Yesterday’s Prada FW25 collection presented an interpretation of what femininity means today, and Ms Miuccia Prada along with co-creative director Raf Simons gave us the nonchalant elegance that Prada does best. From the designer that gave us “ugly chic”, this season is circling back to awkward glam – as Mrs Prada said herself: “For me, glamour is not a sexy dress, it’s the opposite. It’s an interior point of view.”
In response to arguably the biggest show of the season (definitely the most compelling), we hit up only the best in the fashion industry to chat over Instagram DMs about the Prada FW25 show.
So, what did you think of the Prada show?
“‘But in the end, I realised I liked coats and suits. It was serious, in a way. It was about a need for feminine empowerment.’ That’s what Miuccia told Sarah Mower about the collection’s boiled wool and frizzy hair in 2009. Today felt very much the same. The claustrophobic jungle of the set, the music, the brief interludes of colour amongst heavy, slouchy dresses. These kids aren’t playing dress-up anymore – for better of worse, they are grown up.” – Alexandra Hildreth, Fashion Editor @alexandra.hildreth
“There’s an unattractive air of desperation hanging over this fashion week – with a lot of positions shifting and big brands struggling, everyone seems extra anxious to impress. Prada is a rare presence of self-assuredness that tells the audience what to like, rather than the other way around.
The unkept hair, the shapeless dresses, the half-tucked collars and the slightly chaotic styling gave this season a kind of overslept elegance – running late and throwing on whatever you could find, but still having somewhere important to be and looking effortlessly good getting there. The Prada woman has never cared what you think of her, and right now that vibe feels especially compelling.” – Ashley Ogawa Clarke, Fashion Journalist & Runway Critic @ashleyogawaclarke
“Prada never fails.” – Nassia Matsa, Model & Writer @nassia_
”Watching every Prada show is like seeing your dream wardrobe brought to life. The bags were flawless, the shoes were timeless, the jackets were revolutionary – every look was perfect even down to the model’s messy, bed hair (that might be the one part of the show I already have nailed). Miuccia and Raf really did THAT.” – Robyn Pullen, Editorial Lead, Culted @robyn_pullen_
“Prada is always a highlight for me, not just because of the collections but because of the intricate set designs and the storytelling. This collection felt grown up, but also whimsical and playful at the same time, defining Prada’s vision of femininity in a way that feels modern.” – Tora Northman, Fashion & Social Media Consultant @toranorth
“Geek chic, bed hair & buttery brown leather.” – Juno Kelly, Writer, Culted @junokelly
“When everybody goes left, Miuccia Prada goes right, and that modus operandi is very much present in this collection. Prada is at her best when she questions the relevance of elegance as we know it, by creating puzzling work that aims to start new sartorial conversations. This collection is not immediately digestible for it requires cerebral and emotional efforts to understand its purpose – and that’s just a great feeling – but I’m wondering if it’s beautiful because it’s kind of ugly, or if it’s ugly therefore kind of beautiful? P.S. The jackets and coats are really good.” – Pam Boy, Writer, Editor and Creator of SCRNSHT. @pam_boy
"The clean, bleak vibes, the stern tailoring, the ‘40s silhouettes – it’s giving austerity fr. Also, faux fur has us in a chokehold this season, and I’m obsessed.” – Danai Dana, Writer, Culted @danaidana
“Ok, my instant thoughts to Prada FW25...
Yes:
Always using the same set as menswear show; Look 7: long hair tucked into a gem encrusted collar necklace; worn with one earring and brown silk PJ top; open-toe flat boots and loafers; the fur trimmed and covered blazers; granny floral print dresses; ultra-low, ultra-messy ponytails/buns; the slime green poncho; dangling front and back neck chain details; Miuccia and Raf’s finale outfits.
No:
Four plain black sack dress variations as the opening looks; the total lack of glam (except for the random occasional block brow); Look 15: awkward yellow knitted cocoon dress; all the square rimless glasses; the intentional ill-fitting nature of everything.” – Rebecca Jane Hill, Fashion Editor @rebeccajanehill
“I really enjoyed the fur moments that we’ve been seeing throughout all the FW25 collections and there’s an effortless vibe with this show that’s too good.” – Jotaro Joden, Writer, Culted @joejoden
“Every once in a while I feel like I’ve fallen out of love with fashion, but then I come to Milan and see a Prada show. I loved how minimal yet rich the collection felt. Everyday items were elevated through subtle design elements and materials (lots of faux fur and leather), it felt rough and effortless, yet opulent. What I always enjoy the most is discovering the intellectual concept behind the collection.” – Pavel Dler, Editor-in-Chief, Culted @paveldlerr
Featured images Prada©
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