This season Prada was all about retrospection and retreat. Backstage Miuccia Prada explained that the collection was based on a rediscovery of innocence. Models appeared fresh faced and wide-eyed in narrow, straight-up-and-down silhouettes, paying reference to the 1920s and 1960s. In pleats, oversized collars and button down dresses and coats, there was a look of naivety and a suggestion of school dress. This came in great contrast to the scooped-out backs, only visible once models had made their turn, and the incredible excess of python – on cocoon shaped coats and boots; large fluoro sequins – making up entire dresses; and fur – across coats, dresses, sleeves and lapels. As always Prada did not disappoint on the accessories front: this time bringing models out in bug-eyed sunglasses with orange-coloured coloured lenses; shiny, shaggy fur and python helmets; and coloured leather clutches and bags grasped tightly to their chests – an unusual mode of transport but sure to have many imitators soon, alike the rest of the Prada A/W11 collection.
Text by Lucia Davies
