Clearly not content with making waves solely in the world of fashion, Prada Group has turned its forward-thinking vision toward ocean conservation. Last week, the luxury brand brought its Possible Conversations series to Tokyo, hosting a thought-provoking event and exhibition at its Prada Aoyama Epicenter. The discussion centered on SEA BEYOND, Prada’s long-standing partnership with Unesco’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), aimed at promoting ocean sustainability and preservation.
The Tokyo event is the second iteration of Prada Group’s Possible Conversations, which hosts panels and talks between thinkers, cultural arbiters, scientists and fashion figures from across the world to spotlight Prada’s commitment to environmental responsibility and spark conversations about important global challenges, like ocean conservation.
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This installment of Possible Conversations welcomed Emmy-nominated environmental photographer Enzo Barracco, whose evocative work has become synonymous with raising awareness of the ocean’s delicate ecosystems. Joining him were Unesco-IOC senior program officer Francesca Santoro and representatives from the National Marine Educators Association (NMEA), Meghan Marrero and Joanna Philippoff, where they explored how art and science can inspire action and foster a greater understanding of ocean conservation.
Photography from Barracco’s latest book, The Blue on Fire, Hawai’i, set the visual backdrop of the event, showcasing the captivating beauty of oceanic landscapes, captured by Barracco on expeditions to Hawaii. In a statement released after the event, Barracco explained: “I hope my work acts as a reminder that it’s time to give back and fall in love with our oceans again.”. His imagery remains on display at Prada’s Tokyo store through December 29, 2024.
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Unesco-IOC’s Francesca Santoro similarly reiterated the vital role of art and culture in our sustainability efforts: “Every photograph tells a story, and the ocean has countless waiting to be told. These visual narratives play a critical role in ocean literacy, inspiring change and sustainable practices for future generations.”
The event also marked Prada’s announcement of further support for educational initiatives under SEA BEYOND, including the expansion of the Hawai’i Blue Schools project, which aims to instill ocean literacy in schools across the region. In Japan, Prada Group is now partnering with the SD Blue Earth association led by renowned ichthyologist Sakana-kun. The initiative will bring marine-focused workshops to children in Tokyo Bay, fostering curiosity and a deeper connection to their local marine environments.
As luxury brands increasingly align with environmental efforts, Prada’s dedication to sustainability through initiatives like SEA BEYOND reaffirms the intersection of fashion and conscious practices. As Santoro put it: “It’s no longer just about what we wear, but how we interact with the world around us.”
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Barracco similarly sums up the sentiment: “We are all marine animals, we just forgot. It’s time to remember and act.”
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