Prada Eyewear

Prada’s Rise to Global Fashion Dominance: Exploring the Brand’s Iconic Influence

The Italian fashion brand Prada has undeniably established itself as a dominant force in the global fashion industry. Its influence can be felt not only in its home country but also resonates across international borders. From the bustling streets of London to the remote landscapes of Texas, Prada’s impact on both fashion and popular culture is evident. As the label ventures into the realm of online retail, it is only fitting that we pay homage to some of the most memorable moments in Prada’s illustrious history.

First on our list is the iconic Prada Nylon collection, which revolutionised the fashion world in the late 1980s. Breaking away from traditional luxury materials, Miuccia Prada’s bold move to incorporate nylon into high-end fashion pieces challenged the status quo and captured the imagination of fashion enthusiasts worldwide. The sleek and versatile nature of the nylon fabric opened up new possibilities for Prada, allowing them to create minimalist yet cutting-edge designs that resonated with a modern audience. This innovative approach not only propelled Prada into the forefront of the fashion industry but also set the brand on a path to redefine luxury in a more accessible and inclusive way.

Another standout moment in Prada’s history was the collaboration with renowned architect Rem Koolhaas for the design of their flagship store in New York City’s SoHo district. The architectural masterpiece, known as the Prada Epicentre, showcased a fusion of fashion and contemporary design, elevating the concept of a retail space to new heights. With its striking glass façade and innovative interior layout, the Prada Epicentre became a destination not just for fashion enthusiasts but also for design aficionados.

This collaboration highlighted Prada’s commitment to pushing boundaries and creating immersive experiences for its customers, solidifying its reputation as a brand that goes beyond fashion and embraces art and culture. Prada’s journey is a testament to its ability to continuously evolve and remain at the forefront of the fashion industry.

As the brand embarks on its online venture, we can expect Prada to continue pushing boundaries and captivating audiences with its innovative designs and creative collaborations.

The big bang (aka, the beginning)

Mr Mario Prada, the grandfather of Miuccia Prada, established the inaugural Prada store in 1913. Situated within the opulent Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan, which holds the distinction of being the world’s oldest operational shopping mall, this establishment catered to the prosperous fashion connoisseurs of Milan by offering an assortment of bags, trunks, and travel accessories. By 1919, their exceptional reputation had earned them the prestigious title of ‘Official Supplier of the Italian Royal Household.’ It was only a short while later that they delved into the realm of ready-to-wear fashion.

Mrs Prada arrives.

Miuccia Prada became part of the family business in 1970 after completing her doctorate in political science and exploring the art of mime at the famous Piccolo Teatro. She immediately immersed herself in her work, using her creative skills to design her initial collection of backpacks and totes.

Among them, the nylon ‘Vela’ bag stood out, as it successfully transformed a practical, waterproof material into a luxurious and fashionable accessory. Its simplistic branding, represented by a modest triangular metal token, starkly contrasted with the prevalent trend of logo-heavy It-bags at the time, securing its status as an absolute success. In 1988, Prada’s brand took a significant leap forward with the introduction of its inaugural runway collection, which received widespread critical acclaim. This milestone firmly established the brand as a prominent player in the fashion industry.

Super super

Imagine this scenario: it is the early 1990s, and you find yourself immersed in the music of D:Ream’s “Things can only get better” playing on your portable stereo. The covers of your beloved fashion magazines are adorned with the most sought-after supermodels, who also dominate the catwalks for the most prominent fashion brands in the industry. Prada, too, was no exception. The runway regulars included a youthful Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, and Carla Bruni, making Prada’s shows an absolute must-watch for any fashion enthusiast. It was an era where staying up-to-date with Prada’s displays was just as thrilling as watching The Crystal Maze.

Style subverted

Miuccia Prada explained that her spring/summer ’96 collection was inspired by the concept of embracing unconventional taste. She sought to revive fashion elements that had long been discarded, such as avocado green and musty-brown colour combinations, along with the inclusion of geometric prints. However, she skilfully transformed these elements into something charming, albeit with a slightly quirky and uncoordinated touch. As a result, her collection sparked a renewed interest in chunky sandals and collared cashmere, ultimately reintroducing them into our wardrobes.

Where for art, thou, Prada?

Baz Luhrmann, the director of Romeo + Juliet, collaborated with Prada to design a breath-taking white dress adorned with angel wings for Claire Danes in the 1996 Shakespeare adaptation. The dress left us all in awe, captivated by its romantic allure. Who among us has not imagined themselves in that iconic fish tank scene? In another instance of remarkable costume design, Prada’s creative genius, Miuccia Prada, lent her expertise to Baz Luhrmann once again in 2013 for The Great Gatsby. She skilfully transformed dresses from Prada’s extensive archives to perfectly suit the film’s 1920s setting.

Bowled over

It is not an overstatement to claim that during the Noughties, almost everyone possessed their own rendition of this bag. A casual survey among colleagues in the office confirmed this fact—nearly every individual had one of these bags hanging from their arm. Prada’s trendy, ventilated leather bags were completely out of stock everywhere during the summer of 2000, leading to year-long waiting lists across the globe.

In conclusion, the story of Prada is one of unparalleled craftsmanship, prestige, and innovation. From its humble beginnings in 1913 to its establishment as a global fashion powerhouse, the brand has continued to push boundaries and redefine luxury.

With Miuccia Prada at the helm, Prada has evolved into a symbol of sophistication and modernity while still staying true to its roots. And with each new collection, Prada continues to surprise and inspire the world of fashion. The big bang of Prada may have been over a century ago, but its impact is still felt today and will continue to shape the fashion industry for years to come.

Discover the Spring/Summer 2023 Women’s and Men’s Prada Eyewear Collection

2021 marked a significant turning point in the eyewear narrative of Prada. Renowned for its everlasting grace, innovative spirit, and impeccable artistry, the esteemed Italian fashion house unveiled its extraordinary Prada Symbole eyewear collection. This exquisite range encompasses both glasses and sunglasses, reinvigorated with a contemporary flair, paying homage to the revival of the unmistakable triangle logo.

The fusion of traditional elements and pioneering experimentation breathes new life into these iconic frames, signifying the dawning of a fresh chapter. The Symbole eyewear collection embarked on a transformative journey with Prada’s SS22 and FW22 collections, catering to both men and women. This captivating series represents a modern reinterpretation of the iconic Prada brand, flawlessly incorporating timeless elegance with a modern twist.

Celebrating the triumphant return of the triangle logo, these eyewear pieces seamlessly blend tradition and innovation. Each frame within these collections meticulously reflects Prada’s unwavering commitment to exceptional quality and craftsmanship. Crafted from metal and acetate, the striking geometric elements bear the same distinctive logo renowned for adorning iconic handbag designs, infusing an audacious and attention-grabbing essence into every frame. As the iconic triangle logo takes centre stage, the Symbole collection undoubtedly leaves an indelible mark on the annals of the fashion house, forever preserving its legacy.

Symbole Spring/Summer 2023 Prada Eyewear Campaign

Prada embraces its cutting-edge and modern essence in the Spring/Summer 2023 campaign, solidifying its iconic status by expanding upon the renowned Symbole collection, a testament to the brand’s enduring legacy. Prada’s eyewear campaign for spring/summer 2023 presents a captivating narrative where the men’s and women’s collections by Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons seamlessly blend into an ongoing story that reflects various aspects of the human experience.

The campaign captures enigmatic fragments that continuously unfold, capturing the essence of humanity. Naturally, the latest addition to the Symbole collection takes centre stage. In an exceptional collaboration between Prada and film director Nicolas Winding Refn, the SS23 season introduces “Touch of Crude,” a film that delves into women’s lives and explores the vast landscape of fluid modern femininity.

Photographed by David Sims, the campaign draws inspiration from the allure of classic Hollywood and European films. The images within the campaign are like carefully crafted scenes from diverse narratives, offering glimpses into untold stories and unknown scripts. This creates a captivating tension between different perspectives and varied lives.

The SS23 eyewear campaign features a diverse ensemble cast of Prada characters, including renowned actors and models who resonate on an international level. These individuals possess a distinctive allure that adds depth and intrigue to the campaign. Their multifaceted nature is skillfully utilised, introducing a multitude of perspectives that contribute to the overall complexity.

In contrast, the campaign incorporates an element of simplicity, directness, and purity, which paradoxically comes across as “crude.” This rawness is showcased through stark sets reminiscent of cinematic projections that reflect different realities. These settings evoke impressions of interior spaces, offering glimpses into actuality and leaving behind traces of lived experiences.

Iconic Appeal: Celebrities Embrace Prada Symbol Sunglasses as the Ultimate Fashion Statement

Prada’s Symbole eyewear collection has become a sensation among celebrities, who frequently turn to sunglasses as the finishing touch to their signature styles. The combination of timeless design, impeccable craftsmanship, and the allure of the iconic Prada triangle logo has made these sunglasses a highly coveted accessory on red carpets and in the world of high fashion. Celebrities are drawn to the effortless sophistication and undeniable charm that the symbol collection brings to their outfits, solidifying its status as the go-to choice for those seeking unparalleled style.

One of the most sought-after models in Prada’s Symbole collection is the Prada PR 17WS 1AB5S0 sunglasses. Worn by notable personalities such as Pete Davidson, Maya Jama, Travis Barker, and Camila Mendes, these sunglasses feature a timeless rectangular frame crafted from premium acetate. With their versatile and edgy design, they effortlessly elevate any ensemble. It is no surprise that these frames have become one of our best-selling items, adored by many. Prada is renowned for embodying a style that often anticipates and influences aesthetic trends.

The brand’s values, which are characterised by an innovative spirit, curiosity, and deep-rooted artisanal traditions, are evident throughout the entire manufacturing process, from the initial creative phase to the final presentation in stores. These exceptional qualities come to life in the remarkable Symbole eyewear collection, showcasing sophisticated frames and striking geometric shapes that are unmistakable Prada signatures, accompanied by the iconic triangle logo.

Prada consistently strives to set trends and shape the fashion landscape, leaving us eagerly anticipating the future of Prada eyewear and its timeless Symbole collection.

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