Prada abandons summer fashion's easy road

(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-09-25 14:34

A model falls during the Prada Spring/Summer 2009 fashion collection presented in Milan, Italy, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008.[Agencies]

Miuccia Prada is often a step ahead of the pack, so it was no wonder that her latest collection had little to do with what has been going on the Milan runway: easy dressing in light and airy styles.

Her collection shown Tuesday was indeed light — she's into flesh-baring these days — but certainly not easy to wear — or walk in. Several models tottered and fell on the fish-decorated runway, as they slipped out of their ultrahigh-heeled platform sandals strapped at the ankle. Many finished their catwalk shoes in hand.

The latest Prada collection is divided into categories from bra tops to dresses in python and fish prints, to variations of the old-fashioned night gown, to gilded evening wear. To underline the potpourri feel, all the models walked up and down the runway at the same time, creating the effect of a fashion kaleidoscope.

Prada topped a long list of shows on the second day of the Milan fashion week that runs through Friday, including Jil Sander, Bottega Veneta, and Moschino.

PRADA

The only "easy" item in the new Prada collection is the latest Prada bag -a simple leather clutch.

The bra top, an item that could never have shown up at Prada a decade ago, is worn with an off-the-shoulder jacket and below-the-knee skirt with lingerie velvet detailing, all in shimmering silk. The favorite style for the silk reptile and seashore prints is an overly loose sheath. The nightie dresses come in various fabrics and are strictly off-white, like clothes stashed away in a trunk.

A series of wooly tops worn over a flared miniskirt brings the collection back to our days, only to lose it to the future in cosmic gilded gowns.

Previous 1 2 Next Page