Prada. Front and Back.

The first major museum exhibition of one of the world’s most influential fashion houses.

Dates: Opening September 2020 at the Design Museum, London

The exhibition will offer unprecedented insight into Prada’s creative approach, inspirations and landmark collaborations. Facing the future, it will explore Prada’s transformation of the idea and practice of fashion and the continuing evolution of a global enterprise. Different sectors will reflect the idea of front and back, conveying both the surface of fashion and at the same time the creative and industrial infrastructure on which it depends. 

Miuccia Prada’s story is unique. Joining the family business in the mid-70s, she turned it into one of the most successful fashion houses in the world, at the same time as transforming the landscape of style and culture. With her husband, Patrizio Bertelli, she has changed the way that people dress, redefined how we understand luxury, explored new materials and technologies and invested passionately in art, design and architecture. She has made Prada the essence of modernity. 

“… we will tell Prada’s remarkable story in fashion. By questioning every aspect of the design landscape through our exhibitions, public and learning programme, we can connect design with people’s everyday lives and passions.”  commented Deyan  Sudjic, Director and Curator, Prada. Front and Back.

About the Design Museum 
The Design Museum is the world’s leading museum devoted to contemporary architecture and design. Its work encompasses all elements of design, including fashion, product and graphic design. Since it opened its doors in 1989 the museum has displayed everything from an AK-47 to high heels designed by Christian Louboutin. It has staged over 100 exhibitions, welcomed over five million visitors and showcased the work of some of the world’s most celebrated designers and architects including Paul Smith, Zaha Hadid, Jonathan Ive, Miuccia Prada, Frank Gehry, Eileen Gray and Dieter Rams. On 24 November 2016, The Design Museum relocated to Kensington, west London. Leading architect John Pawson has converted the interior of a 1960s modernist building to create a new home for the Design Museum giving it three times more space in which to show a wider range of exhibitions and significantly extend its learning programme. 

The Design Museum’s relocation to Kensington was made possible through the generosity of major donors, trusts and foundations, statutory bodies and corporate partners as well as donations from many individual donors and supporters, including all Design Museum Trustees. 

Thanks to National Lottery players, the Heritage Lottery Fund supported the project with a grant of £4.9 million and Arts Council England awarded a capital grant of £3 million. 

Photo Credits: Design Museum