PRADA YADA DADA!

When I’m asked who is my favorite designer, I immediately reply Miucchia Prada. And why? Well that’s simple. The ‘Gallerie Vittorio Emmanuelle’ based company produces the most exclusive and innovative designs season after season. Prada’s leather-goods, ready-to-wear collections and shoes (perhaps most important!) become the must have items on every ‘it-list’.

Fratelli Prada was founded in 1913 by Mario Prada and is now spearheaded by granddaughter Miucchia. Acting as the visionary force behind Italian fashion, she somehow manages to encapsulate the spirit of Milan design like no other. This ever-present ingenuity and ability to embody the needs of the modern woman/man has led to consistent rave reviews from every fashion editor including the highly analytical Anna Wintour.

Consistently evolving, the recent SS08 collection entitled “Trembled Blossoms” is a far cry from the neo-fascist-chic inspired uniforms of the early 2000s. Or, for that matter, the persistent, simple and durable black-nylon luggage trend for which Prada is famed. “Trembled Blossoms” is accompanied by music from Cocorosie and should be viewed in conjunction with the fascinating wallpaper designs of Damien Hirst in NYC (prada.com).

Ever I.T. conscience, Prada has exclusively featured an eerie animation for the collection. In it designs and prints seem fantastical. Birds suck nectar from massive flowers, pixies and nymphs model incredibly designed patterns and stencils. Most impressive are the botanical creatures that serve as inspiration for what can only be described as a heel like no other. The bold color combinations, curved lines and impressive construction are easily identifiable with the height of art deco (think Tiffany lamp). Loose pantsuits and day dresses reminiscent of 60s shapes are tied together by geometric patterns and accentuated color lines. Noticeably, heels are worn with heavily patterned stockings, giving a clash of color rarely seen on the runway. This amalgamation of art nouveau, nymph nostalgia and 60s reformation was totally unpredictable, which is why it works.

The menswear collection focused more on masculine emotion. Suits appear less tailored although impeccably so. Paired with pastel pixilated dress shirts the look reflects the shrubs of Miucchia’s mystical fashion forest. The shortened trouser leg has been replaced with a delicate 60s flare, and wrists decorated with thick leather bands simultaneously serve as watches. The sandal under pants trend ruled supreme yet not in an awkward way. Note to successfully latch into this trend the sandal must cover up large proportions of the foot, to give the illusion of a shoe.

So once again Prada theory has been proven. Only this time we all are offered the chance to don 60s shapes and enchanted prints. Apparently Flower Power is as potent as ever.