In a remarkable homage to its rich heritage, the Spring/Summer 2024 Prada collection takes a nostalgic journey into the past, reviving a handbag design conceived by Mario Prada, the visionary co-founder of the iconic fashion house, back in 1913. This collection not only reproduces the essence of a bygone era but also skillfully reinterprets it, showcasing Prada’s unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and its profound appreciation for cultural influences.

A seasoned traveler with an insatiable intellectual curiosity and a deep passion for culture, Mario Prada, alongside his brother Martino, established Fratelli Prada in 1913. Mario embarked on journeys across the globe, sourcing precious and unique items, materials, and craftspeople to enrich everyday life. These treasures, ranging from vanity cases in luxurious leather to home watches, calendars, and elegant little bags, were amalgamated into composite pieces known as « oggetti di lusso » or objects of luxury.

Prada’s early reputation was forged through these exceptional creations, featuring curiosities like English silver, Austrian handbags, crystal from Bohemia, and silks and leathers from Asia. The brand’s commitment to quality was further solidified in 1919 when Prada was appointed the Official Supplier to the Italian Royal Household, incorporating the House of Savoy’s coat of arms and knotted rope design into its logo.

For the September 2023 Prada show, the spotlight is on a bag designed by Mario Prada circa 1913, preserved in the Prada archives. This evening bag, adorned with a frame clasp featuring a hand-carved depiction of a mythological figure, is a testament to Prada’s ability to seamlessly blend historical elegance with contemporary trends. Originally crafted in silk moiré, the bag is resurrected in Re-Nylon, a sustainable and innovative material that aligns with Prada’s commitment to environmental consciousness.

The hand-carved fastening on the evening bag reflects the contemporary fascination with historical Eastern artistic aesthetics, a trend that left an indelible mark on decorative and fine arts during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. This revival showcases Prada’s ability to draw inspiration from diverse cultural influences and translate them into modern, covetable pieces.

The Spring/Summer 2024 collection doesn’t merely reproduce historical designs but also reinterprets them in a way that resonates with the current fashion landscape. A sequence of bags inspired by the original design, featuring the distinct clasp detail, graces oversized totes in Re-Nylon, providing a fresh perspective on Prada’s exceptional 110-year history, hallmark savoir-faire, and enduring curiosity.

Prada’s Spring/Summer 2024 collection is a testament to the brand’s ability to bridge the gap between past and present seamlessly. By resurrecting and reinterpreting Mario Prada’s timeless designs, the collection pays homage to the brand’s heritage, showcasing its enduring commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and cultural curiosity. In a world where fashion is ever-evolving, Prada stands as a beacon of timeless elegance and innovation.

Discover more at www.prada.com