PRADA: THE ACCESSORIES GOAT OF FASHION

by Sam Le Roy 2 years ago

by Sam Le Roy 2 years ago 5min

In the wake of Prada’s SS22 show – which saw models don incredible outfits in just as incredible scenery – we decided to take a deep dive into the Prada universe and talk through some of the most iconic accessories the label has ever made – and there’s a lot to unpack. From recent internet-breaking moments like the pocket gloves, to classic Nylon luggage options, there’s a never-ending supply of accessory options to read about.

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THE POUCH

FW21 saw Raf and Miuccia catch the attention of the fashion world – not only for the collection of garments, but also the now-famous pouched leather gloves. They made us want to ditch the pockets, bulky cargo shorts and rock up to any occasion with our gloves laden with allsorts: airpods, chewing gum, maybe a mask or even darts if your pouch is big enough. The duo took this one step further in SS22, unveiling matching, brightly-colored, eclectically-patterned leather bucket hats on a Sardinian beach front, with a similar pouch on the rearward brim – whether or not the pouch is as much practical as it is comical is another question in itself, but the pouch is firmly here to stay. These hats also feature slots that will perfectly hold your sunglasses while you’re at the beach. What’s the next article of clothing you’d want to see get Raf and Miuccia bag/accessory hybrid treatment?

TRIANGLE BAGS

SS22 saw a host of large, over the shoulder bags come into play, all of which feature the triangle motif not only as a detail or branding stamp, but as a design influence itself. The bags come in triangular shapes, be it flat or as a smaller, portable lunch bag which comes with a faint triangular prism shape rather than the conventional barrel.

THE BOLO TIE

Spotted on many celebrities – think Quavo, Evan Mock and Frank Ocean – the Bolo tie was 2020’s “it” item from the Italian label. Characterized by the sliding triangle (typically adorned with Prada’s distinct branding) and long strings hanging from the neck, the country-inspired design was – and still is – a unique means of spicing up a tailored look.

THE NYLON BAG

The Prada Nylon Bag has been a go-to for everyone from models and celebrities, to first ladies and fashion enthusiasts across the globe since its creation in the ‘90s. From the classic iterations we all know and love, to more experimental revisions – FW19 mens saw an elongated version, while FW19 Women’s saw slimmer nylon bags with chain shoulder straps – the Nylon is here to stay, it is after all Prada’s hallmark textile after celebrity wears from Frank Ocean to Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner. The Re-Nylon Re-Edition 2000 Mini Bag is available right now for $650; a timeless design that’s never going to be out of style.

BUCKET HATS

The iconic silhouette brought about by Kangol and the Hip-Hop crowd in the 80’s and 90’s was forgotten about in fashion until Miuccia debuted the style – albeit slimmed-down and adorned with peacock feathers – in the SS05 runway. The style has become a hallmark for Prada ever since, be it on the runway as experimental showpieces or ready-to-wear, Nylon options.

PAPERCLIP MONEY CLIP

Prada broke the internet a while back in 2017 after releasing an outrageous paperclip-shaped pocket organiser for $185, with many struggling to understand the price – since then, the label has released silver and gold options for even more.

PADDED HEADBANDS

SS19 Womenswear’s highlight for Prada was the padded headbands sat atop many of the model’s heads. This came as a styling option pulling inspiration from a bygone era, be it Princess Diana’s jewel-adorned headbands or a young Hillary Clinton’s wardrobe while her husband was in office. As one would expect, Prada’s rendition came as a sexy, provocative revision to these references, made up of the sleek Prada nylon and laden with recognisable branding.

THE BRUSHED LEATHER LOAFER

Complete with Prada’s triangle motif on the forefoot, the brushed loafer has been a staple for so many years – and with the resurgence of classic styles like this coming to the fashion and streetwear world, it’s not unrealistic to suggest that these see play for many more years to come. The classic slip-on silhouette has been remixed by Prada so many times, be it platform soled, with show-out experimental detailing or the classic, timeless look. Everyone should have a pair of these in the collection; they’re simply too good not to have.

MONOLITH

The monoliths come as a sexy, playful, yet all-business boot channeling classic Prada DNA while entertaining a completely new audience through a more utilitarian outlook on design. A chunky, sculpted sole unit takes the high-cut combat boot to new heights, making it a style wearable at fashion week, out for dinner, or a walkabout. The added ankle strapping with the prosthetic pouch is the icing on the cake, all in all making for a product so classic yet so bang-on trend for the current fashion climate.