Speculation is mounting that Meta could be preparing to launch a Prada edition of its AI-powered smart glasses. This conjecture follows the appearance of Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla, in the coveted front row at Prada’s Fall/Winter 2026 Fashion Week show in Milan on Thursday. During the event, the tech executive was observed engaging in conversation with Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada’s Chief Merchandising Officer and the son of head designer Miuccia Prada.
While Zuckerberg has actively worked to refine his public image in recent years, including adopting a more sophisticated wardrobe, his presence at the high-fashion event is likely driven by an impending collaboration with the luxury brand rather than a purely sartorial interest.
Last summer, CNBC had previously reported on the prospective development of Prada AI glasses, among other potential partnerships. However, Meta has yet to issue an official announcement regarding such a deal. The company has also not responded to requests for comment concerning Zuckerberg’s recent attendance in Milan.
EssilorLuxottica, the prominent French-Italian eyewear manufacturer and parent company of Ray-Ban, has been Meta’s long-standing partner in developing these advanced wearable devices since their initial launch under the Ray-Ban Stories brand. The company recently announced robust sales figures, revealing that over 7 million AI glasses were sold in 2025, a significant increase from 2 million in the preceding year. These sales encompass both the Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta glasses, with the latter specifically tailored for athletic users.
The prospect of Prada AI glasses now seems highly plausible, particularly given that Prada and EssilorLuxottica recently renewed their licensing agreement for eyewear under the Prada and Miu Miu labels for another decade. This extended partnership commenced at the start of the current year and is set to continue until December 31, 2030, as detailed in a December 2024 press release.
A collaboration with Prada could provide Meta with a crucial entry point into the high-fashion market, a distinct niche currently unaddressed by its Oakley and Ray-Ban offerings. Establishing its smart glasses as a symbol of luxury could also confer broader brand benefits for Meta as a whole.
Nevertheless, concerns persist regarding the broader societal acceptance of AI glasses, particularly in an era marked by increasing consumer pushback against surveillance technologies. Recent incidents, such as individuals removing Ring doorbells and destroying Flock cameras, highlight this growing sentiment. This shifting public perception could prompt Meta to reconsider the inclusion of facial recognition features in its glasses, a possibility recently highlighted by The New York Times. The report garnered considerable criticism for what had otherwise been a moderately successful tech product and even spurred one developer to create an application designed to alert users if someone wearing the AI glasses is nearby.
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