MILAN, Jun 25, 2006/ FW/ --- One of the most influential designers of our times, Miuccia Prada once again broke new grounds in fashion with her Prada Menswear Spring 2007 collection proposing looks that are plebian in origin yet definitely modern and contemporary that defined our past, present and perhaps the future of men’s fashion.

With gray as the base color palette, it suggested uniformity and starkness often associated with futuristic looks. The silhouette was relaxed and leisurely, that is almost reminiscent of a bygone era, with the ‘almost’ as the operative word here, because it is far from nostalgic. In fact, the whole collection oozed with modernity, with the vibe as up-to-date as it could get.

From trench to raincoats, the outerwear was based on the firefighter’s uniform that it even used Velcro as closure. It came in gray, and then was also proposed in patent leather orange and blue.

The biker jacket was redone sans the usual embellishments. The placket was hidden, all the studs and buttons removed. It was sterile but not boring. The tailoring took center stage, as the cut and shape became the focal point and made it very interesting.

Since it is summer, shorts were a big part of the collection. Miuccia Prada used two main shapes – relaxed and fitted. The came in solid colors of gray, blue and green; then she changed her tempo and sent them out with graphic prints, a nod at playfulness and being carefree.

Trousers followed the same train of thought – from being relaxed, then fitted. And so were the tees that came in round neck or crew. The Prada logo was subtly added on the neckline, a small inverted triangle that is unobtrusive but definitely catches your eyes.

The triangle was also present in the suit jackets’ top pockets. It worked as an adornment; and also a play on the logo.

The collection is almost simplistic, again ‘almost’ is the operative word here because once again it is far from being just a dab on minimalism. The joie de vivre might not be easily discerned by the naked eye.

Yet you know its there because you feel it before your eyes notice the masterful cuts and tailoring techniques employed to make this collection.

Prada

Prada

Prada

Prada