PRADASPHERE II: A JOURNEY THROUGH PRADA'S EVOLUTION
As the curtains rise on Pradasphere II at the illustrious Start Museum in Shanghai, the fashion world is pulsating with anticipation. This is not just another exhibit; it's a journey through the transformative saga of Prada, meticulously curated by Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons. The setting is a magazzino, a warehouse-inspired space, but not just any warehouse. This is Prada's interpretation, where industrial chic meets opulent luxury, embodied by industrial shelving swathed in plush pink silk velvet. It's a physical manifestation of Prada's unique perspective on luxury, where fashion intersects with the diverse realms of life, history, art, sport, architecture, and sound.
As we meander through the main corridor, we're greeted by nearly 200 iconic ensembles from Prada's archives. Raf Simons, the super-fan turned creative maestro, has handpicked these pieces. These garments, some unseen for decades, weave a tale not just of fashion trends but of the evolution of a brand that has always dared to be different. It's a chronological journey through Prada's sartorial history, a testimony to its enduring influence in the world of fashion.
But Pradasphere II isn't confined to just clothing. Each special room within the exhibit unfolds a different facet of the Prada story. In the Fratelli Prada room, we step back in time into the original Prada shop in Milan, complete with vintage purses and high-resolution videos. The Prada a Milano section showcases Albert Watson’s stunning photography alongside Miuccia’s revolutionary Nylon collection. In the Gallery, new artworks by Damien Hirst, incorporating Prada handbags, offer a contemporary artistic perspective. The Green Store traces the evolution of Prada’s iconic shoes, each telling its own story. The Cinema room brings to life Prada's cinematic collaborations with legends like Ridley Scott and Wes Anderson. The Vitrine displays iconic bags that have become synonymous with Prada’s design philosophy. Delve into the architectural marvels of Prada in the Architecture room and admire the exquisite craftsmanship of unique skirts in the Materiality section. Explore Prada’s engagement with the world of sports in Luna Rossa and Linea Rossa, and discover Prada’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in Re-Nylon. Fondazione Prada takes you on a journey through thirty spectacular exhibitions showcasing Prada’s profound relationship with the arts.
After immersing yourself in the world of Prada, the Pradasphere Caffè awaits, a luxurious space where guests can indulge in classic Italian delicacies amidst projections of iconic Prada spaces. The auditory experience is just as rich, with electronic symphonies by Plastikman enveloping visitors, adding an extra layer to this multi-sensory feast.
The Start Museum, a recent architectural marvel by Jean Nouvel, beautifully complements this exhibition. Standing on the grounds of what was once a bustling railway station, the museum now houses this fashion retrospective, juxtaposing the old with the new, much like Prada’s own design ethos.
Accompanying the exhibition is a beautifully crafted book, a tangible journey through Prada’s universe, featuring insights from Miuccia Prada, Patrizio Bertelli, and Raf Simons.
Pradasphere II is more than an exhibition; it’s a celebration of Prada's 110-year legacy, a testament to a brand that has consistently challenged and redefined the boundaries of luxury. Open to the public until January 21st, 2024, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the convergence of fashion, art, and history, as only Prada can present.
