THE TIME TRAVELER’S WIFE
Written By: Lauren Cunningham
Miucci Prada and Raf Simons dance through time to bring us a Prada collection unattached to any era
As great cinema conveys, few things are as captivating as the past. We only have to look to Gladiator, Dunkirk, and Shakespeare in Love (to name but a few) to see the great interest in years gone by. Yet, when it comes to fashion, we’re often looking towards the future. Collections are showcased six months in advance, trends are forecasted years ahead, and we’re already searching for the next ‘it’ item (Prada Aimée, anyone?). Although, it seems Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons have other ideas, as they take us through a time wrap with the Prada Fall-Winter 2024 show. Expect a merging of eras with exceptional execution- perhaps team Prada deployed the DeLorean to help.
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THE COLLECTION
If we hadn’t sat and watched this season’s collection walk down the runway, we’d probably struggle to put our finger on exactly when it was created. Sharp skirt suits sit just below the knee, cardigans come in a strong selection of shades, and kitten heels kept the models ever so slightly on their toes, taking us back to the ’50s and ’60s. And yet, there are markings of a more modern touch- a see- through skirt here, a bold stripe there, and the odd leather biker and varsity jacket, adding a trending Y2K spin. Clearly, inspiration has come from every era.
If you looked closely enough, you’d also spy clever contrasts between the front and back of each outfit. What may seem like a suit at the front could actually be slinky slip once the model turned around. Although we’d like to pay special mention to the bow-adorned frocks, for few things are as red carpet-worthy as these striking silk ribboned styles.
THE INSPIRATION
Cherry-picking clothing form eras gone by, Prada and Simons certainly succeeded in showing an amalgamation of trends that had no real timeline. Black leather bikers were styled with chic pencil skirts, sharp sunglasses contrasted with a voluminous ankle-grazing coat, and a sheer dress softened with vintage floral pattern. Yet, each piece looks just as fitting for today as it would a century ago, showcasing how beauty ideals are shifting while themes remain eternal.
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THE ACCESSORIES
If we were to pull out only one key learning from the Prada Fall-Winter collection, it would be the accessories. And, perhaps surprisingly, hats were the standout. Contrasting the feminine, figure-hugging clothing, the House’s hats pushed proportions to the extreme. Think Military-like helmets adorned with feathers, velvet fabrics, and bows extended into striking shapes. Plus, a new bag accessory also caught out eye, acting like a belt that keeps it firmly attached to your forearm, genius.
THE GUEST LIST
As you’d expect, the front row was full of famous faces. Tracee Ellis Ross, Rina Sawayama, Hunter Schafer, and Letitia Wright were all spotted immediately upon entry, alongside Anna Wintour and TikTok star Charli D’Amelio. Emma Watson joined them, as did Amandla Stenberg, Yara Shahidi, and Gwendoline Christie. Clearly, it wasn’t just the collection that spanned each era.
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