Milan’s Fashion Week showcased the latest designs from Prada, where co-creative directors Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons presented a captivating menswear collection for Fall-Winter 2025-2026. Their inspiration was described as raw and cinematic, marking a distinctive departure from the ordinary fashion trends.
The runway featured innovative elements such as coarse shearling detailing, which appeared intentionally rugged and organic, arranged in unconventional configurations on jackets and coats. Simons suggested this unique style aimed to evoke warmth, humanity, and a touch of nostalgia for simpler times. “We wanted to capture a sense of warmth and instinctiveness, bringing a beautifully domestic vibe to our creations,” he explained.
The collection reflected a blend of cultural influences, incorporating Western motifs like distressed cowboy boots and knitwear reminiscent of rugged ranch attire. However, Simons also noted that the reference was broad, steering clear of pigeonholing the collection into specific themes or stereotypes.
To add an element of fun, the designers invited men to embrace jewelry, encouraging statements like mini basketballs dangling from bracelets and chains adorned with delicate amulets. The overall silhouette featured a fusion of fitted trousers in vibrant satin paired with loose, casual tops, highlighting a more relaxed approach to men’s fashion.
The collection conveyed a message of resilience and optimism, especially pertinent in today’s challenging climate. “We must resist oppression with our humanity, passion, and a spirit of romantic optimism,” Prada shared. She emphasized that good design can itself be seen as a form of resistance.
Setting the stage for this presentation was the aesthetically transformative show environment, outfitted in a luxurious Art Nouveau carpet with raised metal scaffolding framing the runway. This clever use of materials symbolized the contrasts present in the collection, hinting at a work in progress in the fashion world.
Overall, the trends observed in this collection broke traditional barriers. Designers advocated for shirts to be optional with suits, layering multiple puffers, and introducing raw shearling collars for rugged style. Such bold moves not only challenge conventional norms but also reflect a shift towards expressive individuality in men’s fashion.
As the show concluded, a diverse range of celebrities graced the front row, including well-known actors and musicians from around the world, all partaking in the excitement surrounding this innovative presentation by Prada.
