We’ve all seen the handbags with the infamous upside down triangle.  Whether its real or fake, Prado v. Prada (hey, I’m not judging) its a brand that we all recognize.  As beautiful as Prada is at face value, it’s the story behind the beautiful patterns and chic silhouettes that mean something.  After all, you could walk around carrying a Prado bag if you’re only caring about fashion.  There’s something magical about holding a real Prada creation.  You feel as if you’re in Milan, Italy witnessing the sketches being drawn and the fabric being measured.  Suddenly, the bag is no longer a bag, it’s a story.

Miuccia Prada is the youngest granddaughter of Mario Prada (founder of the company).  She entered into the company in 1978 and has since been the well known face behind the brand.  She is a staple in the fashion industry.

Elsa Schiaparelli was one of the the most famous faces to ever grace the fashion industry.  Schiaparelli, an italian fashion designer was often seen wearing audacious and unique patterns.  Some of her most notable looks were the lobster dress, tear dress, bug necklace and the shoe hat.

Upon entering the Impossible Conversations exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which is on view through August 19th, you’re greeted by Elsa Schiaparelli (played by actress Judy Davis) and Miuccia Prada in a short film.  Although the film is short it length, it features the beautiful yet complex stories that led these icons into the world of fashion.  These two woman come from different backgrounds and different times but come together with one purpose; to design for women.

The exhibit does a wonderful job of presenting the contrasting ideas of these two designers.In one part of the exhibit called Waist Up/ Waist Down, we see how Schiaparelli focused designs on a woman’s upper body whereas Prada, focused her designs on the hips and feet.  In the time when Schiaparelli was designing, women were usually seated in public places which lead Schiaparelli to focus her elaborate designs on the top half of an outfit.

One of the best aspects of this exhibit was hearing about life through rich italian accents and learning about life through the eyes of these two women.

As stated by Schiaparelly (played by Judy David) in the opening film “my salvation was stumbling into fashion.”  Prada then responded by saying “I liked fashion, I found myself in fashion” she explained that “to be a woman fashion designer in the 60’s and 70’s was the worst, but I liked it so much that I did it anyway.”

This exhibit reminds any museum goer that our dreams are attainable with hard work, devotion and most importantly passione.