Inflatable stool at Prada

Behind the setup of a fashion show lies a lengthy, elaborate, and nerve-wracking process. The end result is the extract, the essence, the show itself: light and fluid, perfectly staged, and with a huge wow factor for the audience – these are the fashion shows of Miuccia Prada.

The main attraction at the Prada Men's Spring 2019 fashion show was, of course, the fashion itself. However, the most literally supporting role this time was played by an inflatable stool. Based on a design by Danish designer Verner Panton dating back to the 1950s, the Inflatable Stool was first produced in a small series in the 1960s. This time, too, production was limited to a signed, exclusive series for Prada. Made of transparent plastic, the inflatable stool revealed the Prada logo, the signature of designer Verner Panton, and the manufacturer's name. Verpan.

Aligned according to a coordinate system, the inflatable stools were arranged in neat rows in Prada's imposing production hall in Milan. The inflatable stools appeared like clouds of nothingness. Their transparency made the vast industrial backdrop seem even more imposing, even magnificent. American Vogue once described a Prada fashion show as "a particularly devilish crossword puzzle that should never be solved." The rows of inflatable stools perfectly complemented this description. Accurately arranged, the inflatable stools resembled boxes whose solution required the correct sequence of letters.

The Inflatable Stool by Designer Verner Panton As a symbol of Pop Art, it represents the discovery of new materials. The use of flexible materials like plastic enabled furniture to be created beyond previously known limits. The 1960s are considered synonymous with a great new beginning, a yearning for independence and flexibility. The Inflatable Stool embodies this principle. Lightweight, easily deflated and stored, portable, and of course comfortable – these are the advantages of the inflatable stool. However, since manufacturing methods in the 1960s were not quite as limitless as the materials themselves, the Inflatable Stool was not produced for long during Panton's time.

The inflatable stool had fallen into obscurity but has now been rediscovered and revived by Prada. Just like the Cloverleaf sofa years before, also by Panton and also forgotten until Prada commissioned its production for its flagship stores worldwide, upholstered in Prada-green velour. The Cloverleaf sofa is now available again and can be purchased from the design specialist. TAGWERC It can be configured. The inflatable stool will also be back.
Soon. Very soon. If you're interested, we'd be happy to add you to our waiting list.

The setup of fashion shows and the development of furniture sometimes have something in common. Behind both lies a lengthy, elaborate, and nerve-wracking process, at the end of which lies the extract, the essence, the show – light and fluid, perfectly staged, and with a huge wow factor for the audience.