Prada Makes an Unlikely Cameo on The Simpsons
When the Prada store installation appeared in Marfa, Texas, a city with a population under 2,000, back in 2005, it changed the landscape entirely. Suddenly this remote artist’s haven became a destination for fashion fans almost overnight. (Even Beyoncé paid a visit.) Now that same far-flung shop is making waves yet again—this time on America’s longest-running television show, The Simpsons. In the episode that aired on Sunday, the cartoon family makes an impromptu pit stop at the Prada Marfa installation on a road trip through Texas. When Marge sees the luxury boutique on the horizon, she immediately jumps out of the car. “Prada! In the middle of nowhere?” Lisa is quick to correct her mom. “This isn’t a store at all—it’s an art installation!” Meanwhile, in classic fashion, Homer goes behind the store to relieve himself. His reasoning? “It’s on the side of the road, so by definition it is a bathroom.” Not an unfair observation.
Prada Marfa remains something of a global attraction in real life, though its glory has certainly faded. Created in 2005 by Scandinavian artists Michael Elmgreen and Ingar Dragset, with the blessing of Miuccia Prada, as a “fusion of Pop and land art,” the site has repeatedly been the target of vandals. One incident in 2014 left its walls painted blue and plastered with bizarre renegade art fly posters. Initially, Prada outfitted the display windows with brand-new shoes and bags, though they were later stolen. (The items were ultimately replaced and fitted with security devices.) As for the Simpson family’s shopping experience? They found the store in pristine condition, fully stocked with handbags and shoes, a retail space made in cartoon heaven.
