Prada’s Social, Political Message Informs Her Collection
In the wake of political instability and social turmoil, the message at the Prada show was clear — “The constant duality between what you have to be in order to be strong and able to protect yourself, and what we’ve inherited: the sweetness, the femininity.”. As designer Miuccia Prada explains, “My excuse for the show was the freedom of a woman in the night. I imagined that a woman could go out looking super sexy in the street at night without being bothered. I always say, if you want to go out at night naked you should be able to. It’s part of the individual freedom and I wanted this freedom exaggerated.” Skillfully combining elements of femininity with survival, the show reignites a sense of empowerment for women everywhere.
We’ve seen plenty of black alongside the #metoo movement, but what is particularly refreshing about Prada is the electric neon pops against an otherwise bleak environment, shouting for attention, rather than disappearing into the crowd. The entire collection was constructed from man-made materials, forming boxy silhouettes on utilitarian outerwear which cleverly concealed delicate tulle dresses and separates. Oversized neck bows and flirty frocks exuded a soft, ladylike personality to offset the survival wear. Models wore clip on ID tags, referencing the recent spotlight on sexual harassment in the workplace, which furthered the “no nonsense” attitude of the collection.
Abstract prints, dainty floral appliqués, elegant gloves and handbags each maintain a classic feminine appeal while functional high-tech elements borrowed from the street keep the looks grounded. Rubber boots with cinched drawstrings, technical vests and hooded anoraks with plenty of pockets, zippers, and velcro patches, along with less-than-sexy elasticized pants are among many factors serving to counteract the sexier pieces they are paired with. “Women, on the one hand” explains Prada, “have to be strong and protected, aggressive and powerful. On the other side, you bring with you all the characteristics of femininity…”, which is exactly what the show accomplishes.
See All the Looks from the Collection
