Prada Luna Rossa Challenge Jacket - 2003 Team Member Exclusive

In 1997, Prada CEO Patrizio Bertelli met with Argentinian yacht designer, German Frers, to discuss the development of a cruising yacht. However, this idea seemed to spiral into the creation of Prada’s very own sailing team: Luna Rossa. Prada joined forces with Yacht Club Punta Ala, with the aim to compete in the 2000 America’s Cup, which became a reality after winning the 2000 Louis Vuitton Cup at their first attempt. Prada entered once again in 2003 and managed to reach the semi-finals, where they lost out to American team ‘OneWorld’. Prada’s sporting endeavours had important implications on their clothing design, as the sailing conditions challenged Prada to devlop and work with new materials and designs to create appropriate uniform for the Luna Rossa team.

These specific pieces were only made for the Luna Rossa team members in 2003 and were never made available to the public. They are constructed from the highest quality Gore-Tex materials with taped seams for optimum waterproofing and protection. The jacket is modelled after Gore-Tex shells from the Prada Sport line, with two velcro hand pockets, that can be accessed alternatively from the side aswell and adjustable silk cuffs. It also features a detachable nylon hood with a reflective strip on the back, concealed within the collar, which is designed to fall away with ease for quick access by the wearer. The ‘YCPA’ patch on the arm is representative of the Yacht Club Punta Ala team. There are small differences between this and the version released to the public after the competition, such as slanted pockets, larger chest patches, a velcro reflective strip on the hood and the inclusion of the competition name on the logo.

Good overall condition with signs of wear including some wear on the inner seam tape which has weakened with age and some yellowing to the patches. 

Measurements:

Pit to pit: 22”

Shoulder to hem: 28”