Prada S/S 08 Milan

[sarah13]

^ I just don't think it is as brilliant as some people give her credit for. Her intention seems different for the sake of different. I find it just unoriginal as throwing out the same cut season after season just in a different pattern.

 

[gr77]

At first glance I just liked this collection..after seeing it again I love it.
The printed paterns especially are gorgeous.The bags are too die for!!

 

[style_expert]

I wonder what people would say when the exact same collection would have been designed by some young, unknown designer and not by Prada. I bet at least 80% of the people who claim to love or like the collection now won't like it that much anymore.

Which is also the strength of Prada: the power to sort of brainwash people. It doesn't matter what she's actually designing, people will love it anyway. As long as it's totally different from the last season.

 

[chloehandbags]

I think this is a collection for details people...

If you are, by nature, a 'Can't see the wood for the trees.' kind of a person (as I am, for my sins), this collection will probably be, almost instantly, for you; because most people like this will instantly discard some of the dodgier pieces and home in on the illustrations and sculptural details.

If you are, by nature, a 'Can't see the trees for the wood.' kind of a person (lucky you!), this may not be for you (or it may need to grow on you).

 

[tricotineacetat]

i was just about to say something similar to your first sentiment...

i hope she doesn't think she's being innovative or that she's arrogantly thinking she's inventing something new or the slightest,fresh. because we've seen this already....this sort of fantasy look....but much better at that. just look at the fairy-tale thread on trends,and one will see will see my point. not to mention,as i always see in her collections,these surreal figure patchworks look suspiciously like rip-off's of tsumori chisato and the work julie verhoeven.

Thanks, Scott, for your comment - I also thought Julie Verhoeven and Tsumori Chisato when I was thinking of other designers that referenced similar moods, but to a better execution than what Mrs. Prada's designers came up with.

I am not really a big fan of his work, but I also have to throw in Giles Deacon's first solo runway outing as a collection with similar influences... After looking into these pictures again, I find her somewhat distorted mandarin-collar necklines with the contrast piping and the exaggeratedly round collars to be rather silly... all together with the fairy printworks (they should have tapped someone like Charles Anastase or Julie Verhoeven, had they wanted to do it in a good manner).

The pieces I am somewhat liking are the gauze-y, sheer pants and the knit singlets and bodysuits... the shoes I won't even dare to comment.

 

[liberty33r1b]

the shoes are soo horrible, and i bet they gonna be overpriced as well. i couldn't bring myself to buy these.....what was she thinking???? nothing perhaps.

 

[chloehandbags]

I wonder what people would say when the exact same collection would have been designed by some young, unknown designer and not by Prada. I bet at least 80% of the people who claim to love or like the collection now won't like it that much anymore.

I am not saying that that is not the case for everyone, as I know designer/brand names hold their sway for many; but, personally, I am not swayed by brand names, at all.

I may become fond of a brand, after its designer has delighted me with several great collections, but I am not blindly brand-loyal.

For example, I have all but abandoned my favourite brand (Chloe), as I don't appreciate most of the new Creative Director's work and although I'm generally quite a fan of his work, I didn't like the new Marc Jacobs, pretentious, 'Emperor's New Clothes' collection (and said as much, repeatedly! ).

Although there is much I wouldn't wear, I genuinely love many of the details in this collection and would love them whoever had designed it.

 

[Salvatore]

Looking at all the of pictures, the shoes are the ugliest creatures I have ever seen. The ones with the wicked heel have this cheap figurine quality that is in no way appealing. I like the watches though; I want one.

 

[liberty33r1b]

i finally found the one single look in this collection i like, even thought it's rather simple looking...

 

[chloehandbags]

I'm not sure. Though they do look inspired by his artwork.

Here's the link to his blog:
http://www.processrecess.com/

and his artwork:
http://www.jamesjean.com/

...

Thanks so much!

I love his work!

 

[JuiceMajor]

So it is only brilliant because of the Prada stamp. I will give credits for its boldness to be different and that is that! But I do like the Art Nouveau-ish influence. What I like about Prada is, it kinda grows on you the more you look at it!!

 

[Alejandro]

i finally found the one single look in this collection i like, even thought it's rather simple looking...

at least you'll be able to get a similar look from the high street!

or pucci (on sale of course)
this season they have mustard knit separates like that.
the little belt could be from anywhere.

 

[esquire]

Thanks, Scott, for your comment - I also thought Julie Verhoeven and Tsumori Chisato when I was thinking of other designers that referenced similar moods, but to a better execution than what Mrs. Prada's designers came up with.

I am not really a big fan of his work, but I also have to throw in Giles Deacon's first solo runway outing as a collection with similar influences... After looking into these pictures again, I find her somewhat distorted mandarin-collar necklines with the contrast piping and the exaggeratedly round collars to be rather silly... all together with the fairy printworks (they should have tapped someone like Charles Anastase or Julie Verhoeven, had they wanted to do it in a good manner).

The pieces I am somewhat liking are the gauze-y, sheer pants and the knit singlets and bodysuits... the shoes I won't even dare to comment.

Thanks Scott & Trico

At least someone here is brainwash proof...

OMG what awful collection.. give fairy tale to Galliano and you'll see what he can do with a pair of flick wings..

 

[chloehandbags]

Y'know someone brought up the fact that most people don't appreciate designers humor in another thread. I think this is exactly what they were talking about.

That was me and yes, you're right, I was!

I was also referring to runway reviews I have read in the past, on style.com, where journalists have, fairly consistently, failed to see the quirkiness, irony and/or humour in certain collections (that have been, simultaneously, highly appreciated by UK journalists on vogue.co.uk) and have, instead, branded them as 'tacky' or in 'bad taste'.

As if an otherwise talented and tasteful designer has suddenly taken leave of their senses and produced something bad taste and tacky, by complete accident!

 

[chloehandbags]

At least someone here is brainwash proof...

TBH, I think it is somewhat rude of you to assume that anyone who likes this collection is brainwashed.

I can assure you, I am not.

Prada isn't even one of my favourite designers and I am virtually immune to advertising.

 

[wheneveriwakeup]

'Brainwash proof'?!

No really - brainwash proof? That is a bit much, no?

If anyone is under the impression that Muiccia Prada is at the helm of innovation they're sadly mistaken. Everyone knows she rips, quite viciously so, from lesser knowns; common knowledge, rly. On the same token, should one be subjected to juvenile derision because they happen to like something? Why all the negativity? So unnecessary.

Scott and Tricotineacetat, very thoughtful and insightful posts! Julie Verhoeven is exactly who came to mind upon first viewing, though her name failed me. The styling, mostly the juxtaposition of prints, screams past Dries though, imo.

 

[Zazie]

I think it is rather insulting to say that if somneone likes the collection you dislike, that person is brainwashed by the brand....

I have often criticized Prada (especially that hugely popular "lady with jewelled brooch") collection in the past, but I don't stoop to insult the taste or intelligence of those who liked them, so please, let's have some civility here!! It's like posters feel compelled to suggest that those who like it are somehow in a mishappened or distorted state of mind, whereas those who share their aversion are heartily congratulated for their superior taste and insight.

And I am perplexed that on some threads, designers are criticized for *not* changing or innovating, and on this one, Prada is severely criticized for exactly that - changing her direction, by the same crowd.

Let's all agree that some find this collection absolutely delightful, and others find this absolutely appalling, as always. There's no right or wrong, "brainwashing" or clearthinking, just differences in opinions, likes and preferences.

 

[chloehandbags]

Let's all agree that some find this collection absolutely delightful, and others find this absolutely appalling, as always. There's no right or wrong, "brainwashing" or clearthinking, just differences in opinions, likes and preferences.

Well said!

 

[bourgeois]

I love the Art Nouveau-set up and alot of the colours are marvellous but the collection as a whole seems sort of messy. I do love the sheer,printed dresses towards the end though.

 

[cake_batter]

i almost screamed in horror when i saw the purses and heels close up.

it's like a thrift-shop grandmother on acid.