Traditionally in science fiction, the majority of space-suit-clad astronauts of both the male and female variety wore fantasy outfits. Glistening, skritchy ¹ space people became luscious creatures which made us all want to go into outer space. These rubbery costumes can only be considered as the "poetry" of space suits, as "real" ones, with their tested and safety-oriented protection, look a big, bulky bore.

The shimmering materials, so beautifully enhanced by four-colour comic-book print ink, and the twist of a trained illustrator's hand, evoked gleam and glitz, evoked stretch jersey and wet-look vinyl.

Within the svelte image of science fiction, as the genre-oriented entertainment is geared to excite the mind and ultimately the libido, the space suit takes on a glamour and allure of great importance. Vinyl space suits are nearly as important as the slightly ripped strapless, skin-tight sheath dress and matching high heels pumps is to the genre, a regulation outfit for female victims of robots and monsters when they are being carried away to somewhere alien.

Ultimately tight, shiny and "futuristic" in appearance, the science-fiction space suit is a joy to behold, an inspiration in itself. Flash Gordon, Buck Rogers, and a host of cult figures mesmerised us with their varnished and lacquered second skins, and undisturbed hairdos... making space travel seem so glamorous and so easy.

If you have ever been inside a clean vintage 1930s or '40s Pontiac or Chrysler "Airflow", you will know the feeling. Breathe in that chunkiness, that smell of early synthetic materials, the dazzle and weighty comfort; well, science-fiction space suits evoke all the same sensual tactileness and appeasement of the soul.

1 skritchy - the sound that plastic rubbing against itself makes

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