In a showcase of fashion, history, and innovation, Prada’s Pradasphere II exhibition has opened its doors at the Start Museum in Shanghai, China. The immersive experience, curated by co-creative directors Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons, unfolds the brand’s evolution from its founding in 1913 to the cutting-edge designs of today.

Situated in the historical Nanpu Railway Station building, the Start Museum provides a fitting backdrop for Pradasphere II, the first exhibition of its kind at the museum since its renovation by Jean Nouvel in December 2022.

The heart of Pradasphere II lies in the main magazzino corridor, boasting nearly 200 womenswear and menswear looks, spanning from the first collection to the present day. Branching off from the magazzino, several other rooms serve as a focal point to explore the brand’s multi-dimensional world. The green velvet entrance, designed to echo the foundations of Prada’s style, features an original Andreas Gursky photograph, offering a glimpse into the brand’s early retail stores.

From the recreation of the original Fratelli Prada shop in Milan to the chronological overview of notable shoes in the Green Store, each room offers a unique perspective on Prada’s legacy. The Cinema Room presents a continuous program of Prada collaborations with directors like Ridley Scott and Wes Anderson.

Meanwhile, Vitrine showcases twenty significant bags from the Prada archive, displaying the intricate craftsmanship synonymous with the brand. Pradasphere II also extends beyond fashion to explore Prada’s collaborations with major artists like Damien Hirst in the Gallery room. Architecture offers a glimpse into major Prada architecture projects, while Materiality reveals twenty exhibited skirts.

Prada’s experience also features sections like Luna Rossa, including a sailing simulator and Luna Rossa uniforms, Linea Rossa, showcasing competition garments, and the Re-Nylon room highlighting sustainable materials and practices. Fondazione Prada provides an overview of thirty extraordinary exhibitions, emphasizing Prada’s enduring connection with culture. The Pradasphere Caffe, a luxurious oasis, invites guests to enjoy coffee, cocktails, and Italian snacks amid projected walls displaying uniquely Prada spaces.

The entire Pradasphere II experience is complemented by bespoke soundscapes from world-renowned electronic musician Plastikman (Richie Hawtin). The exhibition unveils Prada’s core themes and ideas, exploring deep craft and the ongoing quest to challenge luxury norms. To help unveil the new installation, friends of the house such as Hunter Schafer, Jeff Goldblum, Bai Baihe, and more join together to celebrate in style.

Pradasphere II, located at the Start Museum at 111 Ruining Road, Xuhui District, is free to the public and open from December 7, 2023 to January 21, 2024.