The Prada Group is exploring the possibility of opening its historic archives located in Milan and Valvigna, Tuscany, offering an unprecedented glimpse into decades of fashion design and cultural preservation.
Currently, the archives house an extensive collection that meticulously documents the brand's creative journey. The collection comprises 52,990 garments across various Prada Group brands, over 10,850 archived eyewear pieces, and 14,820 research prototypes that represent the brand's design evolution.
The archive's comprehensive system includes 244 sliding storage units, each piece carefully coded with a unique barcode that tracks complete product information. These archives are not merely storage spaces but living historical documents that capture the brand's creative trajectory.
Beyond commercial and runway collections, the archives include special research pieces and unique collaborations. Notably, the collection features costume designs created for notable films such as Wes Anderson's "Grand Budapest Hotel", Baz Luhrmann's "Australia", and "The Great Gatsby".
The Prada Group's archive is methodically organized, separating items by brand and season. This includes collections from both Prada and its sister brand Miu Miu, providing a comprehensive overview of the group's design philosophy and aesthetic evolution over time.
By considering public access, Prada could potentially transform these private archives into a significant cultural resource, offering fashion historians, researchers, and enthusiasts an unprecedented look into the brand's creative process and historical significance.