interesting and enriching to the students at ESMOD Paris. It was a pleasure to welcome representatives from ESA and have them explain their projects – the students were immediately enthralled.

For us the difference from other projects was that we got to work with technical fabrics and new technologies such as the JOHAN sport receiver that tracks a wearer’s movements.

Style professor Katia Mourot and I adapted the course’s programme to include the Couture in Orbit project. The students who took part already had a full schedule because they are doing a combined year.

We wanted all the students in that year to take part in the project. To start with, all students designed original garments using samples we received from ESA such as highly insulating materials.

A jury of ESA and ESMOD representatives chose six designs to be turned into real garments for the show in London.