Milan Fashion Week: less is more for Prada's SS20 collection

“It’s more about style than it is about clothes.”

This was the message from Miuccia Prada, speaking backstage after her Italian super brand topped the bill at Milan Fashion Week yesterday. This was also established from the first look on the catwalk, which took the form of a neat grey knitted polo shirt and slub-linen A-line midi skirt teamed with a pair of burgundy buckle heeled loafers.

The outfit was the essence of simplicity, delivered with signature Prada polish - and, it later transpired, the designer’s “favourite look”.

Prada's favourite look from the SS20 collection (IMAXtree)

Those which followed suit consisted of future classics that could belong to every wardrobe and to any season. A perfectly cut skirt suit, for example, was given ample air time and came in options spanning boucle wool to glossy leather. Trademark printed trouser suits, geometric intarsia knit skirts and exquisite Paisley appliqué tailored coats - bold enough to carry an outfit, but timeless enough to retain its appeal - were also present and correct, offering the Prada customer much to covet.

But just as important as the clothes themselves were the way in which they were worn. Or rather, the woman wearing them.

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In an age in which street style stars and Instagram likes inform fashion trends as much as what appears on the catwalk, it was a shrewd move from Prada to deliver a collection that remains open to interpretation.

Soft folded brim hats, oversized spectacles and shell necklaces which appeared handmade and self-styled lent even the simplest outfit a personality. As the show notes suggested, “each ensemble becomes a portrait of each woman”.

Footwear was also conceived with the wearer in mind, as far as both comfort and identity were concerned, with numerous options spanning woven deck shoes, rope detail sandals and metallic Mary Janes.

But what’s more telling still is the idea that these were clothes designed to be cherished. With the conversation surrounding conscious consumption and how the role fashion must adapt to fit 2020’s sustainability manifesto an increasingly urgent one, this was Prada’s ode to wardrobe icons. In her own words: “It’s more simple; less stuff. More meaningful to the person... you don’t throw them away.”

The takeaway? Invest wisely next season, whether it’s a gold lamé leather jacket that brings a thrill with every wear or the perfect Prada handbag you’ll keep for life.

Scroll through the gallery above for the best from the Prada SS20 show.

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