Multivalent Universe

Pradasphere II is a pivotal moment in fashion-one that shines a spotlight on Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons' working relationship as they express the brand's past, present and future together.

- AMELIA CHIA

In life and exhibitions, there is not one straightforward way to tell a story. This is especially true for one that holds a 110-year-old tale at its heart, such as Prada. The illustrious house was founded by fashion designer Mario Prada in 1913 as Fratelli Prada selling leather goods, before he handed the reins to his granddaughter, Miuccia Prada, and her husband Patrizio Bertelli in the 1970s.

At this juncture we begin our journey into Pradasphere II, a retrospective exhibition tracing the history of Prada with Miuccia Prada at the helm. The Start Museum in Shanghai is its dedicated venue, an old railway station turned contemporary art gallery, located in the arty West Bund overlooking the Huangpu River. It sets a quixotic scene, with the house's pistachio-coloured triangle symbol popping against the day's powder-blue skies.

The first Pradasphere took place in 2014 in Harrods in London before travelling to Hong Kong-but it was undeniable that the second iteration was going to be vastly different, particularly with Raf Simons as a co-curator alongside Mrs Prada. A sign hinting at the magic inside reads, "Stories from the Prada warehouse, chosen by Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons."

Mrs Prada, who was present alongside Simons for Pradasphere II, evidently adores the cultural hub that is Shanghai. She smiles genially during an afternoon meet-and-greet with the media when asked about Pradasphere II's chosen location. "The first time I came to China was when I was 25," she explains, hazel eyes twinkling. "So, of course I like Shanghai."