Italian designer Miuccia Prada takes the cover story of American Vogue Magazine‘s March 2024 edition lensed by fashion photographer Stef Mitchell. In charge of styling was Alex Harrington. Miuccia Prada has distinguished herself in the fashion industry by founding two fashion power houses, Prada and Miu Miu, and, in collaboration with her husband, Patrizio Bertelli, guiding the Prada Group to become a cornerstone of the global luxury market. Commanding an impressive $4.5 billion in annual revenue and overseeing a workforce of more than 13,000, her contributions to fashion are monumental. Despite these successes, Prada maintains that fashion represents merely a one-third of her of life’s work.
An equally significant portion of her efforts is dedicated to the Prada Foundation, a pioneering contemporary art center she established, which has venues in both Milan and Venice. The remaining third of her life is devoted to personal pursuits, encompassing time spent with family and friends, as well as engaging in personal leisure activities.
In a detailed discussion with Vogue for their March 2024 issue, Mrs. Prada disscusses her enduring design philosophy, prioritizing creativity that is both wearable and functional. She talks about a deep sense of fulfillment in cultivating culture through her foundation and relays the personal joy she finds in familial bonds, especially in her role as a grandmother. This conversation offers a rare glimpse into the multifaceted life of one of fashion’s most influential figures, highlighting the blend of her contributions to fashion, culture, and her personal life.
I always thought there were only two noble professions: politicians or doctors, Doing clothes [while coming from] a group of very important intellectuals – for me it was like a nightmare. I was so ashamed, but anyway I did it…. The love of beautiful objects prevailed. I work for a luxury company -It’s not perfect for a political position like mine – this was always the biggest contradiction in my life.
To have an idea of a woman as a beautiful silhouette – no! I try to respect women – I tend not to do bias dresses, super-sexy. I try to be creative in a way that can be worn, that can be useful.
I personally have many characters in myself, and I think that many people have different characters in themselves: the feminine part and the masculine part, the gentle and the tough.
I am better at working than talking. If I want to know somebody, I want to work with them. All the enthusiasm, the research – I like working, it’s a way of really communicating a mindset, ideas.
When people say, ‘Are you happy about your achievement in fashion?’ I really, sincerely, couldn’t care less. I think about what I have to do next. I am ambitious, I want to be good. And sometimes I think I am good – a great exhibition, a good piece of clothing – but only for a second.
Photography by Stef Mitchell for Vogue Magazine, read more at vogue.com
