Opposites attract. That was the message at Prada Fall 2021 today. For the much anticipated collection, which marked Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons’ third collaboration, the co-creative directors looked to the notions of change, transformation, and, ultimately, possibilities. “A fusion between disparate themes and intents mirrors the nature of humanity: a belief in the fact that men and women each hold the masculine and feminine within themselves,” the show’s notes read. “This collection explores the space that exists between conventional polar opposites – the point between simplicity and complexity, elegance and practicality, limitation and release, transmuted.” 
Thanks to an interior landscape imagined by the Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas and design studio AMO, a cast of models walked through plush, furry rooms (a familiar sight to anyone who also tuned in for the menswear collection last month) in an array of equally plush ensembles. Protective, cocoon-like coats, made of faux fur and regenerated nylon, instantly shot to to the top of every New Yorker’s wish list, as did sumptuous wraps, which were lined with eye-popping designs or coruscating paillettes. Speaking of sparkles, there were lots of them: on slouchy midi boots, knee-grazing dresses, and a trio of double-breasted coats—in deep emerald green, chocolate, and midnight blue—that closed the season.
As for what to wear under them? Catsuits, apparently. “A freedom to transgress boundaries of convention is mirrored by the freedom of the body,” the press release said of the form-fitting, stretch jacquard-knit body wear, which was printed with geometric graphic motifs that also appeared on extra-long gloves, oversized clutches, and second-skin footwear. (With so many patterns at play, hairstylist Guido Palau slicked lengths back for a decidedly fuss-free coif.) “Clothes are translated from one intent to another — ornament can become functional, the pragmatic can become decorative. There is a shift between their essential languages,” the statement continued. The takeaway? Anything is possible when Mrs. Prada and Simons join forces.
Below, watch the video for Prada Fall 2021.
