During their show at the Fondazione Prada, Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons orchestrated an innovative vision of layering. Combining pragmatism and aesthetics, the Fall 2026 collection redefines modern style through a sartorial metamorphosis that transcends mere functionality.
A scenography of change
Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons unveiled their Fall 2026 women's collection at the Fondazione Prada in Milan. The radical staging featured fifteen models, each revealing four successive silhouettes. Each passage, lighter than the previous one, unveiled a pared-down version of the garment. This stylistic repetition goes beyond a simple performance: it illustrates the tangible transformation of our outfits over the course of the day and according to our needs.
Superimposition as language
The house describes this collection as an exploration of the infinite possibilities of layering. The silhouettes are designed to evolve from morning to night, allowing for modular combinations and gradual removal. Here, layering becomes a narrative method in its own right, with each layer of fabric representing a chapter in the same physical identity.
A manifesto of the unpredictable
This approach echoes a fundamental trend observed during New York Fashion Week, sometimes referred to as "small plates–ification." Critics, notably Zeitblatt, praise this celebration of diversity and unpredictability, describing this layering as an "intimate" and instinctive language. This convergence demonstrates how a stylistic technique can rise to the level of social and aesthetic commentary.
Art in resonance
The choice of Fondazione Prada lends the event a major cultural dimension. The 2025–2026 program weaves links between disciplines, notably with the exhibition "A Kind of Language" by Belgian artist Thierry De Cordier. The calendar also includes the exhibition "NADA" by the same artist (April 3 to September 29, 2025), exploring the erasure of the image of the crucifixion through ten monumental canvases. Performances by Kali Malone and an exhibition by Mona Hatoum will complete this artistic dialogue between Milan, Venice, Shanghai, and Tokyo.
Between concept and urban pragmatism
The four variations presented on the runway challenge the boundary between pure concept and wearability. Far from being a simple visual effect, the layering responds to today's urban rhythms. The modularity of the pieces satisfies a growing demand for versatility, allowing for constant adaptation without ever sacrificing the formal rigor that is so dear to the brand.
A reinterpretation of elegance
While layering is not a new concept—evoking Baroque opulence or the layered coats of the 20th century—Prada reinterprets this tradition with a newfound simplicity. The collection combines memory and practicality, glamour and utility, avoiding the pitfall of gratuitous ornamentation to focus on the essentials.
The balance of style
The balance between theatrical staging and practicality in clothing is a critical success. Prada transforms an ancient motif into a contemporary manifesto. At the Fondazione, art and fashion merge to confirm that luxury today must offer experiences that stimulate intellectual reflection as much as visual pleasure.