Prada animates male form with 1940s tailoring that aims to liberate, not constrict.
Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons present their new “Fluid Form,” menswear collection for Prada at the Fondazione Prada art centre in Milan. Dutch studio AMO designed the “Deposito” space and transformed it into a cage-like structure with walls, floor and suspended ceiling clad in aluminium. The industrial space was lit up by a ring of industrial lamps. Models walked on a runway between ever-shifting “walls” formed by 3,000 kilos of slime that dripped down from the ceiling and created green puddles on the floor. The design aimed to add an organic aspect to the industrial space and change the audience’s perception of it.
The latest Prada Spring-Summer 2024 collection delves into the idea of fluid architecture surrounding the human body, presenting a vision of unrestricted body movement through meticulously crafted foundational garments. These garments are specifically designed to accommodate the natural contours and motions of the male physique. With this collection, Prada introduces an inventive aesthetic that embraces the wearer, resulting in a seamless fusion of design and practicality.
“The concept of fluidity framing the human form again expands, represented through the show space in the Deposito of the Fondazione Prada.” Said Prada. “Abstract walls are evoked through fluid interruptions, forming an ever-shifting enfilade through which the model’s process.”
As per the statements of Miuccia Prada, the founder of Prada, and Raf Simons, the co-creative director of the brand, the intention behind the Fluid Form collection is to depart from conventional structured tailoring and present a more flexible and liberating encounter. The collection endeavours to establish a perpetual consciousness of the body and its emancipation, as expressed by Prada herself. “The ultimate aim is a constant awareness of the body within and its liberation,” Prada said.
The Fluid Form collection showcases various design elements that exemplify its fluidity, such as supple and malleable leather bags, relaxed interpretations of structured shirts, and embellished pockets and corsages. The collection strives to mirror the inherent nature of humanity, characterized by dynamic motion and continuous evolution, as stated by the brand. “These clothes are ultimately reflective of our natural state – the dynamic movement and constant transformation inherent to humanity,” the brand added.
“The shirt is a point of departure, its structure and details borrowed as a base to transform an entire stable of menswear – suits, raincoats, active sportswear, reporter jackets. Reconsidered construction, re-constructed. Beginning with simplicity, the collection proposes a notion of expansion, amplification of an idea – a paradox between silhouette and materiality. The ultimate aim is a constant awareness of the body within, and its liberation.” – From Prada.
Regarding accessories, Prada’s Spring/Summer 2024 collection presents striking materials that both contrast and harmonize with the garment silhouettes. The collection showcases vibrant-coloured bags, backpacks, and shoes, such as red and purple, offering a captivating juxtaposition to the more subdued tones of the outfits. Consistency in the colour palette is maintained throughout the collection, with soft tones complemented by bolder, saturated hues.
