Prada SS26: Life in Layers

Art of Noise’s 1984 track “Moments in Love” opened Prada spring summer 2026 women’s show on Wednesday at the Fondazione Prada, where the building’s stark concrete columns juxtaposed the runway’s lacquered orange floor. Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons’ work consistently forces us to reflect not only on this moment in time, but also on the intimate moments within our own lives and our relationship to dressing. 

After the show, Mrs. Prada said to BOF, “You use what you have.” A prime example in the show were skirts made of different textured fabrics, seemingly patched together, and layers paired with bra tops that barely touched the body. It’s easy to imagine a woman assembling these skirts in the same way she pieces together the moments of her life — with joy, care, and exploration.

Backstage, Simons stated that “freedom and hierarchy” were themes of the show. The opening look – a strict navy cotton utility shirt and pants paired with sparkling jeweled earrings from Prada’s fine jewelry line – blended into mini dresses of rich satin, layered with oversized utility jackets. A dialogue between control and freedom of expression is present throughout, visible in the pairing of color, texture and form. 

The press release states, “Garments are shaped unconventionally around the body, structures minimized. A lightness, moving around the form.” Tissue-like fabrics, cut into suspended skirts and paired with cotton underwear, contrast with the uniform of button downs and pants.