Prada 2013: A Juxtaposed Collision of Wearable Art
This year marks the 100th anniversary of Prada, and with it a celebration of one of the worlds foremost masters of elegance and sleek design. To truly understand the significance of any Prada line, however, one must first delve into the historical context of its importance.
Mario Pradas vision began in Milan in 1913, where he sought to design and sell leather goods of the utmost quality. News of his masterful designs and knack for beauty quickly spread, making his wares a staple of the aristocracy by 1919. Since then, his legacy has continued to grow and expand. Prada is favored by Hollywood royalty and actual royalty alike and the 2013 collection is no exception
“Dream is forbidden, nostalgia is forbidden, to be too sweet is not good. Everything we used to feel historically, now you can’t enjoy mused Miuccia Prada backstage at this years runway show, according to Nicole Phelps of Style.com. And yet, their spring collection begs to differ . . .
A Floral Ambiance
You may not want to ask for Valentine’s flowers, but a 2013 floral Prada frock is worth begging for. The 2013 collection runway show was ripe with floral accents begging to be picked. The opening ensemble featured a silken, stiff black dress with flowers stitched to the torso, creating a sort of post-modern Geisha appeal.
In fact, flowers adorned almost every key piece of the show, from Andy Warhols pop daises lining a white fur coat to delicate origami-style blossoms embellishing a black satin coat. Although many might see floral designs as a given for a spring collection, Pradas homage to Japanese styling makes them anything but typical.
Pret-A-Porter
One doesnt typically associate kimonos with the ready-to-wear market and mentality, but somehow Prada managed to pull it off this year. The show transitioned with ease through a rainbow of dark to light, with mesmerizing pastel duchesse satin and feminine folds that evoke equal parts strength and delicacy.
The tailored chemises seem to almost drip on and off the frame of a body like an artist’s rendering rather than manipulated fabric. And, although some of the robe-like dresses would be better reserved for dinner parties and galas, an astounding number of pieces provide the wearer with the perfect piece for a day-to-night transition.
Shoe La-La
Pradas 2013 shoes are anything but banal, and they seem to effortlessly shirk the traditional pump, peep-toe or slingback. They’re so fantastic they could even be hung on a wall next to your favorite relief sculpture.
Despite echoes of criticism lamenting the discomfort and subsequent sexism previously ascribed to Prada shoes, they are tremendously pleasing, at least aesthetically. Just like this years clothing, the shoes are predominantly peppered with a floral motif, delicately arranged atop layered platforms, sewn together by a Japanese-influenced flip-flop top. If youre looking for show-stopping shoes, look no further.
2013 marks perhaps the heaviest traditional Asian influence Prada has ever showcased paired with the beauty, vision and grace that can only be borne from a long line of elegant innovation. Whether youre a Prada devotee or a novice to the fashion world, their Spring 2013 collection is certainly a feast for the eyes.
