London – As the industry remains decidedly torn between the new see-now,
buy-now show schedule, with the likes of Burberry, Tom Ford and in favour and Gucci along with France’s governing
standing their ground in
favour of the current system, Italian luxury label Prada works its own
balancing act between the two points of view.
Rather than realigning its shows or collection drops, the fashion house has
decided first test the waters of the direct to consumers model by launching
two of its autumn/winter 2016 handbags for sale following its upcoming
catwalk show. The luxury fashion house AW 16 women’s wear ready-to-wear
show, known as ‘Premonition’ is set to take place this Thursday during
Milan Fashion Week.
The handbags in question, known as the Pionnière and the Cahier, will be
available for sale in select Prada stores the Friday (February 26) after
the show, including Prada’s stores in Milan, Paris and London as well as
online. According to Vogue, the handbags will also go for sale in Prada
stores in Manhattan, New York on March 4.
The first handbag to be available for sale is the Pionnière, a small,
rounded shoulder bag which was first spotted at Prada’s autumn/winter 2016
men’s wear show earlier this year. Inspired by the hunter’s game bag, as
well as military uniforms, the handbag features Prada’s logo on the front
as well as brass detailing on the strap.
Then the larger, Cahier handbag, which was inspired by antique book
bindings is more rectangular, with bronzed trimming on the corners and
strap. The handbags flap, in a contrasting black leather brings to mind the
bindings of old-fashioned, hard covered books. Both handbags are available
in a series of neutral, earth tone shades.
Although Prada’s creative head, Miuccia Prada, the youngest granddaughter
of Mario Prada, has been known to headstrong in her opinion of the brand’s
direction, previously stating that there are , it seems as that the fashion house has realised that one way
to capitalize on consumers demand for instant gratification is to offer
them the latest looks from the catwalk, as soon as they appear on the
catwalk.