Good afternoon, Tuesday. It's lovely outside and not too hot or too cold and I'm digging it. Met a friend for lunch in Soho and ideas are just in the air, aren't they? Everyone I know wants to do something new, reinvent, and get really creative. I'm not at all opposed, and I'm all ears. Hit me up if you want to change the game a little, or a lot. I'm down.
But it's the mens shows in Milan and I wanted to chat with you for a few about Miuccia Prada, she who makes my heart sing. Miuccia is one of those people that just gets it- she understands culture and trends and moment in time in a way that is just transcendent. I love the risks she takes and the message she sends- she's so much more than nylon bags and duty free wallets- she's a true fashion visionary well worth emulating and admiring when it comes to being a true artist.
So the Prada collection was just so cool- a real revelation. I was so struck with how she took what's happening in the world of gender and translated it into something for the runway- his and hers and back again. She understands that women want to wear men's clothes, yet also want to feel whatever is their version of feminine- that could be a man's shirt, that could be a dress, it could be a combination of both. To me, these looks may appear prim and proper (which I love), but what they say is so much more- we are, as a people, evolving beyond classic gender roles and I for one am digging these post androgynous looks, because we live in a time where more and more people are coming forward to share their brave stories of overcoming gender stigmas and challenge. In 2014 and beyond, it's not so much about being this or that, it's more about just keeping it real and living in one's own skin, whatever that may be.
The Prada camp has done it again with a runway full of fantastic piece that play with tradition but live very much in the present. No vulgarity, nothing lewd, no drama whatsoever- just really lovely and demurely pieces that can live in a grown up world where boys will be girls and vice versa and whatever else you may have going on. Style.com's review of the show called attention to the notion of "pandrogeny" or gender neutrality - I think it's less about neutrality and more about tolerance and gender inclusiveness or really, be whoever you want to be. Sure these clothes are sedate and a bit stoic, but I love their uniformity and crispness.
Either way, I loved that she showed clothes for both men and women this week- leave it to Miuccia Prada to always be one step ahead, yet right where we need to be. Cause that's what's up this be who you are kind of Tuesday in the 212. Yours, in fashion forward understanding. XO