The History Of Space-Inspired Style

We're blasting off into the new decade with a fresh collection landing that is guaranteed to leave you with stars in your eyes! To mark the launch of our new collection, we thought we'd take a look back at the history of space-inspired style. We're looking back to that 1960s Moon landing and taking you on a cosmic fashion voyage through to present day. Prepare for lift off...

1960s Moon Landing

The evolution of space-age fashion dates back to the 1960s, an era close to our hearts here at Joanie. Way back on the 20th of July in 1969, NASA astronauts Neil Armstrong, Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin and Michael Collins completed the hotly anticipated Apollo 11 mission. The world watched as Armstrong took that infamous space walk on the moon’s surface, declaring...

“That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”

Neil Armstrong

The 1960s Moon landing inspired films, music and major fashion designers to create futurist, space-inspired style for the runways. Since the days of the Moon landing, designers like André Courrèges, Paco Rabanne, Pierre Cardin, Hussein Chalayan have attempted to create fashion of the future.

Envisioning The Future

The Moon landing was the perfect stimulus for Designer Paco Rabanne. The innovative materials being developed in the 1960s meant designers could create avant-garde collections that were focused on how the future could look. Rabanne used a variety of materials from paper to metal, meaning designs often resembled metallic space-age armour. Iconic 1968 sci-fi film Barbarella featured Rabanne's metallic creations. Since the film, fashion magazines, celebrities and films have recreated the iconic Barbarella look.

1970s Space-Inspired Style

The 1970s saw space-inspired style continue to influence film, music and fashion. When looking at 1970s space-inspired style, there is one iconic name that conjures up the era, the one and only Ziggy Stardust! The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars Album was released by David Bowie in 1972. Ziggy Stardust was Bowie's alter ego, a fictional androgynous rock star who acts as a messenger for extraterrestrial beings. Our Kim Jumper takes inspiration from the iconic lightening bolt painted on the face of Ziggy Stardust.

1980s Extraterrestrial Decadence

The 1980s was a time of glitz, glamour and excess. In fashion, the late 1970s and the dawn of the 1980s was a particularly outer space-focused time for fashion designer Thierry Mugler. His Autumn/ Winter 1979 collection, looked both backwards and forwards, recreating classic 1960s futurism combined with forward-thinking 1980s decadence.

Millennium Bug And Beyond

The 1990s was a time of major technological development, from computer technology, the dot.com boom and beyond. With the year 2000 looming all eyes were on the Millennium. Fashion Designer Alexander McQueen took inspiration from space-age technology to create a futuristic look for Givenchy at their 1999 Autumn/ Winter Catwalk Show. Inspired by the 1982 film Tron, his collection was packed with futuristic style staples from LED lights to glow-in-the-dark prints. Futuristic Space-Age style continued well into the the 2000's with Designer Hussain Chalayan creating the famous bubble dress and designs that challenged what we might wear in a future Universe, with dresses that changed shape as the models walked the catwalk.

The Technological Teens

Heading into the teens, designers were taking advantage of new technology. Fashion Designer Iris Van Herpen’s distinctive 3D printing techniques and use of materials pushed the boundaries of what was possible. Often referred to as “hi-tech” or “sci-fi”, Van Herpen’s 2019 collection took direct inspiration from outer space. Van Herpen created futuristic organza dresses, which she designed in collaboration with former NASA engineer turned artist Kim Keever!

2020 Space Age Style

The fascination with the cosmos continues to present day. The new Joanie Collection harks back to silhouettes of the 1960s, featuring intergalactic all-over prints. The Nichelle Tee features the astrological star signs as a graphic print. Our classic Sharman Jumper named after British Astronaut Helen Sharman, is reminiscent of naive vintage intarsia jumpers with a slogan that reads 'Fly me to the Moon' from the famous Doris Day song.

We're very excited for all that the new decade holds. Keep your eyes peeled for new space-age styles landing soon!

Joanie