Where Did the Banana Grows from？
The banana prints debuted in Prada’s Spring/Summer 2011 collection for women’s wear under designer Miuccia Prada. Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of US Vogue, as a fashion public celebrity, was quick to wear the banana pattern – and the whole fashion industry quickly followed suit. The trend even spilled over into other industries: Stephanie Flanders, economic editor at the BBC, was also seen wearing the banana print on air. The banana pattern injected humor into the serious fashion world and became a seasonal fever. According to Topshop, banana print pieces were especially popular. [1] [2]
The banana fever soon cooled down and became almost alien to Gen Z. But it peeked its head out a little bit in 2018 – this time on men’s wear, with a street-style vibe. But you know how it goes: you think your party fit is fire, and then some annoying dude strolls in wearing chunky Balenciaga’s and robbed all attention. So unfair.[3][4][5]
In September 2024, Sabrina Carpenter debuted as a Prada Beauty Partner. Then came the Easter egg: in her single “Taste” released on August 24, 2024, the Prada Banana Lip Balm appeared right at the start of the music video. The lyric “You’ll just have to taste me when he’s kissin’ you” cleverly hinted at the balm’s flavor. [6]
Why Sabrina? Because her signature ‘banana blonde’ persona aligns with Prada’s Banana motif – quirky, fun, and sophisticated. Her beauty glow and tone fully channel that banana fever into a modern visual and emotional echo.
The London Prada banana pop-up came before the New York show, running from August 28 to September 3, 2025. And before the US show Prada collaborated with a wave of micro-influencers who posted TikTok reels showcasing the balm. And of course, Sabrina Carpenter herself joined in, sharing her own reel. This is how the banana vibe was pre-heated. [7]
And then, here is the Prada’s banana-themed pop-up show in New York, at 82 Gansevoort Street, on August 30th and 31st. Visitors received banana balm samples, banana granita, the same banana candies featured in the “Manchild” MV, along with an exclusive next-door Sephora offer.
Who Took the Banana Bite?
So, who actually took the banana bite? Visitors walked away with a luxe Prada Banana Balm, icy summer treats, a Sephora discount, and, of course, the ultimate Instagram flex. Prada scored big too — soaking up exposure and a fresh batch of email subscribers from eager sign-ups at the event. Sephora cashed in on boosted sales, while Sabrina Carpenter enjoyed extra eyes on her music videos as fans went hunting for that hidden Prada surprise.
And here is the question:
If streetwear is now snacking on high fashion, is the once-beaten banana boy low-key prepping his comeback fit? 🫵 👀