Confessions of a Fashion Writer: Prada Men's F/W 2009

Prada presents a brilliant collection focused on survival. Miuccia Prada took an unusual direction from last season, the idea of toying with fragility, and kept it strong. The entirely black and grey palette collection had impeccably tailored wool suits and calf length coats. A slight hint of authoritarian sentiment was pretty much obvious in the shoulder top coats. Prada was motivated by the current situation that Europe is facing with the economic crisis. She titled this show, “Survival,” and displayed pieces with a tough masculine impression. Metal studs were embellished on jackets, shirts, pants and shoes to give it a tough look. Prada’s complex thought process confirms the intelligence of this marvelous designer. Armed for the current world situation the Prada man is ready to endure any difficult situation within the world arena.

The show was held at the Prada headquarters show space and transformed into a tight circular space that had charcoal grey colored carpet, giving it a claustrophobic atmosphere. Lighting was casted high from above the ceilings to show the shadow upon the models faces. The soundtrack was by Frederic Sanchez with the help of Anne Clark’s vocals that set the mood. The first look that opened the show was a charcoal colored double breasted suit that was paired with a black collarless shirt and a black oxford. Simplicity and keeping it strong followed each look thereafter void of any prints and the most prominent pieces had a v-neckline. Leather was seen in the laser cut duster coats, wool lined sweater and pants. Metal studs on jackets, inside stripes of tailored shirts, sweaters, pants and shoes were exceptional making this collection distinctive.

The bags were simply striking with immense space and style. The tasseled headband in one look will most likely start trends, expect to a lot of men sporting a similar look next winter. The metal studded brogues and wingtip shoes were brilliant and edgy, a fashionista must have.

Admired pieces in the collection were the laser cut duster coats, wool lined sweaters bonded with leather, and metal studded striped tailored shirts. The metal studded pieces were unique and a favorite amongst the buyers and stylist. Prada did a superb job this season and everything in the collection was pleasant.

Miuccia Prada is truly intelligent and with this collection it is evident. The Prada man is strong and ready to face the harsh world this next winter season.
–Brent Billiman, Milan, Italy.
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