The autumn-winter showcase by Prada, held at the iconic Fondazione Prada, was a labyrinth of metal and imagination. Models descended through a maze of steel, a set design borrowed from February's men's show, setting the stage for a conversation about beauty—or rather, the questioning of it. Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons, the creative minds behind the brand, dared to challenge the conventional notions of what it means to be beautiful.
The Prada Girl of this season is a paradox. She adores black, oversized dresses adorned with bold buttons—a trend echoing through Milan. She pairs them with classic handbags and pointed-toe pumps, but also with jeans or trousers, transforming them into tops. Fur is her obsession, not just as trims on jackets or coats, but as a statement on "plastic" parkas in Prada's signature green.
She is a blend of audacity and delicacy, favoring floral prints alongside oversized coats cinched with ropes and topped with knitted collars. Her wardrobe includes straight skirts that barely cling to her hips, leather jackets with neck loops, and a palette of contrasting colors—much like Miuccia Prada herself. There's a hint of rave culture in her style, a nod to Raf Simons' underground influences.
The collection is a reflection of global upheavals, with its raw textures and primal elements. Fur and rugged leather dominate, evoking a sense of primal survival. The soundtrack, with its shamanic undertones, adds to the atmosphere of a world in flux. Prada and Simons are not just designing clothes; they're crafting a narrative about resilience and redefinition.
In a world where beauty is often narrowly defined, Prada and Simons have opened the door to a broader, more inclusive vision. Their collection is a testament to the power of fashion to provoke thought and inspire change.