The suits were designed by Bangalore’s National Institute of Fashion
Technology. A NIFT team worked on them for nearly a year, which included
discussions with ISRO and feedback from the shortlisted astronauts, designing
other visual elements, and deciding on the fabric
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently revealed the names and faces of four
astronauts who will be onboard India’s maiden human spaceflight program –
Gaganyaan. The four IAF test pilots looked dapper in the dark and light blue
ground suit with asymmetry as the theme. The suits were designed by
Bangalore’s National Institute of Fashion Technology, reported Harish Upadhya
of
News18.
A NIFT team worked on them for nearly a year, which included discussions with
ISRO and feedback from the shortlisted astronauts, designing other visual
elements, and deciding on the fabric. The team was led by two professors – Dr
Jonalee Bajpai and Dr Mohan Kumar V – and three students who have graduated
now – Lamia Anees, Samarpan Pradhan and Tuliya D. They were guided by the then
NIFT director Susan Thomas. The suits were delivered in 2022.
“So one of the challenges was, this Gaganyaan has the potential to inspire 140
crore Indians. And the design should be a loud announcement of India’s entry
to the elite club of nations where human space flight is possible, and based
on that, we came out with this design principle called asymmetry. Asymmetry is
very dynamic, unlike symmetry, which is very static. Asymmetry is very
youthful and energetic and has a lot more visual information than symmetry.
And also asymmetry goes very well with ISRO because ISRO is known for its
unconventional approach to space programs. We achieved asymmetry by having
vertical panels in the garment. We applied a golden ratio there and we also
tamed that contrast with the opposite colour stripes to create a merging feel
to it,” said Dr Mohan Kumar.
The team churned out 20 designs with 70 different colour variations to give
better visualisation to ISRO. The selected astronauts too had their
specifications and choices. “We had worked with a lot of designs. They wanted
to look stylish and they wanted to be inspirational to the next generation to
come forward and be a part of the space program. The wings talk about
preparedness. It talks about aspirations; it talks about galore. It talks
about abundance. Wings always symbolise positivity. We also had the Ashoka
Chakra there, which talks about India. The presence of India, the announcement
that we have arrived,” said Dr Johnalee.
NIFT opted to go with cotton and a portion of man-made fibre along with a bit
of elastomeric yarn to make it stretchable for comfort level and
functionality. The kind of seam and fabric suitable for that was carefully
selected. NIFT sees the project opening global opportunities for it.
“The initial mandate of NIFT was to help the children get into the business
and then support the business. But right now, the mandate is to collectively
cater to the rest of the world. It is not just business houses within India,
it is outside India as well. We’re also looking at nations as clients. We can
support different countries who want this kind of support. We are trying to
open up as much as possible,” said Dr Yatindra Lakkanna, director, NIFT
Bangalore.