Prada: Isaac Asimov & Commander Data Play With Gen Y
By Mari Davis
Photos by Giovanni Pucci

MILAN, Jan 17, 2004/ FW/ --- Before you start thinking that Miuccia Prada showed a futuristic collection last Monday, forget that thought right now. It was nowhere near that.

The collection was signature Prada – ascetic, bordering on minimalism except for the robots shown as an accessory or an appliqué on shirts.

The robots are circa 1950s, nowhere the sophistication of Star Trek’s Commander Data. It was more of “The Jetsons” genre but definitely with a Miuccia Prada touch.

For the young baby boomers, who are turning 40 this year, it was a trip to memory lane. For the Gen X, especially Gen Y, who is the real target market for this collection, it’s discovering the progenitor of their beloved video games.

In a season where soccer and hedonism is the main trend, Prada’s Fall 2004 collection is like a breath of fresh air. Different, yes… out of the running… definitely not!

In fact, it will be what Hollywood would term as a “sleeper,” like the original “Matrix” which turned out to be 1999’s biggest box office hit.

For how can one turn down the tie-dyed shades on knits and cashmere, it will fly off the shelves come fall.

The robotic appliqués will also be a darling to wear for those days and nights out in town or out of town.

The short jackets in steel gray can go anywhere – from work to a weekend get-away.

And my favorite, the trench coats, either in black or gray or beige, which defined the meaning of the phrase “urban male.”

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