Prada Eyewear Rise to Global Fashion Dominance
The Prada brand has undoubtedly made a significant impact on the global fashion industry, establishing itself as a dominant force that extends far beyond its home country of Italy. Its influence can be felt not only in the bustling streets of London but also in the remote landscapes of Texas, demonstrating its widespread reach in both fashion and popular culture.
As Prada enters the realm of online retail, it is only fitting that we commemorate some of the most unforgettable moments in its illustrious history. At the top of our list is the ground-breaking Prada Nylon collection, which completely revolutionised the fashion world in the late 1980s. Departing from traditional luxury materials, Miuccia Prada’s audacious decision to incorporate nylon into high-end fashion pieces challenged established norms and captivated the imaginations of fashion enthusiasts worldwide.
The sleek and versatile nature of the nylon fabric opened up endless possibilities for Prada, enabling them to create minimalist yet avant-garde designs that appealed to a modern audience. This innovative approach not only propelled Prada to the forefront of the fashion industry but also redefined luxury in a more accessible and inclusive manner. Another remarkable milestone in Prada’s history was its collaboration with renowned architect Rem Koolhaas for the creation of their flagship store in New York City’s vibrant SoHo district.
The resulting architectural masterpiece, known as the Prada Epicentre, flawlessly merged fashion with contemporary design, taking the concept of a retail space to unprecedented heights. With its stunning glass façade and pioneering interior layout, the Prada Epicentre became a destination not only for fashion enthusiasts but also for design connoisseurs, setting a new standard for retail spaces. This notable collaboration underscored Prada’s commitment to pushing boundaries and crafting immersive experiences for its customers, solidifying its reputation as a brand that transcends fashion and embraces art and culture. Prada’s journey serves as 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 anticipate Prada to persistently challenge conventions and captivate audiences with its inventive designs and imaginative collaborations.
The big bang (aka, the beginning)
In 1913, the visionary Mr. Mario Prada embarked on a remarkable venture, laying the foundation for what would become a renowned fashion empire. With great determination, he opened the very first Prada store in Milan’s exquisite Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. This iconic shopping haven, steeped in history as the world’s oldest operating mall, provided the perfect backdrop for Mr. Prada’s exquisite creations.
Catering to the refined tastes of Milan’s affluent fashion aficionados, the store offered an exquisite range of bags, trunks, and travel accessories. The craftsmanship and quality of these wares quickly earned Prada a name synonymous with excellence. Their exceptional reputation reached such heights that, by 1919, they were bestowed with the distinguished title of ‘Official Supplier of the Italian Royal Household.’ With their esteemed place in the fashion world solidified, Prada seizes the opportunity to venture into the realm of ready-to-wear fashion. It was a natural progression for a brand that had already established itself as a purveyor of unparalleled luxury and style.
Mrs. Prada arrives
After earning her doctorate in political science and exploring the art of mime at the renowned Piccolo Teatro, Miuccia Prada joined her family’s business in 1970. With unwavering dedication, she delved headfirst into her work, utilising her creative talents to craft her initial line of backpacks and totes. Within this collection, one bag in particular, the nylon ‘Vela’, drew considerable attention. It seamlessly transformed a utilitarian, waterproof material into a lavish and stylish accessory.
Its understated branding, embodied by a modest triangular metal emblem, stood in stark contrast to the prevailing trend of logo-heavy It-bags at that time. This distinctive approach led to its resounding success, solidifying its status as a true triumph. In 1988, Prada’s brand reached an extraordinary milestone with the introduction of its debut runway collection. Garnering widespread critical acclaim, this momentous event firmly established the brand as a prominent force within the fashion industry.
Super super
Picture this scenario: transport yourself back to the early 1990s, where the gentle melodies of D:Ream’s hit song “Things can only get better” emanate from your portable stereo. Flipping through the glossy pages of your cherished fashion magazines, you are captivated by the enchanting presence of the most coveted supermodels, who effortlessly dominate the runways of renowned fashion houses.
Prada, as expected, is no exception to this trend. Among the regular faces gracing Prada’s catwalks are the youthful and mesmerising talents of Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, and Carla Bruni, drawing fashion enthusiasts from far and wide to eagerly witness Prada’s awe-inspiring shows. This era was a time when keeping up with Prada’s captivating displays was just as exhilarating as tuning in to the popular television show, The Crystal Maze.
Style subverted
Miuccia Prada elaborated on how her spring/summer ’96 line drew inspiration from the notion of embracing non-traditional preferences. Her objective was to revive overlooked fashion elements, such as avocado green and earthy-brown colour combinations, in addition to incorporating geometric patterns.
However, she skillfully infused these elements with an enchanting charm, though slightly unconventional and mismatched. Consequently, her collection ignited a newfound fascination for chunky sandals and collared cashmere, successfully reintegrating them into our wardrobes.
Where for art, thou, Prada?
Baz Luhrmann, the renowned director behind the film Romeo + Juliet, joined forces with Prada to create an exquisite white dress embellished with angel wings for Claire Danes in their 1996 rendition of Shakespeare’s classic. The dress left spectators enthralled, enchanted by its romantic charm.
It is hard to find someone who has not imagined themselves in that iconic fish tank scene. Another instance of extraordinary costume design occurred when Baz Luhrmann once again sought the expertise of Prada’s creative genius, Miuccia Prada, for his 2013 film, The Great Gatsby. With her impeccable skills, she artfully transformed dresses from Prada’s extensive archives to impeccably match the film’s 1920s setting.
Bowled over
It would not be an exaggeration to state that during the Noughties, nearly every individual possessed their own version of this bag. A simple survey conducted among co-workers in the office corroborated this fact, as nearly every person sported one of these bags on their arm. Prada’s trendy, well-ventilated leather bags were completely sold out everywhere during the summer of 2000, resulting in year-long waiting lists around the world.
In summary, the Prada narrative encompasses unrivalled craftsmanship, prestige, and innovation. From its unassuming beginnings in 1913 to its establishment as a global fashion powerhouse, the brand has consistently pushed boundaries and redefined luxury. Under the leadership of Miuccia Prada, Prada has evolved into an emblem of sophistication and modernity while remaining true to its origins. Each new collection from Prada never fails to astonish and inspire the fashion world. The explosion of Prada may have occurred over a century ago, but its influence still resonates 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.
In the year 2021, Prada experienced a significant shift in its eyewear narrative. Known for its timeless elegance, innovative approach, and impeccable craftsmanship, the esteemed Italian fashion brand introduced the remarkable Prada Symbole eyewear collection.
This exceptional range encompasses both glasses and sunglasses, infused with a contemporary touch that pays tribute to the revival of the iconic triangle logo. The fusion of traditional elements and pioneering experimentation breathed new life into these iconic frames, symbolising the beginning of a fresh chapter.
The Symbole eyewear collection embarked on a transformative journey alongside Prada’s SS22 and FW22 collections, catering to both men and women. This captivating series represents a modern reinterpretation of the renowned Prada brand, seamlessly blending timeless elegance with a modern twist. As the triangle logo triumphantly returns, these eyewear pieces effortlessly blend tradition and innovation. Each frame within these collections meticulously reflects Prada’s unwavering commitment to exceptional quality and craftsmanship.
Created from a combination of metal and acetate, the striking geometric elements proudly display the distinctive logo that has adorned iconic handbag designs. This infusion of audacity and attention-grabbing essence elevates each frame to new heights. With the iconic triangle logo taking centre stage, the Symbole collection undoubtedly leaves an indelible mark on the fashion house’s history, ensuring its legacy is forever preserved.
Symbole Spring/Summer 2023 Prada Eyewear Campaign
Prada fully embraces its avant-garde and contemporary essence in its Spring/Summer 2023 campaign, further solidifying its iconic stature by expanding upon the renowned Symbole collection, a testament to the brand’s timeless legacy.
This season, Prada’s eyewear campaign presents a captivating narrative that seamlessly weaves together the men’s and women’s collections designed by Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons, creating a continuous story that reflects the multifaceted nature of human existence. The campaign captures enigmatic fragments that continuously unfold, delving into the very essence of humanity.
Naturally, the latest addition to the Symbole collection takes centre stage, captivating audiences with its exceptional design. In an extraordinary collaboration between Prada and acclaimed film director Nicolas Winding Refn, the SS23 season introduces “Touch of Crude,” a film that delves into the lives of women and explores the expansive landscape of modern femininity. Photographed by the talented David Sims, the campaign draws inspiration from the timeless allure of classic Hollywood and European films.
Each image within the campaign is meticulously crafted, resembling scenes from diverse narratives and offering glimpses into untold stories and unknown scripts. This creates a captivating tension between different perspectives and unique lives. The SS23 eyewear campaign features a diverse ensemble cast of Prada characters, including internationally renowned actors and models who exude a distinct allure.
Their multifaceted nature is skilfully utilised, introducing a multitude of perspectives that contribute to the overall complexity of the campaign. In contrast, the campaign incorporates an element of simplicity, directness, and purity, paradoxically presented as something “crude.” This rawness is showcased through stark sets reminiscent of cinematic projections, reflecting different realities. These settings evoke impressions of interior spaces, offering glimpses into lived experiences and leaving behind traces of authenticity.
Iconic Appeal: Celebrities Embrace Prada Symbole Sunglasses as the Ultimate Fashion Statement
Prada’s Symbole eyewear collection has captured the hearts of celebrities, who frequently rely on sunglasses to add the perfect finishing touch to their unique styles. The combination of everlasting design, flawless craftsmanship, and the magnetic allure of the iconic Prada triangle logo has elevated these sunglasses to the status of a highly sought-after accessory on red carpets and in the realm of high fashion. Celebrities are drawn to the effortless elegance and undeniable charisma that the symbol collection brings to their outfits, solidifying its reputation as the ultimate choice for those who seek unrivalled style. Among the most coveted models in Prada’s Symbole collection are the Prada PR 17WS 1AB5S0 sunglasses.
Adorned by renowned personalities such as Pete Davidson, Maya Jama, Travis Barker, and Camila Mendes, these sunglasses boast a timeless rectangular frame meticulously crafted from premium acetate. With their versatile and daring design, they effortlessly elevate any ensemble. It comes as no surprise that these frames have become cherished favourites, adored by many. Prada has long been revered for embracing a style that often anticipates and influences aesthetic trends.
The brand’s values, characterised by an innovative spirit, inquisitiveness, and deeply rooted artisanal traditions, shine through in every step of the 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, which showcases sophisticated frames and striking geometric shapes that serve as unmistakable Prada signatures, all complemented by the iconic triangle logo.
Prada consistently strives to set trends and shape the ever-evolving fashion landscape, leaving us eagerly anticipating the future of Prada eyewear and its timeless Symbole collection.
Why should you choose Bill Opticians as your local opticians and glasses provider?
Bill Opticians is a well-established chain of independent opticians, serving the community of Devon for over four decades. With six conveniently located branches, our commitment to providing a truly professional and accurate service remains unwavering. Since our humble beginnings in May 1972, we have continuously invested in the latest equipment and examination techniques to ensure that our customers receive the highest standard of eye care.
At Bill Opticians, we understand the importance of fashion and style when it comes to eyewear. That is why we take pride in carefully selecting the frames we stock, straight from the latest Prada releases.
Whether you are looking for a timeless classic or a trendy statement piece, our dedicated team will assist you in finding the perfect Prada eyewear that not only enhances your vision but also reflects your personal style. With our extensive collection of Prada frames, you can be confident that you are only getting the finest eyewear that combines luxury, quality, and impeccable design.
Click to see our range of women’s eyewear!