The Prada show marked the opening of Milan Fashion Week, drawing a notable assembly of celebrities and fashion insiders to the city’s historic fashion district. Among the attendees were actresses Uma Thurman—with her daughter Maya Hawke—Naomi Watts, Emilia Clarke, Michelle Williams, Sadie Sink, and Molly Gordon, alongside models and influencers including Alexa Chung, Chiara Ferragni, and Nara Smith.

The event was dominated by an overt focus on skirts, a signature element of Prada’s aesthetic championed by co-creative director Miuccia Prada. For the show, nearly all the guests embraced knee-length skirts, presenting a variety of styles ranging from Nineties-inspired slip skirts to pleated and box-pleated designs in bold prints and intricate detailing such as brocade panelling, chiffon overlays, and sequin embroidery. Complementing the skirts were tops that varied widely, including simple knits, bralettes, and blouson-style shirts, reflecting Prada’s intent to explore complexity and versatility within the collection.

Prada, who celebrated her 77th birthday this year, emphasized the skirt as a flexible and essential wardrobe piece, describing it as a freedom-filled item capable of blending masculine and feminine elements alongside streetwear and high fashion. Co-director Raf Simons noted the thought process behind the collection, inspired by an earlier interview in which Prada likened skirts to a T-shirt, a canvas for expressing ideas and creativity. Their collaboration yielded 63 distinct looks, each featuring a skirt paired with a contrasting top half that ranged from sleek and embellished slide-split styles to voluminous 1950s-inspired flounces and layered leather ensembles that resembled coats.

The accessories contributed to the show's eclectic vibe, including Prada’s hallmark slingback shoes, bowling bags, and asymmetrically framed sunglasses, adding an element of playfulness and sophistication. While the majority of attendees adhered to the skirt-centric theme, some critics suggested a desire for a broader range of garments, though others praised Prada for consistency in her signature approach.

This collection exemplifies Prada’s ongoing influence in fashion, reaffirming her commitment to innovation within a recognizable framework. The designer’s belief that a skirt can serve as a conversation starter and a versatile expression of identity encapsulates the show’s overall message, reinforcing why Prada’s work continues to shape trends globally. As Milan Fashion Week continues, the emphasis on skirts at Prada’s opening event signals a potential resurgence of the silhouette in the coming seasons.