Virtual Stimulation: A Look At Raf Simons' Prada Menswear Debut

For Raf Simons' and Miuccia Prada's debut menswear show, viewers were taken on an all-encompassing journey of sensory stimulation. Inspired by the idea of tactility and human contact, Prada's Fall/Winter 2021 menswear collection was presented against a texture-heavy installation made out of marble, resin, plaster and faux fur panels. Designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas and AMO, the vibrantly-hued set and its resulting "non-spaces" further drove home themes of individual expression, contact and interpretation. As part of the house's upcycling efforts, the materials for the installation are to be donated to Meta, a circular economy project, which offers sustainable solutions for waste disposal. 

Set to a hypnotic soundtrack by British electronic musician Plastikman, models made their way down the runway in garments designed to stimulate the senses.  From jacquard knitted bodysuits and smooth leather coats to wool suits and voluminous bomber jackets, the clothes not only featured textures inviting to touch, they also amplified the collection's undercurrent of dichotomy.  Featuring a colour scheme of mellow blues, bright yellows and vibrant pinks, the line up was topped off with utility gloves, capes and triangular pockets. The final result? A play on protection versus exposure, interiors versus exteriors and intimacy versus rejection. 

It is clear that Raf Simons and Miuccia Prada have come to the conclusion that the need to return to the body during these times is imperative. As for what Prada lovers can expect from the powerhouse duo for collections to come? The house's hallmark for intelligent, important dialogue revealed through beautiful garments.