On Route 90 in Texas, 60 km from the nearest town of Marfa with just 2,500 residents you’ll find Prada Marfa, a permanently installed sculpture built to mimic the luxury brand’s trademark boutique. It was built and revealed to the public in 2005 by artists Elmgreen and Dragset, housing genuine Prada shoes and handbags, personally selected by Miucca Prada herself from the fall/winter 2005 collection.
The surreal project cost $80,000 to complete and was built with “earth-friendly”, biodegradable materials and was never intended to be repaired or require upkeep. The idea is that it will slowly melt into oblivion over time.
Not surprisingly, it only took three days after its inauguration for Prada Marfa to attract vandals who broke into the installation and stole all of its contents which included six handbags and 14 right-footed shoes. They also spray painted the side of the structure with the words “Dumb”.
Despite the setback, the installation was repaired and restocked with bottomless Purses which contained security alarms to alert authorities to prevent further burglaries.
Since then, the faux-boutique has held up pretty well over the years with only a few bumps and scratches.
It’s become a local landmark and has generated a welcome stream of tourism for the nearby town of Marfa. Cowboys, bikers and fashionistas alike come to visit the Prada store that lost its way in the Texan desert, leaving business cards and shoes around the structure to mark their visit.
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