Prada Blends Officewear and Outdoors in Milan Show
Prada's autumn/winter menswear collection combines standard office attire with outdoor gear, creating a contemporary and versatile look.
Blending Two Worlds
Prada's recent menswear collection showcased a fusion of standard office attire and outdoors gear. The collection aimed to challenge the perception that these two styles are mutually exclusive. Co-creative director Raf Simons stated that the goal was to create a contemporary look by disrupting the boundaries between office wear and nature-inspired clothing.
The collection featured sharp suiting, brightly colored fine knitwear, and all-weather trenches, as well as chunky tweed workwear coats. In addition, the maritime theme was incorporated with double-breasted sheepskin coats and jacquard caps befitting a ship's captain. The combination of these elements resulted in a unique and versatile collection.
Setting the Stage
Prada's show was enhanced by the innovative sets created by architectural thinktank AMO. The show's setting included a drab carpeted office space with clean-desk-policy office pods, symbolizing the indoor environment. However, the main attraction was the recycled Perspex catwalk, which led guests to a living forest floor with a trickling spring. The seating consisted of non-ergonomic office chairs, emphasizing the fusion of office and outdoor aesthetics.
Simons explained the concept behind the sets, highlighting the human instinct to be connected to nature even in synthetic environments. The intention was to create a sense of the outdoors and an expression of the desire to experience the world. The sets played a crucial role in conveying the message of the collection.
Prada's Influence and Future Growth
Prada's focus on everyday luxury and functionality has influenced other luxury brands in the industry. Functionality, wearability, and utility have become buzzwords in fashion, with brands like Fendi, Gucci, and Emporio Armani embracing these themes in their recent collections.
Beyond the fashion realm, Prada has also embarked on collaborations outside Earth. The brand has partnered with Axiom Space to design Nasa's spacesuits for the Artemis III mission, which was recently rescheduled for 2026. This collaboration demonstrates Prada's commitment to innovation and forward-thinking.
With the success of its 110th anniversary celebration and significant revenue growth, Prada continues to expand its influence and ventures. The introduction of Prada makeup and skincare further diversifies the brand and aims to drive additional growth in the beauty industry.
