Miuccia Prada, a visionary designer and champion of female expression, has always pushed the boundaries of fashion. Through her innovative initiatives, she has consistently celebrated the complexities and diversity of womanhood. This dedication is evident in her long-running ‘Miu Miu Women’s Tales’ project, a cinematic platform showcasing short films by female directors exploring the nuances of feminine experiences.
Since 2021, Prada has further integrated art into her runway presentations, inviting emerging artists to interpret the essence of womanhood through scenography. This dynamic approach has culminated in the ‘Tales & Tellers’ exhibition, a grand symposium taking place at the Palais d’Iéna in Paris during Art Basel.
This interactive exhibition serves as a captivating exploration of femininity, showcasing a collection of video retrospectives, installations, and conversations. The exhibition invites visitors to delve into the diverse narratives that have shaped Miu Miu’s distinctive style, embodying a playful and provocative spirit. It’s a tangible expression of a philosophy that challenges conventional notions of femininity.
As Miuccia Prada herself explains, “I’ve wanted to do an exhibition on women’s issues for years, but there are an infinite number of groups, points of view, thoughts, religions, theories and civilisations. Today, the real difficulty is to grasp this immensity, in fashion as in politics. Nowadays, it’s almost impossible to read the world. All this comes from my love of cinema: that’s where my culture was formed, so as soon as I could, I tried to do something. With the Miu Miu Women’s Tales project, we created a platform for talented female directors and, through their eyes, started a conversation about the world of femininity, vanity and what it means today.”
To bring this vision to life, Prada collaborated with renowned curator Elvira Dyangani Ose, director of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Barcelona, and artist Goshka Macuga. Together, they have curated an exhibition that blends the real and imagined, showcasing the multifaceted heritage of womanhood. The exhibition features a vibrant backdrop, designed specifically for the occasion, immersing visitors in heartfelt testimonies from prominent figures like Agnès Varda, Zoe Cassavetes, Ava DuVernay, Chloë Sevigny, and Mati Diop.
Visitors can wander through the exhibition, engaging in meaningful conversations and even encountering Miuccia Prada herself, the driving force behind this transformative experience. The exhibition is a testament to her unwavering dedication to celebrating the richness and diversity of female voices and experiences. ‘Tales & Tellers’ runs from October 16th to 20th at the Palais d’Iéna in Paris. Admission is free, and reservations can be made on Miumiu.com.
