KL Gets a Prada Megastore

Mega is the word and there's been an ongoing race for designer megastores in KL, all located under the roof of the swanky and authentically classy Pavilion KL.

Following the path of Hermes, Juicy Couture, Salvatore Ferragamo, and coming soon Gucci just to name a few, Italian contemporary luxury fashion label Prada is joining the league with the opening of its first ever two-tier store in Malaysia and probably in South East Asia region.

Located next to its traditional rival and comrade Gucci, the flagship is still under construction and should be opened to the anticipating shoppers come this summer and of course this is not another Epicenter like the ones in LA and Tokyo mind you.

Like Gucci, no further details regarding of the interior and exterior architecture as well as special and limited items that the new store will carry have been spilled by any parties to the media and me. Surprises after surprises, isn't that interesting?

The last few weeks and months ago saw the opening of a variety of flagship stores at the Pavilion KL, ranging from Juicy Couture to Club Monaco, DKNY to Montblanc, Hermes and the latest Salvatore Ferragamo.

For Prada, one can always look forward to a complete collection of accessories, shoes, and ready-to-wear for both men and women that have been doing so well in Malaysia since the brand, which is the brainchild of minimalist mimic artist-trained fashion designer Miuccia Prada started their operation more than a decade ago.

While the beautiful illustrations inspired from "Trembled Blossoms', a short whimsical animated movie by Prada adorn most of its spring/summer 2008 ready-to-wear pieces and bags, perfectly teemed with the season's trend of going aesthetic, the fall/winter 2008 sees minimalism of simple but classic silhouettes in solid palette of black with subtle usage of pallid bisque, which is akin to the nude shade of loose powder, and turquoise, and white.

Swiss couture lace with big embossed flower patterns similar to Chanel's Camellia dominates the fall/winter 2009 ready-to-wear collection of body-conscious dresses with standing knitted turtlenecks and long sleeves, as well as a unique ensemble of sleeveless top with balloon hem and matching hip-hugging pants. Shiny Thai silk in red and brown are transformed into magnificent dresses with short cap sleeves, projecting a slender and sensuous feminine shape image.

These terrific line is paired with great accessories and shoes, for which Prada has always been known for since the last two decades. In the finale of her fashion show held at 36, Via Forgazzaro, Prada walked on the runway in her trademark fashion simplicity of a white turtleneck sweater and black skirt, bowing to the applauding crowd who are eager to have their hands on the new collection.

So people, let's all be grateful for our beloved capital is on its way to become the next shopping destination surpassing Singapore and Hong Kong, and be patient for something exciting is about to bloom out of the gigantic Prada hoardings.

The Fall/Winter 2008 collection will be available in stores at the end of August to late September while the Spring/Summer 2008 collection is in stores now.

*Photos by Marcio Madeira/Style.com

Prada Flagship Store - Level 2 & 3, Pavilion KL, Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.