Miuccia Revisits The 60s ... Prada FW2015 Womenswear Collection

When we talk about the 60s, the cult TV series Mad Men would immediately enter my mind. 

In a way, the series certainly define what 1960s was all about — the post-war liberation of the fairer sex; the advancement of popular culture; and the birth of glossy muscle cars.

All these are interpolated with clothes laden in bright graphic prints, harking to the natural beauty of iconic 60s destinations such as the Palm Springs, Miami and Honolulu. Think Marimekko and Lilly Pulitzer.

Yet, the notion of 1960s presented by Miuccia Prada for her namesake label was different than what I may have been accustomed to – either on Mad Men or through whatever that I could find on the Net. 

No rounded, voluminous skirts and no bare midriffs. Her take is way more sophisticated with lucid presence of strength, determination, charisma and ardour. At a glance, there’s a subtle hint of homage to the great fashion maestros of the period such as André Couregges and the late Cristobal Balenciaga. 

For the fall/winter collection, the silhouettes represent the timeless appeal of the era. Think empire line, regency blazers, and shifts. 

Impeccable tailoring plays a prominent role with straight-trouser pantsuits perfected with jackets sporting slightly larger lapels and detailed with top-stitching plus, the use of technology-driven fabrics. 

Double-breasted approach is ubiquitously featured in almost all pieces, especially the outerwear and detailed with large buttons. 

Joyous yet subtle colours such as cool blue, light-as-air shade of pink and olive green make up the collection’s working palette. To impart the ultimate feel of luxury, certain pieces within the collection such as woven double-breasted jacket and woven short-sleeved jacket are detailed with soft fur. 

Slipdresses, one of the 1960s staples, are made with above-the-knee hemline; embellished with amoeba-like graphics and worn with knitted short-sleeved top with satin semi-spread collar. 

Besides being used as embellishments, the amoeba print is also digitally printed in a pixelated manner on vinyl-like material to be fashioned as outerwear, either as a driving coat or as a jacket. Apart from the usage of cutting-edge fabrics, exotic hides such as ostrich and crocodile are also used to craft sensuous winter-appropriate pieces such as short straight skirts and blazers.  

For adornments, Prada takes an eclectic approach by juxtaposing crystals and laser-cut resin to form exquisite yet whimsical brooches, used to adorn a selection of clothes within the collection. 

Complementing the looks is a selection of bags artisanally made from animal hides such as the unique two-in-one satchel with two contrasting materials – calf leather on the inside and crocodile skin on the outside.

To keep those dainty manicures away from the chilling autumn air, the long gloves crafted in sumptuous leathers are the perfect accessory for you to endure the season. Available in several colours, the gloves are set to take the fashion scene by storm when the season comes. 

For a complete look, do pair it with a pair of leather wellington boots and an oversized sunglasses, and voila, you are back to the good ol’ time, girl.

Prada FW2015 womenswear collection will be available at all Prada stores and selected multi-brand retailers worldwide by the third quarter of the year.

*Photos courtesy of Prada

Prada - G31, Ground Level, Suria KLCC, Jalan Ampang, 50088, Kuala Lumpur; 2.22.00 & 3.24.00, Level 2 & 3, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, 168 Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur; G-241, Ground Floor, The Gardens Mid Valley, Mid Valley City, 58000 Kuala Lumpur.