In a fashion season—Milanese and beyond—that has been somewhat subdued and with few bursts of excitement, Prada, as always, breaks the rules and presents a pivotal collection for at least two reasons: on one hand, it reaffirms that craftsmanship is essential, both in its most classic forms and in its most contemporary expressions; on the other, it recognizes that fashion should not only inspire aspiration but also serve as a sublimation of reality.
This duality is expressed in the finishes that define every piece, from shoes decorated with feathers and beaded embroidery to “distressed” wool and leather jackets, and even the stained cotton of the trenches—a concept of “used luxury” already seen in the men’s show in January.
An aesthetic that demonstrates the artisan’s ability to achieve incredibly natural effects while they are actually simulated, showing the beauty of the passage of time and inviting us to embrace decay, allowing ourselves to keep wearing those no-longer-perfect shoes that we have loved and still love today.
