Prada, the iconic Italian fashion house, continues to impress with its forward-thinking approach to menswear. In a fashion landscape where traditional tailoring dominates the runways, Prada has chosen to break the mold. For their latest show, guests were transported to a stainless steel metallic factory, with diamond plate seating and catwalks, and high-security prison cell-like ceilings. The dramatic setting set the stage for a truly remarkable collection.
As the show commenced, glue sheets fell from the ceiling, forming transparent walls that added an element of intrigue and darkness to the show. The models emerged in somber colors, showcasing carefully ironed denim and linen crepe shirts, wide shorts, and military-inspired pieces. The silk dress shirts featured streaks of black and white, mirroring the dripping glue. The models exuded an urban professionalism, reminiscent of hipster organization men on inner-city maneuvers. Multi-pocket waistcoats, shirt jackets, and tops were embellished with silver rings and hoops, while abstract fabric flowers and cacti added an artistic touch.
Prada also introduced voluminous detective coats in vibrant lemon, violet, caramel, and sand colors, sometimes paired with hunting vests for a unique juxtaposition. The collection also featured sporty hikers’ parkas worn with deep-pocketed English colonial shorts. The models completed their looks with sleek black socks and patent leather loafers and slippers in eye-catching shades of tomato, crimson, or black. They exuded a sense of urban sophistication, as if they were headed to a stylish co-working space.
While the collection showcased elements of whimsy, the overall atmosphere remained somber. The soundtrack, featuring The Nine Inch Nails’ industrial anthem “Closer,” intensified this mood. The inclusion of explicit lyrics in a show by the fiercely independent and trailblazing designer Miuccia Prada raised eyebrows. It was also notable that Frédéric Sanchez, Prada’s longtime sound architect, was excluded from this show.
As the models made their final walk down the runway, the glue that had fallen from the ceiling transformed into Prada’s signature seafoam green color. Though the collection itself may not have been groundbreakingly innovative, it made a powerful statement and showcased Prada’s ability to captivate and take risks. Despite the questionable decisions regarding the soundtrack, Prada once again demonstrated its position at the forefront of the fashion industry, constantly pushing creative boundaries and redefining style.
Useful links:
Prada Official Website
Vogue Men’s Spring/Summer 2022 Collection
