In collaboration with Giangiacomo Feltrinelli Editore, the Italian publishing house, Prada aims at enhancing its status by the installment of a literary contest, part of its new eyewear line.

The contest has already begun and runs until 18th June. Prada wants to merge literature and fashion, while celebrating its 50 years of publishing expertise. Prada is on the look-out for new, up-and-coming talents who have the ability to view the world with an ‘exceptional, rare gaze’. Budding writers are encouraged to upload essays (4,000 – 8,000 words) to Prada’s website in their mother tongue.

These short stories should answer the questions: “What are the realities that our eyes are giving back to us?” and “How are these realities filtered through lenses?” The campaign uses prescription glasses as a metaphor to spark the writers’ own interpretation of reality.

The entries will be judged by Prada and Giangiacomo Feltrinelli and the winners receive a €5,000 prize with the publication of their work as an e-book as well as a version in print which will be distributed in Prada boutiques.

The terms and conditions of the contest are available on the Prada Journal site; writers are presented with a set of guidelines to adhere to and style to follow. So gather your thoughts, paper, and pen and start writing!