Well, you knew this day was coming.  It’s time to review the most anticipated collection of the year: Prada S/S21.

Why was it the most anticipated?  This collection is the first Raf Simons and Miuccia Prada co-designed for the brand.  In the history of Prada’s legacy, no one outside of the Prada family has designed for the label.  So let’s dive into this collection that had everyone going out of their minds in anticipation.

Was I blown away?  No.

Did I enjoy it?  Very much.

Here’s the thing about highly anticipated shows – they almost never live up to the hype.  While there were elements I loved, I think this collection was average for a couple of reasons.

#1

Prada has always been designed with the essence of the current time in mind.  Designing for who the Prada girl is right NOW.  Unlike a Tom Ford or Balmain who would give you glamour, sex and over the top drama in the midst of an apocalypse (nothing wrong with that), Prada is different.

Miuccia and Raf are both very thoughtful designers; I knew what would be presented would be more of a uniform.  In the Q&A the duo gave after the show (more on that in a moment), they specifically spoke to this point.

“We offer a base.”

It’s up to the Prada girl to interpret it as she pleases.

2#

I’m not a spring/summer girl. My favorite collections in history are almost exclusively fall/winter.  As Raf said in the Q&A, “Coats, coats, coats!  Give me as much coats as possible.”  I’m with him.

I also think they knew this collection would be highly scrutinized and as their first collaborative show, they (smartly) chose to reign it in and begin with a fresh foundation.

The Q&A

The post-show Q&A was fabulous.  Anyone could submit a question (sadly mine was not chosen) and I loved that they focused on what it was like to work together.  (I totally thought they would only focus on the S/S21 collection.)

Miuccia and Raf are both soft spoken and getting a chance to hear what they have to say (neither does many interviews) was great.

They spoke about creating a uniform, what is the “Prada-ness,” and fun, energy changing questions like “what’s the first thing you drink in the morning?”  Raf = coffee.  Miuccia = hot water (mother’s orders).  I adored this insight.

The Clothes

The strengths for me were the accessories.  I will 100% be getting the single razor edge earrings with the Prada logo.  I will also be getting a pair of the super pointy kitten heels in a pop color – I’m thinking either orange or lavender.

I loved the cocoon coats and the signature Miuccia pleated skirts with sumptuous knits (many with geometric holes for edge).

A lot of people didn’t like the massive triangular logos found at the neckline, but I did.  I also thought the color choices were so on point.  The deep pink and yellow were my jam.  The secret backpacks and fanny packs worked into coats and skirts were cool.  It gave me an element of functional kitsch I expect from Prada.

Did you see the runway show?  What about the Q&A?  I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Images via IMAXTREE