PRADA RELEASES ITS RE-NYLON COLLABORATION WITH NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
words NIA TOPALOVA
editor MAREK BARTEK
Sustainability has long been a key issue in the fashion industry, yet it is often overshadowed by a focus on aesthetics. In 2025, Prada proves that fashion and environmental responsibility can indeed align, embracing a circular approach with a mission to raise awareness on conservation of marine ecosystems, as well as the connection of fashion to society and culture. Through thorough exploration of fashion’s ability to make a difference and create long lasting positive change on the environment around it, Prada reflects on global concerns and the shifting sensibilities of new generations.
In 2019 Prada created the SEA BEYOND educational program in partnership with the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO. Increasing consciousness about sustainability and ocean preservation, it aims to improve ocean education on a global scale through a series of training initiatives. The collaboration also explores the origins of the Prada Re-Nylon initiative in a series of four documentary films. Benedict Cumberbatch (BAFTA, Emmy and Laurence Olivier Award-winning, Academy Award and Golden Globe Award-nominated actor), and actress Sadie Sink — a passionate advocate for environmental and animal rights, are both featured in the very first film.
“It’s just one of the ways in which we can see beyond to a blue future.”
EPISODE 1:
The first of four films focuses on the impact and importance of communities and habitats across the world, created with Prada’s storytelling partner National Geographic CreativeWorks and co-starring SEA BEYONDers and Goodwill Ambassadors of the educational program by Prada Group. Benedict Cumberbatch visits the Lofoten Archipelago of Norway, within the Arctic Circle, to examine the critical issue of plastic pollution in the Arctic, alongside environmental advocate and actress Valentina Gottlieb and local expert Carl Höjman.
Ecosystems all around the globe are strongly affected by ocean currents that carry plastic waste, littering beaches and destroying marine life. The unsustainable fishing practices add thousands of tons of plastic to the ocean each year — an example for this are the so-called “ghost nets” — thousands of kilometers of lost or abandoned fishing nets. Prada Group and UNESCO are on a mission to create a sustainable ocean economy that preserves and cherishes the ocean.
Advocating for a better understanding of the importance of ocean literacy and preservation, Prada Group trains more than 14,000 employees worldwide on protection of marine ecosystems via educational content and the AWorld app, the official platform selected by the United Nations to live more sustainably. The same educational program has shared the principles of ocean literacy with more than 35,000 students around the world, inviting them to be part of an international ocean movement committed to advocate its value. UNESCO and Prada Group launched a contest, inviting schools to create an awareness campaign with text, graphics or interactive content, with the aim to showcase how to adopt more conscious behaviours to preserve the ocean. SEA BEYOND has recently extended its scope with two new areas of focus: support for scientific research dissemination and humanitarian projects, both dedicated to the ocean. 1% of the proceeds from the Prada Re-Nylon for SEA BEYOND Collection benefit SEA BEYOND, with the aim of inspiring new generations and making them aware of the importance of the ocean and the need to preserve it.
Made of regenerated and sustainable nylon, Prada’s Re-Nylon features accessories and ready-to-wear for men and women, blend functionality and luxury, aiming to create products without using new resources. The collection features hybrid designs that combine sportswear elements with elegant silhouettes. Full-skirted and cocktail dresses paired with cocoon-coats, completed by footwear and accessories. Nylon is a textile that can be endlessly regenerated without loss of quality, making Re-Nylon the next step in fabric technology and sustainable luxury.
Prada makes a bold statement by demonstrating that aesthetic value can indeed coexist with environmental consciousness, providing solutions and encouraging us to embrace sustainability. Prada’s Re-Nylon proves that luxury doesn’t need to compromise the environment.
“Once you know the ocean you really start understanding it, and you start loving it. You naturally feel like you want to protect it.”
