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Fashion and film have always gone hand in hand, both serving as a creative medium for expression as well as inspiration. Within the nuanced performances of actors and the honed craftsmanship of ateliers, there is a mutual appreciation for the intricacies of drama and the boldness of subtlety. Continuing this connection, Prada taps award-winning actress Scarlett Johansson to embody the cinematic allure of the house’s iconic ‘Galleria’ bag.
Directed by Oscar-winning luminary Jonathan Glazer, the new campaign features Johansson in a role that calls upon her theatrical dexterity, juxtaposing the intensity of performance with the quiet stoicism of everyday life.
WATCH THE NEW PRADA GALLERIA CAMPAIGN BELOW:
In the clip, she methodically rehearses lines with an evocative range of emotions, with moments of normalcy in between takes to showcase the depth of her craft. As she ceaselessly reinvents herself, delving in and out of these poignant scenes, we’re enthralled by the power of portrayal and the many ways acting captures life.
Embodying these infinite identities and qualities requires a lifetime of observation and honing. In this way, the off-duty actress has always been a creature of endless intrigue. What she shows is intentional; what she keeps behind her eyes is anyone’s guess.
Fashion can also communicate this way, lending to character, mood and storytelling as much as body language and other cues. Like the Galleria, with its poised lines and dignified structure, there is a mystique to what is inside versus what is shown to the world, enabling its wearer to be undefinable, moving through the world at their own pace without being ushered into lanes.
Born in 2007, the Galleria is named after Prada’s first flagship, which still sits under the 19th-century Galleria Emanuele II’s glass dome in Milan, Italy. It was inspired by 1950s medicine bags and maintains its original design and meticulous manufacturing process.
Crafted from new soft-grain leather—completely lined for ultimate luxury—the bag’s exquisite make is achieved through the same rigorous assembly process with 80 separate pieces, three signature compartments and gold-tone metal hardware, which is completed with the emblematic triangle logo. Only now, we see the addition of handcrafted embellishments for added character. As its timeless structure makes it the perfect canvas for fresh interpretations, the house introduces two new iterations with mini studs and leather floral appliqués.
While the classic silhouette is a mainstay of collections, it is constantly transformed into a spectrum of finishes and embellishments. As with Johansson, it can take on new personas, but its strength is unwavering. This versatility is the hallmark of the Galleria bag. Even when its exterior is reimagined, there is an inalienable sense of ambiguity that lends to its timeless elegance. The dual carrying options, with top handles and a detachable shoulder strap, allow for effortless transitions between different styles and occasions. Whether carried by hand for a polished, professional look or worn over the shoulder for a more relaxed vibe, the Galleria adapts with ease.
As Johansson clocks off, enveloped in a coat and sunglasses and equipped with her Galleria, she nonchalantly hails a cab in the streets of New York City. Off-duty, her bag effortlessly hangs off the crook of her elbow like a shield, and she gracefully flits from the studio, composed and nameless, ready to become something else again.
Not only does this campaign celebrate technique and mechanism as the red thread binding cinema with fashion, but by highlighting Johansson’s remarkable agility, we’re reminded of the many roles we play in life. As we ricochet between the push and pull of the everyday, art—whether fashion, cinema, or beyond—must challenge and amplify this dichotomy.
At once acting as a screen, an embellishment, and an essential piece, Prada Galleria’s emphatic grace and unshakable strength serve to reflect and accommodate these dynamic demands.
Learn more about the Prada Galleria collection here, and shop GRAZIA’s picks below.
