SimplyAbuDhabi XIV

2 2 8 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I Prada Spring Summer 2014 E xpect the unexpected. Never one to offer up a conventional vision for the season, Miuccia Prada this summer presents her own unique slant on the tropical resort-wear standard. In saturated hues, bold prints, and voluminous outlines, Prada gives us a new twist on summer classics. Prada has always drawn inspiration from the art world, and in this new collection, there is a hint of Gauguin in Tahiti alongside references to post-war cinema set on the wrecked beaches of the Pacific. There are tropical prints, to be sure, but they are more muted, more mysterious, more deeply saturated in reds and blues than in more traditional lines. Colourful separates are paired with trousers in sombre tones, while accessories are kept neutral. But while this collection doesn’t necessarily read ‘Fun in the Sun,’ there’s no doubt that these are simply beautiful summer clothes. The suits are relaxed and colourful, pairing a marvellous three-button jacket in rich garnet or deep teal with a full pleated trouser in dark blue or brown that gathers at the ankle. Paired with a tropical-print shirt in similar deep tones, it’s a sharp, stylish, completely modern look. Knitwear also makes an appearance in the collection, in the form of a red short-sleeved sweater depicting a sunset – again, very cinematic. 1950's style bowling jackets in Hawaiian prints bring a sense of effortless fun to this line, as well, all accompanied with footwear inspired by the era: canvas tennis pumps, colour-blocked bowling shoes, hi- top boxing boots. Not your usual summer wardrobe, then, but one that is deeply grounded in the real world, aware of the past but always looking forward. As Miuccia Prada herself has said, “Just 'clothes' is boring. We need more passion, more humanity." And that is just what she brings to this collection.