schiaparelli & prada: impossible conversations

The exhibition curated by Harold Koda and Andrew Bolton explored the striking affinities between the two creative women from different eras. Drawing inspiration from Miguel Covarrubias’ “Impossible Interviews” published on Vanity Fair in the 1930’s, the curators developed several analogies connecting the work of the two designers iconic pieces, arranged in seven themed galleries.

“Juxtaposing the work of Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada allows us to explore how the past enlightens the present and how the present enlivens the past,” said Koda.

“The connection of the historic to the modern highlights the affinities as well as the variances between two women who constantly subverted contemporary notions of taste, beauty, and glamour,” added Bolton.

The Creative Consultant of the exhibition, film director Baz Luhrmann, has brought the virtual conversations between Elsa Schiaparelli, interpreted by Judy Davis, and Miuccia Prada, to the screen through the creation of 8 evocative videos that illustrate how the two women explore similar themes through their work, using remarkably different approaches.

The exhibit has suggested new interpretations of the designers’ cutting-edge work, always capable of being provocative and able to overturn the traditional concepts of fashion, taste, beauty and femininity.