HISTORY OF THE CHEST RIG IN FASHION

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The chest rig has a long history in the military, where it is used to carry essential gear such as ammunition, medical supplies, and communication devices. In recent years, the chest rig has become even more popular, with high-end fashion brands like Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci incorporating the design into their collections. Prada’s history itself is rooted in luxury travel goods and leather bags, though it is perhaps better known for its tailoring nowadays. Miuccia Prada has however always continued the legacy of the Prada bag.

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PRADA CHEST RIGS & BACKPACKS SPRING SUMMER 1999

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For Spring Summer 1999: both supple ephemeral leather, and utilitarian modern synthetic nylon, were shaped into chest rig Backpacks and cross-body bags, designed to be worn on the wearer's front or back. The chest rig is a practical, military-inspired piece of wearable luggage with unisex appeal, though it seems to appear most in Prada’s womenswear collections.

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PRADA CHEST RIG AUTUMN WINTER 2018

In 2018, Prada upgraded the initial designs adding a front pocket, yet still in keeping with the original motif.

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