Prada and Max Mara Transform Milan Fashion Week with Avant-Garde Science-Inspired Collections
Milan Fashion Week took an unexpected turn as Prada and Max Mara unveiled their latest collections, blending high fashion with elements of science and unconventional creativity. Both brands pushed boundaries, offering a fresh perspective on style that challenges the status quo and celebrates individuality.
Prada’s Rebellion Against Algorithms
Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons, the dynamic duo behind Prada, presented a collection that was nothing short of revolutionary. The show, held in Prada’s Milanese headquarters, was designed to keep the audience guessing, with a catwalk twisted into hairpin bends that obscured upcoming looks.
The collection itself was a deliberate departure from conventional beauty standards:
- Thick woollen tights adorned with belt loops
- A boob tube featuring snap pockets on the nipples
- Shoes with heels peeling back like curls of butter
- A strapless lemon ballgown paired with oversized sunglasses
- Black jeans tucked into dirty white cowboy boots
Backstage, Prada explained the concept: “We are driven by algorithms. We like things because people tell us to like them.” This collection was their answer to that digital conformity, proposing an alternative vision where each individual becomes “their own superhero, with their own story, their own strength,” as Simons put it.
The designers weren’t afraid to reference Prada’s past, incorporating elements like the cult favorite brogue with an espadrille sole from 2010. “There was an intention of showing how you can use old things,” Prada noted, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to sustainability and timeless design.
Max Mara’s Scientific Elegance
Meanwhile, Max Mara’s Ian Griffiths found inspiration in an unexpected source: Bonnie Garmus’s bestselling book “Lessons in Chemistry.” This literary influence led to a collection that celebrated the creativity of science and the elegance of mathematics.
Griffiths challenged the notion that creativity and mathematical aptitude are mutually exclusive, quoting Kurt Vonnegut: “Science is magic that works.” This philosophy was evident in the collection’s approach to tailoring:
- Sharp angles and precise darts became prominent design features
- Crisp white shirts and tailored pieces exuded soft power
- Fluid, slinky dresses showcased mathematical symmetry
- The brand’s signature camel coats were reimagined with scientific precision
Despite the experimental nature of the design process, Griffiths ensured that the final product looked polished and controlled. “I love to experiment but I would never want it to look experimental on the catwalk,” he explained, acknowledging the expectations of Max Mara’s discerning clientele.
A New Era of Fashion
Both Prada and Max Mara have set a new tone for Milan Fashion Week, proving that high fashion can be intellectual, challenging, and deeply rooted in concepts beyond mere aesthetics. By embracing science, mathematics, and individuality, these collections offer a glimpse into a future where fashion serves as a medium for personal expression and rebellion against digital homogeneity.
As Milan Fashion Week continues, it’s clear that the industry is evolving. Prada and Max Mara have shown that there’s room for strangeness, science, and personal strength in the world of high fashion, paving the way for a more diverse and thought-provoking approach to style.