Prada takes us on a neon camping trip for their autumn/ winter 2018 show at Milan Fashion Week

Protection was the name of the game at Prada in Milan Fashion Week last night, in a collection that concentrated both on evening wear and clothing that felt like the kind of practical gear one might wear in a scientific laboratory.

Or to wear whilst doing outdoor pursuits in bad weather.

Showing in a new venue, Fondazione Prada - an impressive tower block on the outskirts of the city that overlooked sky high neon motifs which also appeared as identical emojis in Instagram Stories - Prada took a somewhat futuristic turn to match the building in her a/w2018 collection.

Many looks were finished with an identity lanyard clipped onto the chest, others with white boots resembling surgical wellingtons.

Patent wedge shoes in bright colours were worn with drawstring neon coverings, a little like the chaps favoured by hikers to prevent mud getting in their boots. There was a lot of neoprene and padded waterproof fabric, too, but it was all mixed in with more traditional tweed skirt suits, as well as dresses in vibrant abstract digital prints and wrapped in taffeta bows.

Knitwear and outerwear came in seriously oversized proportions, and jumpers featured sporty brand slogans. Many looks were styled with the athletic socks that are now a signature of the brand, which next season come with a peep-toe.

While much of this collection felt like it was looking forward, Prada couldn’t resist her usual nod to the past, and for next autumn it was the late 80s that was referenced.

Bucket hats, neoprene parkas and trousers made from shell suit material appeared in fluorescent pink, orange, mint and turquoise, and were styled with plastic fringed dresses and bandeau tops that were fit for a rave.

And continuing a trend that has been seen in other shows this Milan fashion week, the notion that sex sells was low on the agenda, with high necklines and low hems, plus plenty of oversized silhouettes.