Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations

T-Shirt and Shoe Ornament by Prada
Yesterday I went to The Metropolitan Museum of Art for the new Schiaparelli and Prada exhibit. It was such a wonder to see two intelligent, progressive, and Italian female minds collaborate and synchronize despite the decades that separate them. As you first enter the exhibit, a film plays that sets the stage for the rest of your journey. The title Impossible Conversations is to be taken literally as Miuccia and Elsa (played by Judy Davis) talk casually about their histories and philosophies. Elsa Schiaparelli passed away in 1973 of course, making the pairing physically impossible, but it is also unbelievable just how well their designs match when the clothes are separated by more than 65 years. Jackets made in the 1930s melt into skirts fabricated in our time to create a seamless match that had me scratching my head. It was as if Schiaparelli and Prada had designed for the same collections. You can see it in the prints and trims as well as the proportions and sensibility in the clothing designed ultimately by and for Italian women. One of my favorite conversations to watch was the discussion of whether or not fashion is an art; Schiaparelli says that it is with conviction, while Prada believes fashion to be a business first. I think that fashion is an art, but Miuccia's point about clothing being designed to sell has merit. She goes on to say that even "art" isn't art and that no one should really care. I think this means that art is what you want or need it to be and that for her personally it is mainly her livelihood. Whatever her stance may be, it is undeniable that Miuccia Prada is a visionary, sharing Elsa Schiaparelli's design sense in pushing boundaries for womenswear in a timeless and artful modern way.

If you are looking for the grandeur of the McQueen exhibit, be prepared to feel a little stunted. This exhibit is nowhere near as large or thorough, but it is still impressive. I recommend setting time aside to really watch each of the conversations, directed by none other than Baz Luhrmann. Don't miss out on the moving pictures in the last room! The gift shop does not disappoint for the exhibit. Pictured above is the very charming Prada Flame shoe ornament. Everyone was in a panic over the Mcqueen shoe, but I saw a surplus for both exhibits so don't worry. The book is a great read as well. Inside the cloth bound text contains the transcribed conversations between Schiaparelli and Prada and excellent photographs of the curated pieces, intimate close ups of the textiles and patterns, and original editorials from the 1930s. If you are Asian have OCD like me, ask for a new copy still wrapped in plastic because the cover is a bit delicate and I saw a few with scratches and hand prints. Jewelry, scarves, and nylon handbags from various iconic Prada collections are also available. I have my eye on the foulard with the James Jean prints from the fairy collection!! - jerome

Target Acquired: Prada Tri-Color Wingtip Espadrilles

Khakis by J.Crew, Socks by H&M, Shoes by Prada. Photos by Anthony Deeying.
Say hello to my new friends: the infamous Prada Espadrilles from the Spring/Summer 2011 Runway show. It was a total pain to get these shoes. First of all, the Prada mainline stores in the US have received different information on the production of the shoe itself. Apparently the shoes weren't bought for the US, then they were only available through special order. One person told me they might not get the shoes ever. The already jaded (and I am being REALLY nice when I say that) sales associates at the store here in SF were fed up with my inquiries and told me to go buy them elsewhere. So I did. I was fortunate enough to snag a pair from Saks Fifth Avenue in the tri-color option.

The shoe is available in a plethora of colorways. Luckily, this combo is a trio of beautiful and wearable statement colors. As much as I love the idea of a primary color combination, I am not sure if they suit my style. This gem stone palette of ruby, sapphire, and amber really works with my wardrobe. The surprising comfort of the Prada Shape Ups shoe is probably due to the rubber sole and traction; plus the espadrille platform really adds some height. I was told at the Prada store that there is a full double platform runway version of the shoe that will be sold eventually. Buyers have been saying that the full platform makes it virtually impossible to bend your feet when walking, so it is unclear how many will be produced if at all. If they are made available I think I will get the black version with wingtips! My first instinct was to go with the tri-color both for the aesthetic and iconic value. It is all about the brogue this season so I skipped the simple spazzolato leather version that is available (check out Neiman Marcus). NOTE: Like with any Prada shoe, the sizing is a hot mess. I am usually a EU43/US10, and the 8.5 fits me perfectly.


Runway shoes are my new obsession <3

- jerome

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Panic at the Laundromat

Clothing and Shoes by Prada

Ever have something make it into the washer/dryer that really, really, REALLY wasn't supposed to? Well that is what happened to this gray Prada cardigan. I bought it at the Duomo store in Milano when I was 17. It was one of my favorites, and I wore it everywhere, but never washed it. About a year after its purchase I drunkenly mistakenly put it in my laundry basket, and it became about half the size it originally was. I was never able to part with it, using it as a warmer layer. For whatever reason, I think it works (now) on its own as a play in proportion. But then again, that could also just be the magic of the Prada stirrup pant :)


- jerome

Too Much of A Good Thing

James Jean is arguably the king of the illustration today. Though this is old news to many people (I was introduced to his work embarrassingly late) Jean's work continues to grab my attention. I purchased this print as a gift for my partner's birthday, and it is now hanging in our living room.

Jean collaborated with Miuccia Prada some spring/summers ago, during the height of my college education (which may explain how I didn't know about him... excuses!). Honestly, I did not care much for the ready-to-wear, but I lusted after the accessories and handbags. The irony of it all is that I remember vividly watching the silk scarves for this collection being printed while studying abroad in Italy. One piece in particular continues to haunt me.



After much heartache, eBaying, and research, I was severely disappointed to learn that the James Jean Faerie handbags were rare, expensive, and somewhat defective. Apparently, many customers were majorly upset to discover that the ink on the bags bleed when exposed to moisture. This bag was too good to be true, and maybe too much of a good thing.



I have finally decided that it would not be worth buying the bag... on my current salary anyway. To buy it now I would run the risk of buying a fake on eBay or website, and/or waste money on a bag that bleeds thousand dollar ink. Maybe when I can afford a Birkin, I can pick up one of these to collect.

- jerome