Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons explore wild and sophisticated elegance through their fall-winter 2025/2026 collection, unveiled in Milan, where instinct, human nature and romanticism emerge as the pillars of daring contemporary fashion.
“Wild” and sophisticated elegance: iconic designer Miuccia Prada, associated with Raf Simons, unveiled her new men’s collection for fall-winter 2025/2026 in Milan on Sunday, exploring “human nature” and “basic instincts” .
One of the highlights of Men’s Fashion Week, the show was held in a three-level metal structure, installed in the immense hall of the Prada Foundation. This innovative decor offered intimate spaces for guests, with a bar atmosphere promoting proximity and conviviality.
In a world increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence, “the idea is to preserve human instinct to unleash creativity and spontaneity,” explained Miuccia Prada backstage, smiling after the show.
“Your instinct is like your internal computer: it is the answer to everything you are, everything you have read, seen, studied. So there is no conflict between logic and instinct,” he said. she emphasized.
The collection reflects a return to nature and wild life, represented by sheepskins worn on a bare torso or draped over mid-length coats. The oversized hats covering the forehead and ears add to this rustic and daring evocation.
Instinct and romanticism
Straight-cut cigarette pants from the 70s, revisited in 2025, are available in bright shades like purple and red, but also in more neutral tones such as black, gray or brown.
Knit sweaters are adorned with metallic symbols reminiscent of amulets, while floral shirts, fitted leather jackets, nylon bombers and plaid coats enrich the Prada aesthetic.
The styles clash and the colors clash: a camel wool coat is combined with purple Texan boots, jackets are worn next to the skin, decorated with a pink fabric flower on the lapel, and tunics covering knees match short down jackets.
-Miuccia Prada explains this approach by evoking “romanticism as something emotional and immediate, creativity without thinking too much.” For her, it’s about “keeping your ideas and passions alive.” “In instinct, a new sophistication and an intimate and wild elegance can emerge,” summarize Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons in their style notes.
Emporio Armani: effortless elegance
Seduction and effortless elegance are the key words of the new Emporio Armani collection, unveiled Saturday evening in Milan. Aimed at a young and trendy clientele, this high-end ready-to-wear line combines liveliness and balance.
“I wanted to create a collection that was both lively and measured,” explained Giorgio Armani, 90 years old, with a still tanned complexion, after the show.
The maestro of Italian fashion plays with contrasts, mixing metallic elements, long-pile fabrics and brocades, to design elegant pieces, imbued with personality and a singular balance.
Voluminous, quilted outfits to face winter alongside three-piece suits in shiny velvet, perfect for festive evenings. These outfits are enhanced with thin ties, scarves tied around the neck and black blazers with pronounced shoulders.
The collection also includes cropped cardigans, high-waisted loose pants, shimmering sweaters woven with metallic threads and tuxedos transformed into coats. Floral and geometric patterns add a touch of fantasy to the whole.
Inspired by nature, the color palette highlights warm tones like cognac, dark brown and golden brown, perfectly suited to autumnal elegance.
With AFP
