Prada’s Minimalistic Conversation Surrounding Clothes
Since Gucci’s new post Alessandro Michele era unveiled during Milan men's fashion week 2023 we’ve been introduced to a season short on thrills and extravagance. The communal proposal is one that is minimalistic, built on reduction and focused on the essentials of clothing. Sort of dialing down the noise and letting functionality pass through.
Courtesy of Vogue
Raf Simons and Miuccia Prada did exactly that, true to their brands DNA; good taste, luxury and subtle modernity. A very anticipated collection as it was the first time Simons presented after closing his eponymous brand. A collection titled Let's Talk About Clothes, a conversation surrounding what clothing means in today's world. Simons said to Vogue how the vision was to create garments that can actually be worn, without leaving design behind.
A conversation that is as deep as the ocean and many have been questioning the necessity for these seasonal presentations, questioning their need, their value.
Prada worked around mens archetypal wear; the suit. Reducing it to a minimalistic point where no shirts were needed and a sprinkle of Prada’s essence was added in the form of detachable oversized collar lapels inspired form Miuccia’s 2010 Miu Miu collection.
The collection felt a bit repetitive but not in a bad way, navy suits paired with chunky loafers, followed by caramel suede blazers, their personal take on the Loewe puffer jacket, some parkas alluding to the 2010’s comeback, some more structural blazers and tunics. A visual representation of their conversation surrounding clothes, it’s all about good pieces that are tailored, functional, elegant and timeless.
Manu Ríos by GQ Spain
Modernity kept going with Prada’s hybrid sneaker-chunky-loafer shoes and leather bags that emulated a giant flask.
Pradas proposal was clear and simple; good tailoring.
The runway show held at Fondazione Prada cemented minimalism as the foundation of how we should look at clothes moving forward, the relation between color theory, texture, silhouette and purpose.
Courtesy of Vogue
Prada opened up a conversation with a clear message, yet a risky one. Yes, we are going back to basics but that still doesn’t resolve the true cost of fashion, I mean If we want to talk about that then we should.