By Louise Daniel
Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons seem to always be ahead of the game—before anyone else can even begin to think. As we all know, every Prada show is a contemplative examination of the broader cultural movements unfolding not just within the industry, but across society. It is never just about fashion. Clothing, once again, becomes a medium for articulating collective undercurrents ideas that are often felt before they are spoken.
For Spring/Summer 26, Miuccia and Raf revisited the modern philosophy of dressing—stripped down to the very essentials of clothing itself. In an overstimulated world, and most especially in an industry overshadowed by the pulse of the algorithm, how do we filter out the noise? How do we return to what is essential? This season’s collection, aptly titled Body of Composition, serves as a radical re-evaluation of clothing and its utilization.
The Prada Uniform
Utility was recontextualized on the runway through a series of military-inspired uniforms—ensembles and shirts contrasted by scrunched satin gloves. 1950s dresses were layered with utilitarian shirts peaking out of the neckline and highlighted by pointed Prada shoes with sensible heels. Military jackets, meanwhile, were given new proportions and puffed details, subtly subverting the masculine tone of the silhouette.
A particular styling treatment observed throughout the collection was the way garments seemed to “hang” off the models’ bodies, lending an almost humorous or offbeat sensibility to the looks. This idea was further explored in the transformation of bra tops—from the beginning to the end of the show, they gradually evolved, becoming more distorted and intentionally disproportionate.
Juxtaposition As An Act of Creation
Layering was a key act of play within the collection. The color palette remained restrained yet impactful, grounded in military greens, blues, and grays, accented with flashes of yellow, purple, and red—a continuation of the SS26 menswear narrative.
No one intellectualizes contrasts the way Prada does. Puffer skirts peeked beneath 1960s dresses in asymmetrical compositions. Military trousers were reworked into micro shorts—a Prada-ism that has since echoed across trend lists. Skirts incorporated unexpected materials and textures, adding new dimensionality to Prada’s everyday essentials. Accessories stayed understated yet functional. Long handles, polished hardware, and a renewed simplicity defined this season’s bags. The return of Prada’s iconic pouches evoked the charm of early 20th-century dressing, anchoring the collection’s spirit of reduction and reformation. In true Prada fashion, formality and mundanity are no longer divided by a clear line—they coexist in tension, constantly questioning one another. Isn’t that just fun?
Prada, La Famiglia
Prada’s creative world thrives on its community—a family of artists, thinkers, and supporters who embody the brand’s cultural dialogue. Among the attendees were Peggy Gou, Hideo Kojima, Rita Ora, and Eiza González, each representing the diverse creative network that surrounds the house. Following the show, a Prada dinner and party were held at the brand’s cultural heart—Ristorante Torre and the Deposito at Fondazione Prada. As always, the evening served as a reminder that Prada is not just a brand, but a living conversation between fashion, art, and intellect.
Peggy-Gou,Lola Corfixen, Emma Chamberlain, Charli D’Amelio, Elodie; Elza Gonzaléz, Maya Hawk; Rita Ora; Hideo Kojima attend the Prada Women's SS26 show held in Milan (Images courtesy of Prada)
Overall, fashion is shifting toward a movement of essentialism, and Prada remains at the forefront of this new wave. The collection was stripped of the unnecessary, with meaning embedded in every seam and silhouette. It called for intention—to create with purpose, to design with clarity. Through reduction, Prada finds depth in creation. Through curated simplicity, it redefines sophistication in an overstimulated world.
Prada Women's SS26: Looks 3, 12, 22, 41 (Images courtesy of Prada)
