The Prada It-Bag reimagines the aughts aesthetic.
Before Prada’s loafers and headbands became social media darlings, there were the brand’s nylon bags. The idea first came to Miuccia Prada in the ‘80s, when she debuted the Vela backpack in 1984. Lightweight and functional, it stood in stark contrast to the much heavier leather designs offered by other luxury brands and the refreshing alternative quickly became popular. From there, Prada created other handbags using the fabric in the nineties and early aughts, becoming some of the earliest “It” bags. By the mid-2000s, you couldn’t help but notice them tucked under the arms of stylish customers with their signature triangular logo peeking out. Like many of the trends of that era, those specific creations fell out of favor, but now the pendulum has swung back, as a new generation rediscovers the styles, albeit reimagined for 2023. Case in point? The Re-Edition 2005, a design that launched last spring that combines nostalgia with modern influences.
Like its name implies, the Re-Edition 2005 is a direct callback to a style that first came out in 2005, albeit with some modifications. You’ll still find the signature hobo shape but now there’s an added pouch, giving it a utilitarian vibe that makes it feel fresh and functional. Another noteworthy detail that updates it for 2023? The bag is a part of Prada’s Re-Nylon line, a collection made with regenerated nylon yarn produced from recycled, purified plastic trash that’s collected from the ocean as well as from textile waste. Conceived in 2019 as a capsule of six classic styles, the line has expanded to also include ready-to-wear and shoes. “Re-Nylon represents the next step in fabric technology and sustainable luxury – a textile that can be endlessly regenerated without loss of quality, a true cyclical luxury,” the brand states.
The process of making Prada’s Re-Nylon begins with recycling and purifying collected plastics that then become new threads which are woven on silk looms. As a result you wind up with a textile that not only contributes to the reduction of global warming compared to virgin nylon yarn, but also feels and handles like silk. That’s not to say it’s fragile or flimsy – the resulting product withstands the wear and tear of daily life.
A majority of the bag is made with nylon, but Prada’s signature Saffiano leather appears in the trim that delicately outlines the bag’s shape.
Back in 2005 this bag would have been made with a nylon or leather strap but the 2023 version features a removable chain strap. The decorative detail is right in line with the current move towards silver toned jewelry, putting another twist on the classic. For those looking to remain true to the original design, the bag also comes with a nylon strap so you can switch depending on your mood.
The triangular enamel Prada logo, a mainstay on all of the brand’s bags, is also seen here but an added detail that distinguishes the style is a Re-Edition keychain. Meant to dangle from either strap and made in Saffiano leather, it says “Prada Re-Edition 2005,” to acknowledge its history.
Mrs. Prada intended the nylon bags to be functional and this style is no different. An added pouch, also made with Re-Nylon, can be hung outside for easy access to little items like keys or transit passes. Measuring at 18 x 22 x 6 centimeters, the hobo is the ideal size for weekends and evenings, when you want to be out and about with the bare essentials. And beyond mainstay black, the bag also comes in white, orange, light blue, mint green, and yellow.
Given the push for pieces that are gentler on the environment, it’s no surprise that adopting a new, innovative fabric also makes this reimagined classic appealing for those looking to shop luxury in a smarter, more sustainable manner. And with celebrity fans like Kylie Jenner, Hailey Bieber, and Sophia Richie Grange, it’s already a hit among the cool girls. Translation: It’s a worthy investment now that will pay off in years of rewears to come.