Mrs. Prada quoted “simplicity” as a reference for the show, which to some editors was deemed numbing and non-climatic. It is always funny to me that editors and buyers ohh and ahh over a show with a strongly story driven, character driven show complete with all sorts of crazy sets and sounds that paint the picture. But then when someone like Mrs. Prada, who is one of the three or four influencers who actually exist in our business, goes the opposite direction, no set, no crazy hair and makeup, no ornate clothes or presentation, just simple, wearable clothes, the editors and buyers lose the plot. Suddenly they don’t understand it anymore. It’s like if the designer doesn’t spell out every little reference, connotation and thought, only the select few (who already know their references and fashion/pop culture history) will understand the collection.
I, for one, really loved this collection. Men don’t wanna wear some tricky, highly stylized clothing. The men in my life, especially the straight ones, want simple, well made clothes that make them look good, and I think this Prada collection fits the bill. The references I saw were definitely on the 1930’s sportswear side with touches of 1970’s suits and sportswear too. I loved the deep colors mixed with the white and mint greens and bright blues. As a woman who regularly makes her way into the mens department at pretty much any store whether it be Barney’s or Target, the unisex vibe added to the show with the women’s looks is I think reflective of the current shopping landscape. And adds to what feels new to me right now. Mrs. Prada told Style.com “Simplicity is repetitive AND equal. After years of references and accessorizing, I felt the need to be equal. The border is a timeless decoration, from Ancient Greece onwards.” The borders seen across the show pieces adds one of my favorite illusions, especially to the trousers, of being skinnier. I always love this trick. The “borders” also give me a bit of the 60‘s contemporary art 90’s minimalist vibe, which of course are two of my favorite themes. While some show goers might not have quite understood the simple factor in this collection, I think this is a much needed palette cleanser for an industry that has become so inundated with story and “over the top”-ness. Let’s hope this is a hint at what Mrs. Prada has in store for us come this September at the womenswear show…
FAVES: Burgundy tee with matching trousers, ALL of the mink jackets and coats on the women’s looks, Mint with white inseam border trousers, Pink and burgundy combo items, and of course, the headbands.
