A History of Prada & Nylon | Hello Fashion | Kate Young

It’s hard to imagine clothing that’s both opulent and utilitarian, both traditional and unexpected, both ugly and sublime, both a statement and a question. In this episode, I explain the ways in which Prada, to me, embodies all of these seeming paradoxes.

I begin with the Italian luxury house’s founder, Miuccia Prada, whose background as a feminist activist remains at the heart of all her work. This was evident all the way back in 1998, in her first ready-to-wear collection: At the time, high fashion was defined by glamorous brands like Armani and Versace, but Prada’s collection was utilitarian, inspired by workwear and uniforms. It was almost—intentionally—ugly. In that sense, Prada was really about dressing for yourself.

I also touch on Prada’s spring/summer 2001 ready-to-wear and fall/winter 2013 ready-to-wear, both of which are quintessential Prada collections. Finally, I talk about some pieces Prada has created with what has become their hallmark fabric: nylon.

Prada’s aesthetic codes are not just about colors and silhouettes. Instead, they’re rooted in the conceptual, and in the individuality and boldness of their wearers. By wearing Prada, you imply questions and challenge assumptions. That’s what makes Prada such a powerful brand to me.

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Produced by The Slowdown (http://www.slowdown.tv)

Theme music: Cate Le Bon (http://www.catelebon.com)

Credits:
Louis Vuitton: https://www.prada.com/us/en.html

References (by order of appearance):
Miuccia Prada, founder of Prada
Carla Bruni, Model
Atelier Versace: https://www.versace.com/us/en-us
Versace Fall Couture (1997)
Armani: https://www.armani.com/en-us
Armani Spring/Summer Collection (1997)
Naomi Campbell, Model
Yasmeen Ghauri, Model
Linda Evangelista, Model
Elaine Irwin, Model
Carla Bruni, Model
Yasmeen Ghauri, Model
Tatjana Patitz, Model
Michelle Williams, Actress
Sienna Miller, Actress
Dakota Johnson, Actress and Model
Margot Robbie, Actress
Selena Gomez, Actress and Singer
Rachel Weisz, Actress
Natalie Portman, Actress
Eva Mendes, Actress
Original Vela Nylon Backpack
Nylon Rucksack Backpack
Prada Nylon Farm (2018)
Marcel Duchamp, Artist
Sharon Stone, Actress
Prada Re-Nylon (2019)
Kaia Gerber, Model
Kendall Jenner, Model
Jennifer Lopez, Singer
Alicia Silverstone, Actress
Lil’ Kim, Rapper
Britney Spears, Singer
Rihanna, Singer
Rita Ora, Singer