Prada Unveiled the Second Edition of its Historic Journey this December
On December 7 in Shanghai, celebrated Italian luxury fashion house Prada unveiled a vibrant and comprehensive exhibition titled “Pradasphere II,” on view through January 21 at the Start Museum. With its debut in 2014, the show’s immersive second edition pays homage to the distinguished brand’s humble beginnings in 1913 and journeys through over a century of compelling stories thoughtfully curated by the maison’s joint Creative Directors Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons. Over 400 digital and physical treasures from the Prada archive are creatively presented by Beijing and New York-based design studio 2×4—spotlighting the house’s enduring influence in the realms of fashion, beauty, and luxury, as well as decades of inspired partnerships ranging from art, to sport, to architecture.
Courtesy of Prada and Start Museum.
Iconic Nanpu Railway Station and Start Museum Set the Scene for the Immersive Show
Set within the Xuhui District’s iconic Nanpu Railway Station, an essential point of transportation since 1907, “Pradasphere II” marks the freshly renovated Museum’s first large-scale exhibition. A blooming green velvet entrance welcomes visitors into the maison’s universe, calling attention to an alluring photograph by Andreas Gursky of an early Prada boutique. A dynamic exploration of Prada’s inherent savoir-faire and duality unfolds as a bespoke score by illustrious electronic musician Plastikman, aka Richie Hawtin, sets the otherworldly tone, while a robust warehouse setting provides the framework for the sweeping presentation, leading visitors from one mesmeric space to another.
Courtesy of Prada and Start Museum.
A Central Corridor of Legendary Garments Makes Way for Prada’s Narrative Roots
The show’s central corridor houses an awe-inspiring display of roughly 200 legendary and little-seen women’s and men’s garments from the entirety of Prada’s history, meticulously selected by Simons, and set against sleek, industrial shelving softened by opulent blush-colored velvet. Experiential rooms spread out as the narrative roots of the beloved brand, commencing with the charming Fratelli Prada, bringing the inaugural Milan-based store to new life with murals drawn from original Mario Prada commissions, videos highlighting objects first offered by the house, as well as three newly-reissued handbags.
Courtesy of Prada and Start Museum.
Soulful Collaborations with Contemporary Luminaries are on Display at Pradasphere II
The Gallery space offers the brand’s new collaboration with British visionary Damien Hirst, unveiling a display of 30 coveted Prada purses in the artist’s trademark cabinet design, and a posh Galleria bag within a tank of the artist‘s Natural History series. A riveting Cinema space beckons visitors with the house’s imaginative creations alongside film luminaries including Yang Fudong, Ridley Scott, David O. Russell, and Wes Anderson. The Architecture room imparts previously unseen documents central to innovative projects with Jacques Herzog/Herzog & de Meuron and Rem Koolhaas/OMA. The Fondazione Prada sphere uplifts 30 standout exhibitions from the art foundation, stimulating captivating dialogues between the maison and the science, technology, art, and music industries.
Courtesy of Prada and Start Museum.
Bask in Luxurious Refreshment at the Pradasphere Caffè and Visit the Gift Shop
Visitors will find luxurious refreshments in the Pradasphere Caffè, a contemporary vision in marble and velvet, with black, white, and mint green accents—as well as dramatic projections of the house’s notable runway shows. Two elegant and historic train cars offer an exclusive gift shop experience, where visitors will discover a stunning exhibition book featuring an insightful essay by award-winning graphic designer Michael Rock.
Courtesy of Prada and Start Museum.
