The 2024 Prada Fall/Winter Women's Fashion Show presented an even more outstanding work of art than last year. Not only were the details more refined, but the multi-faceted designs were also worth revisiting. This season, the brand's theme is "Instinctive Romance", which means that the fascination with history stems from instinct. Led by designer Miuccia Prada, she explores the intersection of fashion and history with her unique aesthetic. Miuccia pointed out: "History teaches us everything, especially in difficult moments." This season is not only a tribute to the historical classics of clothing, but also a revelation of contemporary design.
Miuccia's addition of classical silk dresses and gorgeous mink fur decoration to formal suits are obviously out of tune with today's dressing trends and needs, but it is through these designs that she took us back to the 1950s – a transitional period in the history of clothing and the most brilliant moment of haute couture. From the bows, handmade flowers on the skirts, brooches on the models' sweaters, to the fur trims and waisted flared skirts, all elements reflect the fashion style of the 1950s.
Sexual relations
This season's designs not only showcase the haute couture style of the upper class at the time, but also reflect the trend of women entering the workplace at the time. The emergence of suit design demonstrates the confidence and independence of contemporary women. Miuccia was inspired by the image of Lucia, the heroine of the Italian film The Night Porter. The film reveals the complex inner world of high society women, which is also one of the themes Miuccia has explored for many years: the relationship between male and female love and desire.
The contrast between hardness and softness
This season presents a lot of uniform elements, such as military caps, leather jackets, sweaters, and military leather boots inspired by men's military uniforms in movies. The most eye-catching thing is undoubtedly the military cap on the model's head. The military cap combination is originally a very masculine look, but Miuccia softened it with feminine feathers and velvet. The model showed off a low-key and elegant suit in the front, but when she turned around, she revealed a bright straight silk long skirt. To match the serious uniform, pair it with a pair of high-saturation and brightly colored high heels. The colorful silk long skirt inadvertently appeared from the suit, instantly showing the flowing charm and desire of women. The suit symbolizes social norms and order, while the silk dress symbolizes primitive desire. The contrast between the two shows the authority of men and the tenderness of women, and this creative technique is exactly what the brand is good at. It is also worth mentioning that the brand’s classic handbag styles Galleria and Cleo have made a full return at this season’s fashion show, recreating the brand’s classic items. Moreover, each handbag is equipped with a wide belt bracelet, echoing the sadomasochistic plot in the movie.
Miuccia used fashions of the past as inspiration to create the classic couture silhouettes that the house embodies. What she emphasized is the precious value of past experience: as a source of wisdom for us, it enables us to transcend the old and embark on a new journey.
