The Deposito of the Fondazoine Prada was the place to be on February 22nd 2024 as the iconic house unveiled its latest ready-to-wear collection, as part of Milan Fashion Week. Labelling the inspiration behind the collection as "an instinctive attraction to history" and a "romance with the past", creative directors Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons have played with the concept of learning from past eras and recontextualizing them to be relevant today.
Prada, known for its impressive set design, pulled out all the stops once again and created an atmospheric display for their latest collection. This time, models walked down a transparent runway that revealed a scene of grassy terrain underneath, a feature first unveiled during the menswear show in January. The grounded feel to the setting was done to reflect the "contradiction between our indoor existence and our innate connection to the outdoors". Providing an upbeat backing track to the show was an eclectic playlist of songs including My Funny Valentine by Nico and Anyone Who Knows What Love Is by Irma Thomas.
On par with the coquette trend rising in popularity on social media, a focal point of this collection was the bow, used both decoratively and functionally along with details like frills and ruffles. Statement pieces included beaded bags, knee high boots, and ribbon-adorned dresses, and accessories shone through, with several headwear designs including riding hats, turbans and pillbox styles. The inclusion of 1940s wartime garments as well as 50s and 60s silhouettes are reflective of the clothes being "shaped by elements drawn from history".
An excerpt from Prada's press release details the collection as "contrasts of delicacy and strength, fragile silk laid against tailoring wool.” It takes traditional femininity and juxtaposes it with a contemporary flair, seen through the pairing of lightweight skirts and dresses against formal silhouettes and bold pieces like biker jackets and statement knitwear.
Taking front row seats at the Fondazione Prada were brand ambassadors Emma Watson, Hunter Schaefer, Ellie Bamber, Letitia Wright and Jeon Somi. Also in attendance were the likes of stars such as Gwendoline Christie, Lily James, Tracee Ellis Ross and Yara Shahidi.
