Are you a Gucci or a Prada?
BY RACHEL TORRES
Luxury designers have, without a doubt, always been the fountain from which trends flow — who could forget Miranda Priestly’s iconic monologue from The Devil Wears Prada (2006) after all? However, just as history evolves through the years, so does fashion — including the minds of iconic luxury designers that have molded the world of fashion as we know it today.
From models strutting in stilettos to the recent uprise in chunky street-style sneakers, there is a myriad of facets to look into when it comes to the evolution of designer brands.
Curious to see which brand relates to you the most? Let’s take a look at how their new personas and style evolved, how they could also be rooted back to riding the K-pop wave, as well as how these luxury brands are tapping into the newer, younger market.
Prada
Since 1913, Prada has always known how to set the standard for classic luxe pieces. It’s hard not to have Miranda Priestly in mind when thinking of this brand’s persona, but it could be a good way to set a baseline idea — the wearer is powerful, sleek, and chic. They’re leaders with a commanding presence, know what they want, and always find ways to achieve it.
However, in recent times, it looks like the devil has transitioned to a more comfortable, futuristic style while still keeping its signature classic silhouettes in mind with wearable (and useful pieces) featuring streamlined details.
If you are a Prada-lover, you probably still stick to sleek, classic long-time pieces that would go with anything and everything. You also sound like you’ve got a perfect Notion setup, and maybe a checklist for everybody’s sake.
Balenciaga
Balenciaga couldn’t have asserted their dominance in the sartorial scene harder than having the words “THIS IS NOT A GUCCI BAG” spray-painted across Gucci Marmont bag, topping it off with their logo atop Gucci’s iconic stripes. However, as much as we love a good roast, the scorching hot sizzle was in fact not for competition’s sake but for a recent collaboration.
Balenciaga’s newest collection in collaboration with Gucci for The Hacker Project got us dropping our jaws, too. The photo on the left just goes to show the brilliance of these two brands, where both play on each others’ styles and signature designs to bring us a collection with no shortage of ineffable style.
From their recent promotional photos, we found it packed with Korean personalities such as The Boyz Juyeon, Leader of Street Woman Fighter dance group Prowdmon and dance icon Monica Shin, Nevertheless Actress Han So-hee, Reply 1988 and Somewhere In Between Actor Lee Dong-hwi. Each celebrity ambassadors’ have their names hand-written in the same graffiti type on official paper bags.
Balenciaga lover? You probably exude the same ferocity and courage to say what you want and be in control of any situation — even if that means teaming up with the enemy. Also, do you happen to have a Taurus in any of your signs? Just asking.
Chanel
Dubbed as the Human Chanel, Jennie of the Korean girl-group BLACKPINK was known for being spotted several times wearing the said brand — and they were quick to take notice. Fast forward to 2021 and we see Chanel having collaboration with Jennie wearing the colors — you’ve guessed it — black with vintage-glam details alongside bright pink crop tops and winter-comfort wear with graffiti of the brand’s name plastered all over.
Chanel Korea’s spokesperson mentioned that that Chanel’s aim for modernity with young, trendy millennials in mind is the perfect match with Jennie’s loyalty and image to the brand. Who’s luckier, Jennie or Chanel?
Chanel lovers are probably a lot like Jennie: a total modern it-girl who knows when to be bold, fun, and flirty, and, at the same time, lowkey and humble while determined in pursuing their dreams.
CELINE
Looks like CELINE has been dominating the K-pop scene. Idols and groups’ styling have the iconic type-logo across their chest, foreheads, and bags during their music videos, stage performances, and events.
If you’re a K-pop fan, you probably have the name recall from recent promo ads and posts like NCT Dream’s “Hot Sauce,” The Boyz’s “Drink It” music video and “Thrill-ing” concept photos, and Stray Kids’ teasers music video for “NOEASY”. A lot more idols and groups have the name plastered somewhere in their outfit, too.
Those who continue to love CELINE and their new direction must have a lot of energy and oomph. These are cool and laid-back personas that are so confident in their uniqueness that they leave nothing left to be said. They’re also probably that one groupmate or workmate that always comes in with an outfit that slays.
Gucci
The music scene, whether Western or Eastern, has been going for Gucci in their music videos and performances. There’s no questioning why: the designs are continuously showstoppers and iconic.
Gucci knows how to play the game. Much like other luxury designer labels, they’ve also ventured into the K-pop scene and done so flawlessly. With EXO’s Kai as their ambassador (and from their adorable teddy bear collaboration earlier this year), it’s easy to see that Gucci is going for that soft, whimsical, and colorful persona this time around. The iconic Kai Teddy Bear logo and iconic design in their collaboration is not one that’s easy to forget. Plus, at that time, we still hadn’t gotten over Kai’s Mmmh where he exudes ultimate sexy — talk about duality!
Known for their colors, patterns, and layers, Gucci offers their style are for those who lean towards those who opt for more casual, cool, looks but are unafraid to be unapologetically themselves. Someone who loves Gucci probably has that same core style of casually eclectic, as well as a double personality who is friendly and approachable yet also fierce and powerful — just like Kai.
Which one are you? Let us know! While you’re at it, don’t forget to shop for your favorite luxury brands on ZALORA.