On Thursday, February 26, 2026, speculation about a Meta x Prada collaboration reached a fever pitch after Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, were seen sitting front-row at Prada’s Fall/Winter 2026 show at Milan Fashion Week.
While Meta has not officially announced the device, industry insiders and supply chain reports suggest that the luxury glasses are the next step in Meta’s “multi-brand” strategy for its AI wearables.
The “Milan Front Row” Catalyst
Zuckerberg was seated directly next to Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada’s Chief Merchandising Officer and heir to the Prada empire.
- The “Orion” Connection: Observers noted the high-profile meeting likely signals a finalized deal to bring Meta’s AI technology—currently found in Ray-Ban and Oakley frames—to the high-fashion world.
- Timing: The appearance follows a renewed 10-year licensing deal between Prada and EssilorLuxottica (the manufacturing giant that also produces Meta’s Ray-Ban and Oakley models). This infrastructure makes a Prada-branded smart glass a natural evolution of the existing partnership.
Design & Hardware: Why Prada?
Former Meta staff and fashion analysts point out that Prada’s aesthetic is uniquely suited for the current limitations of AR hardware.
- The “Thick Temple” Advantage: Prada is famous for its bold, thick-rimmed frames (like the Linea Rossa line). These thicker temples provide the necessary “heft” to house Meta’s hardware—microphones, dual cameras, batteries, and the new AI-focused chips—without looking like a bulky tech gadget.
- The “Display” Rumor: While current Ray-Ban Meta glasses are audio-only, rumors suggest the Prada edition could be the flagship for Meta’s “Hypernova” project—smart glasses that feature a small, heads-up display (HUD) in one of the lenses for notifications and AI visualizations.
Market Positioning: Luxury vs. Performance
Meta is reportedly segmenting its eyewear portfolio to capture different consumer mindsets:
| Brand | Target Audience | Key Feature | Expected Price |
| Ray-Ban Meta | Lifestyle / Casual | Sleek, classic styles (Wayfarer). | ~$299 – $350 |
| Oakley Meta | Athletes / Active | Rugged, centered camera for POV sports. | ~$360 – $400 |
| Prada Meta | Luxury / High Fashion | High-end materials & HUD Display. | $600 – $900 |
The “Malibu 2” Companion
The Prada glasses are expected to launch alongside Meta’s revived “Malibu 2” Smartwatch (slated for late 2026).
- Neural Control: The watch is rumored to act as a “neural controller” for the glasses, allowing users to scroll through menus or interact with Meta AI using subtle hand gestures, effectively replacing the need to touch the glasses or your phone.
Current Status
As of February 27, 2026, the project remains a “not-so-secret” secret. Meta declined to comment on Zuckerberg’s presence at the Prada show, but market analysts expect a formal unveiling at Meta Connect 2026 later this year.
