The latest Prada collection, showcased during Milan Fashion Week, features basic pieces inspired by jeans, transformed into leather and technical fabrics. Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons aimed to create menswear for the streets, not just fashion enthusiasts.
Prada’s Spring/Summer Uniform
For the upcoming spring and summer, Prada has introduced fitted and short jackets, paired with five-pocket trousers. These are complemented by timeless blazers or leather blouson jackets. Raf Simons emphasized a need for practical staples, comparing them to a well-prepared pasta pomodoro.
Despite the denim inspiration, Prada admitted never having worn jeans, while Simons only recently returned to them after favoring wool trousers year-round for two decades. In an unexpected twist, five-pocket trousers with flat-pocket jackets became Prada’s new uniform, tailored and cropped.
Luxurious and Minimalist Designs
Most looks featured luxurious, soft leather in monochromes like off-white, gray, burgundy, or turquoise, accompanied by rock guitar riffs. A subset used nearly transparent technical fabrics, suitable for Europe’s recent heatwave. Only a few concluding looks utilized genuine denim.
Some short shirts and knitted vests boasted geometric patterns, finished with contrasting silk scarves tied at the waist. Colorful waist bags served as the sole bags, sometimes attached to thick belts. Footwear included pointed shoes with velcro straps.
Reconnecting Fashion with Street Style
Prada aimed for universal pieces, avoiding ‘useless design’ seen on other runways. Simons noted the desire to reconnect fashion with real-world dressing, acknowledging how strong fashion ideas historically emerged from the streets rather than luxury brands and runways.
Simons described the silhouette as clear, vertical, simple, sharp, and proud. The collection favored white for its peaceful, hopeful, purifying qualities. He believes this collection challenges typical luxury perceptions in high fashion.
The presentation embraced simplicity, held in a bare exhibition room with transparent bench seating. Every attendee had a front-row view. VIP guests included NBA star Anthony Edwards, South African-Australian singer and actor Troye Sivan, K-pop group ENHYPEN, and British actor Louis Partridge.
Excited fans braved early summer heat to greet their favorite celebrities. The collection demonstrates Prada’s commitment to practical yet stylish garments inspired by ordinary wear.