WHAT we saw at Prada’s AW17 show was an extension and a continuation of what the house presented during Milan Fashion Week Men’s last month. Hence ‘70s corduroy and velvet flares with furry belts and Baker Boy caps were shown again only this time they were paired with knitted bras, coats of patchwork leather or with fringe and beads and every look was accompanied by a tightly tied scarf flowing at the back.
Angora sweaters, coats and pencil skirts in an array of colours and floral beading were also seen again, but this time a feathered or frilled hem was added which made the pieces all the more attractive, especially when paired with long tailored checked coats with a fur hem.
A new addition were elegant silk dresses and skirts with high slits or buttons at the front, at first appearing in sleek black only with a few beads and feathers decorating them but as the show went on more colours of dresses and beads were presented and this form was often replaced by pencil and ‘60s A-line silhouettes printed with show-stopping illustrations of 50s pin ups and fantasy women by illustrator Robert E McGinnis who is the man behind movie posters for legendary films such as Breakfast at Tiffany’s or Barbarella.
Also an Inuit-inspired theme was introduced, an inspiration slightly disconnected from the rest but which worked with the rest of the collection in a Prada way as models wore heavy fur coats with matching heavy fur boots, feather hoods and patterned coordinated knitwear.
This fashion week season, everyone is looking for political metaphors and messages in every collection and, sure, if we look for it we’ll surely find some in Miuccia Prada’s collection too. But let’s just appreciate the craftsmanship and creativity shown here and enjoy the beautiful distraction for a moment.
by Sara Hesikova
Images courtesy of Prada