After Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons’s first Prada show as a creative double act, the designers reflected on the fact that “new” is no longer the most important word in fashion. The pair spent recent months musing on the importance of a uniform—something in which “to think” without feeling constricted, as Mrs Prada put it, continuing that she was seeking something to “feel well” in. The beauty of their new union, they shared, is that “they don’t know where they’re going”. In the meantime, here are seven styling tips to take from their debut spring/summer 2021 show guaranteed to inspire (fashion) wellness.
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Make the polo-neck your new best friend
Simons spoke about the idea of “seasonless” fashion, and the importance of being able to refresh one’s body of work as a designer, rather than constantly striving for newness. The thin polo-necks that were layered under almost every spring/summer 2021 look are reminiscent of his luxe underlayers at Calvin Klein, which gave his Americana collections a sporty flex. At Prada, thermals came in black, white, yellow and orange—the dominant colours of the edit—with the Prada logo peeping out from the neckline.
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Hybrid bags are a thing
Anoraks with built-in rucksacks, blazers with bonus pouches, and bum-bag-skirt hybrids comprised a two-for-one fashion edit with a focus firmly on utility chic. The message for spring/summer 2021: double up; it will make life so much easier—especially since handbags have become an alien concept during these predominantly indoor-based times.
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Bookish uniforms make for grade-A looks
Mrs Prada talked at length about flitting between uniforms. Here’s hoping the designer doesn’t tire of her current daywear combination—a white pleated cotton skirt and a navy jumper—too soon, as it had a wonderfully crisp, back-to-school mood that felt appropriate for now. In the latest collection, this bookish aesthetic was given a modern kick thanks to doubled-up jumpers with Swiss-cheese holes and chunky nylon belts.
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Consider kitten heels an outfit exclamation mark
Polite kitten heels made riotous in tangerine hues punctuated all-black looks for a business-at-the-top, party-down-below vibe bound to turn heads.
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The single earring is back
Micro Prada triangle earrings brought a dash of logomania to even the most sensible of looks. Expect this entry-point accessory to be everywhere next summer.
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The hand clasp has rendered buttons (temporarily) redundant
So long, buttons! In a livestreamed show, Prada models strolled around a lemon-yellow room with multiple cameras, reflecting Mrs Prada’s lockdown realisation that technology is an extension of ourselves, using their hands to clasp their anoraks and shawl-style jackets shut. That’s one tip we can take straight from the runway to reality: the shrugged on coat is perfect for protecting oneself against the winter chill.
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Pyjamas are the new cocktail dress
Luxe PJs – a Mrs Prada signature—worn with peppy sling-backs are the perfect evening wear for big nights in over the coming months. With more than six sweet sets in the spring/summer 2021 collection, there’s enough for you and your social bubble to enjoy (because who said the “rule of six” can’t be chic?).
This article was originally published on British Vogue.
