Meta and Prada: A High-Fashion Collaboration on AI Glasses in the Works?
Recent developments suggest that Meta may be on the verge of launching a Prada-branded version of its AI-powered smart glasses. This speculation arises after Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, and his wife, Priscilla, were seen attending Prada’s Fall/Winter 2026 Fashion Week show in Milan. Notably, Zuckerberg was observed engaging in conversation with Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada’s Chief Merchandising Officer and son of the brand’s head designer, Miuccia Prada.
While Zuckerberg has been known to refine his public image, including upgrading his wardrobe, his presence at the Prada event is believed to be more than a mere appreciation for fashion. It is likely indicative of a forthcoming collaboration between Meta and the luxury fashion house.
Reports from CNBC last summer hinted at the development of Prada AI glasses, among other ventures. However, Meta has yet to make any official announcements regarding such a partnership. The company has not responded to inquiries about Zuckerberg’s attendance at the Milan show.
EssilorLuxottica, the French-Italian eyewear conglomerate and manufacturer of Ray-Ban, has been collaborating with Meta on high-tech eyewear since their initial release under the Ray-Ban Stories brand. In a recent statement, EssilorLuxottica revealed that it sold over 7 million AI glasses in 2025, a significant increase from 2 million in the previous year. These figures encompass both Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta glasses, the latter being tailored for athletic users.
The potential introduction of Prada AI glasses appears to be a logical progression, especially considering that Prada and EssilorLuxottica have renewed their licensing agreement for eyewear under the Prada and Miu Miu brands for the next decade. The existing contract, which was set to expire on December 31, 2025, has been extended through December 31, 2030, with an option for renewal until December 31, 2035.
By venturing into the high-fashion market with Prada AI glasses, Meta could establish a presence in a luxury segment that its current offerings, such as Oakleys and Ray-Bans, do not fully address. Positioning the glasses as a luxury item could also enhance Meta’s overall brand image.
However, the introduction of AI glasses into the luxury market is not without challenges. There is growing consumer apprehension regarding surveillance devices, leading to actions like the removal of Ring doorbells and the destruction of Flock cameras. This trend may prompt Meta to reconsider incorporating facial-recognition features into its glasses, as reported by The New York Times. The inclusion of such features has attracted criticism for an otherwise moderately successful tech product and has even led to the development of an app designed to alert users if someone nearby is wearing AI glasses.
In summary, the potential collaboration between Meta and Prada on AI glasses represents a significant intersection of technology and high fashion. While it offers opportunities for brand enhancement and market expansion, it also necessitates careful consideration of consumer privacy concerns and the evolving landscape of surveillance technology.
