Woolmark and Prada launch new kit for Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team’s America’s Cup pursuit
The Woolmark Company and Prada are in Milan this evening to unveil the ground-breaking new technical Merino wool kit to be worn by the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team, as they set sail for the 37th America’s Cup.
Additionally, the extended Woolmark and Prada partnership has seen them work together on expanding the kit to include performance apparel for cycling, running and gym-based training activities, as they are the three main forms of exercise that the team undertake during the season. That product will also be made commercially available later this year.
The new custom-made kit includes Merino wool-rich T-shirts, hoodies, shorts, leggings, a cycling suit, a waterproof jacket and a revolutionary ultralight windbreaker. At just 60gsm, the 55% Merino wool windbreaker is windproof thanks to the density of the weave, and the presence of Merino wool “ensures superior breathability”.
The Woolmark Company Managing Director, John Roberts, said: “Product innovation has once again been a crucial factor when designing the technical kit for the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team.
“With a focus on lightness, elasticity, strength and moisture wicking properties, our internal experts met with the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli product development team armed with a selection of the best commercially available Merino wool fabrics. Where further development was needed, the teams worked together to create unique fabrics destined to deliver the added element.”
Passionate about improving ocean health and reducing its impact, the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team has once again turned to wool – a fibre praised for its biodegradable nature.
Prada Group Marketing Director & Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, Lorenzo Bertelli, commented: “Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli and The Woolmark Company consolidate their joined commitment in terms of innovation, technology and social responsibility by renewing their technical partnership.
“The last edition proved how Merino wool is the perfect partner to ensure high-quality performances thanks to its natural qualities. We are pleased to extend the presence of this 100% natural fibre also in the training uniforms, underlining once again the team's commitment to safeguarding the oceans.”
Max Sirena, Team Director and Skipper of the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team, added: “I am pleased about the renewal of the technical partnership with The Woolmark Company, on the road to the 37th America’s Cup.
“Wearing good quality sportswear for a team like Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli means enhancing our performance. After testing the garments in a wide range of conditions during the previous America's Cup, we discovered the unique properties of Merino wool in terms of elasticity, breathability, comfort, insulation, and water resistance.
“Having had an excellent experience with these uniforms, we took the opportunity to develop a training kit together, exploiting the features of this natural fibre that, moreover, is perfectly in line with our lifestyle and the sustainability policy pursued by Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli.”
