Whether you are familiar with Mary Shelly’s haunting yet inviting diction, or one of the various visual iterations of Frankenstein, there is an undeniable nostalgia in Miuccia Prada’s Fall/Winter 2019 Women’s ready-to-wear collection. The soft grunge aesthetic nods towards the trope of the stereotypical Frankenstein character: a feared creature who yearns for romantic attention; Miuccia presents us with exactly that. The show begins with a structured- strapless-black-dress-chunky-boot combo on a electric candle lit runway to the tune of anxiety-driven music.
Through the use of sleek, structured cuts and metal accents, the audience takes note of this interplay between romance and edge. In particular, the 3D, often wilted, flower accents are the perfect mélange between fragility and perseverance that we are all too familiar with. As we continue to be both intimidated and intrigued, padded shoulders are introduced, an obvious homage to Frankenstein’s visual trademark. Repeated usage of red also acts as a palette cleanser, while ashy, loose fabrics make us think of the moment between life and death.
But what would Prada be without a utilitarian flair? Miuccia updates the theme with countryside, fur-shop-esque coats, padded, army green, pocketed jackets and doctor bags. The models’ slicked hair and circular spectacles give us punk rock chic meets art historian. There are also darling capes that are reminiscent of Little Red Riding Hood.
Overall, Prada's Fall/Winter 2019 women’s collection reminds us of information we’ve seen before, but in the best way possible. It is the bedtime story that upon second thought seems more like a nightmare. It is romantic, thrilling, seductive and serious all at once.
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