MILAN — During the latest Milan Fashion Week, Prada showcased its elegantly reinvented little black dress, encapsulating what Miuccia Prada described as a reflective response to the current “very black moment” in global events.
Backstage, Prada expressed the challenges of working in such turbulent times but emphasized the brand’s commitment to designing clothing that remains relevant for today’s women.
The Fall-Winter 2025-26 collection from Prada was crafted with the aim of freeing women from conventional, restrictive silhouettes. This idea translated into the collection’s loosely structured designs, breaking away from form-fitting norms.
Raf Simons, co-creative director, emphasized the collection’s focus on liberation, suggesting that taking risks is essential in the pursuit of freedom. He stated that achieving liberation requires resistance against constraints.
The collection gradually transitioned from the little black dress to vibrant, girlish knit dresses that flaunted whimsical, larger-than-life proportions. These were paired with trousers for practicality in winter’s chill, and pajama-inspired outfits were embraced as daytime attire, reflecting an ongoing trend.
Garments sported exposed seams intentionally, and waistlines were enhanced with basting techniques, shiftable depending on the desired length, offering either midi-skirt or minidress options. “We have also moved away from restrictive construction,” Simons explained.
In Prada’s eclectic fashion landscape, versatility reigns supreme as garments are designed to be easily mixed and matched. Embellished knit tops glimmered with decorative trinkets, and men’s shirts casually crumpled at the waist added to the collection’s relaxed glamour. Many pieces were highlighted with faux fur, adorning everything from coats to ponchos in vivid lime shades.
The front row at Prada included notable appearances from American actress Hunter Schafer, following a recent update on her passport indicating a male gender marker. Other celebrities who graced the event included Juliette Binoche, Gal Gadot, Maya Hawke, and Chen Haoyu, alongside renowned musicians from Japan and Korea.
Amid the fashion show excitement, Milan buzzed with rumors about the potential acquisition of Versace by an Italian company. Speculation pointed towards Prada Group as a possible buyer, given its portfolio, which includes brands like Miu Miu, Church’s, Car Shoe, and Marchesi 1824. While Prada coyly acknowledged the rumor, there was no comment on specific intentions.
