There's one show during fashion week that has everyone arriving an hour early and swarming backstage like it's a rock concert. That show, inevitably, is Prada. The brand has a knack for reviving end-of-week chatter, but what exactly makes us so obsessed?
The answer might lie in Sunday’s breathtaking fall 2026 Prada men's show, which many are calling the best since Miuccia Prada teamed up with Raf Simons. Everything about it screamed excellence, starting with the delectable pre-show treats at the Fondazione Prada venue’s Wes Anderson-designed Bar Luce. Then came the set – a striking transformation of the Prada-owned museum's auditorium into a ravaged Georgian manor, setting a charged atmosphere as celebrities like Damson Idris and Maya Hawke took their seats.
And then there were the clothes! The dynamic duo, Mrs. Prada and Simons, unveiled a standout silhouette this season – long, slinky coats and blazers hugging models’ torsos, contrasted by shirt cuffs popping from petite sleeves. As always, Prada’s iconic touch was evident with a collection of eccentric hats, some bizarrely attached to the backs of coats like they'd been flattened by a press.
The fashion world was abuzz, with coats from the collection sparking thoughts on how everyday outerwear might soon be reimagined. The slender silhouette wasn't all, though. In a nod to diverse tastes, the collection also showcased fuller trenches. When probed about these lean designs, Mrs. Prada summed it up best: "That’s fashion!"
“Prada shows have a way of shaping the broader style zeitgeist,” an attendee noted, reflecting on the brand’s influence.
The recent collections from Prada hadn't been as defining, but this show reminded us why Prada is at the forefront of fashion. Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons treat fashion as a cerebral art form, and their previous work navigated the complexities of algorithmic trends with emotional and instinctive designs.
In 2025, their collections were characterized by a quirky style mashup, but this latest unveiling feels refreshingly coherent and anticipatory. Prada continues to craft not just clothing, but cultural moments that have fashion insiders and onlookers alike eagerly awaiting what's next.