Couture in Orbit - Design "Magma"

Garment designed by Katharina Sjördstrand, student at ESMOD Berlin

Creation of garments for field operations of volcanologists and other geological scientists - garments that facilitate research and data collection for scientists with a modern design combining function, durability, technology and fashion

Brand and technology
ESA astronaut Alexander Gerst’s background is in geophysics, exploring and documenting volcanos. A volcano is one of the most extreme environments on Earth. Their environment can be both ice-cold and intensely hot. Volcanos can also reach high altitudes, so good wind protection is necessary.

The hostile environment around volcanos can be compared to the hostile environment on other planets. While Earth’s environment is slowly changing, that of planet Venus is stabilising. With its dynamic, volcanic surface and an atmosphere that cannot support human life, Venus is a scientifically valuable object of study. Incorporated technology includes GPS tracking systems and Bluetooth-supported communication devices with a transceiver in hoods and collars. The Bluetooth technology further supports live processing of data collected during an expedition. On the layer closet to the body, a small receiver monitors the wearer’s heart rate and blood pressure. On the outer layer, a similar receiver monitors the levels of oxygen and other gasses in the air to warn the wearer if the ambient air becomes too poisonous.