With motifs of white rabbits, racing cars and launching rockets on knitted sweaters, there was a sense of childhood nostalgia in the Men’s Spring/Summer 2016 Prada show. Set to be the must-have pieces of the collection, the kiddie-inspired sweaters were bright, playful and cheerful, but the collection wasn’t all fun and games. There were a few serious pieces sprinkled throughout to keep everything grounded, including a few tailored blazers (with contrast stitching at the lapels to give it that funky Prada tone) that were paired together with matching trousers.
The color palette was mostly filled with gray and neutral tones, but pops of bright blue and red in the form of zip-up undershirts and vests gave the look a preppy vibe. And it wasn’t just work wear that got the quirky Prada touch—sportswear came in outrageous cuts, like a pair of loosely-fitted leather shorts that were cinched off with a belt and paired with a tucked-in crepe tank top. A structured burgundy leather jacket finished off the ensemble, giving the slightly feminine look a bit of edginess. A few collarless shirts gave off a clerical vibe, coming up just under the Adams apple.
It seemed that ultimate comfort and convenience was the concept occupying Miuccia Prada’s mind. Why would men need to worry about trivial things like buttons and laces now that Prada has provided them with with slip-on leather shoes and zip-up shirts? They could be doing much more important things with their time—like playing with race cars and rockets.
