Prada and Armani Redefine Elegance with Wild Romanticism
A model walks the runway during the Prada collection show at Milan's Fashion Week Men's Fall / Winter 2025-2026 in Milan, Italy, on January 19, 2025. ©Piero Crucuatti / AFP

Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons explore wild yet sophisticated elegance with their Fall-Winter 2025/2026 collection unveiled in Milan, where instinct, human nature, and romanticism take center stage in a bold contemporary vision of fashion.  

"Wild" yet sophisticated: Miuccia Prada, in collaboration with Raf Simons, unveiled her new menswear collection for Fall-Winter 2025/2026 in Milan. This collection delves into "human nature" and "basic instincts," combining raw emotions with refined craftsmanship.

As one of the highlights of Men’s Fashion Week, the show took place in a striking three-tiered metallic structure within the vast hall of the Prada Foundation. The setting, complete with intimate guest spaces and a bar-like ambiance, fostered a sense of proximity and connection.

In a world increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence, "the idea is to preserve human instinct to unlock creativity and spontaneity," Miuccia Prada shared, smiling backstage after the show.

"Your instinct is like your internal computer," she explained. "It’s the culmination of everything you’ve read, seen, studied—there’s no conflict between logic and instinct."

The collection reflects a return to nature and primal life, represented by sheepskin draped over bare torsos, mid-length coats, or oversized ushankas covering the forehead and ears.

Instinct and Romanticism

High-waisted cigarette trousers reminiscent of the 1970s made a stylish comeback, available in bold colors like violet and red, as well as neutral tones like black, gray, and brown.

Chunky knit sweaters adorned with metallic amulet-like symbols, floral-patterned shirts, tailored leather jackets, nylon bombers, and checked wool coats complete Prada’s new aesthetic.

Contrasting styles and clashing colors define the collection: an elegant camel wool coat paired with bold violet cowboy boots; jackets worn directly on bare skin accented with a pink fabric flower on the lapel; and tunics layered under cropped puffer jackets.

Explaining the creative vision, Miuccia Prada spoke of "romanticism as something emotional and immediate, creativity without overthinking—something deeply human." She emphasized the importance of "holding onto one’s ideas and passions."

“In instinct, a new sophistication and an intimate, wild elegance can emerge,” Prada and Simons concluded in their style notes.

Emporio Armani: Effortless Elegance

Seduction and effortless elegance define Emporio Armani’s latest collection, revealed in Milan on Saturday evening. Targeting a younger, trendier audience, this premium ready-to-wear line radiates a lively yet measured energy.

"I wanted to create a collection that feels vibrant yet balanced," explained the 90-year-old fashion maestro, Giorgio Armani, looking as radiant as ever post-show.

Known for his innovative approach, Armani embraced extremes like metallic elements, long-pile fabrics, and brocades, crafting pieces with elegance, personality, and unique balance.

Quilted and voluminous pieces designed for harsh winters stood alongside sleek three-piece velvet suits, ideal for festive evenings, paired with thin ties or scarves delicately knotted around the neck.

The Emporio Armani wardrobe also includes sharp black blazers with structured shoulders, cropped cardigans, and high-waisted wide trousers. Sparkling sweaters woven with metallic threads, tuxedos reimagined as coats, and floral or geometric patterns add playful touches to the collection.

Inspired by nature, the color palette highlights shades like cognac, dark brown, and golden bronze, perfectly capturing the essence of autumn.

With AFP

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