There was traditional outerwear, some in glorious, speckled tweed coats, some substantial leather coats, and sweaters in primary colors, which, together with cropped trousers, kept the look youthful. Then there were the trench coats, cut very slim, and bags made very big to pack all your troubles in. This was power dressing with a military touch – brass buttons and all.
The Raf Simons and Miuccia Prada-designed collection added interest with a playful sense of color (for example, red pants with a yellow belt and purple cap), and novelty touches in its accessories, for a quick hit of dopamine. There were knitted balaclava hoods, skull caps and swim caps, as well as goggle specs, wide belts, and strappy sandals to enliven an otherwise traditional menswear offering. In present difficult times, our emotional instinct is to attach to that which is familiar, and seek a kind of permanence in what we surround ourselves with, and Prada has offered a reiteration of traditional shapes and styles, something that will bind you the solidity of men’s fashion history.