Prada has grown the world accustomed to their A-plus fashion shows where simplicity, quirkiness and subversion merge on the runways and celebrity-filled front rows prove its status as one of the hottest brands. The latest Spring Summer 2024 Show, presented on the second day of Milan Fashion Week was no exception. The Italian house brought its signature flair for juxtaposition with an exquisite collection, a touch of theatricals, and its most star-studded guestlist yet — Emma Watson, K-pop million-seller group ENHYPEN and Thai megastar Win Metawin, among many others were in attendance.

A Fluid Form Saga

In continuation of its Men’s SS24 collection “Fluid Forms,” presented back in June, Prada’s Womenswear SS24 show opened up with slime leaking down the ceiling. Likewise, the opening look was strikingly similar to the brand’s previous collection and leaned on a silhouette that juxtaposed large shoulders and a cinched waist. However, the show quickly took its own route, introducing pastel-colored dresses wrapped in layers of sheer fabric; work jackets — equal parts utilitarian and chic — and fringed pieces including dresses, shirts and skirts. 

While co-creative directors Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons reprised their tradition of keeping things sober in the color front, there were occasional pops of pastel colors. Pink, mint and light blue dresses graced the predominantly black, dark blue, brown, and gray collection. But there was no moment of dullness. Despite the on-surface simplicity of forms and monochromatic palette, each piece was beautifully enhanced with details and texture. Distressed leather, metallic grommets, floral motifs and tinsel were scattered throughout the collection. 

Simons and Prada’s signature boxy, menswear-inspired tailoring, minimalist silhouettes and intricate detailing were better appreciated in movement. As models walked down the runway, fabrics created an enticing fluid motion and almost dramatic sequence. That’s why the finale was perhaps the highlight of the show. To close off the runway, Prada and Simons received an ovation with the Babes in Toyland hit, “Bruise Violet,” still playing in the background. In a bittersweet moment, the co-creative directors invited Prada’s longtime collaborator Fabio Zambernardi — who announced his exit from Prada Group earlier this month — to partake in the final bow. 

Star Power in the Front Row 

Considering Prada’s reputation as one of the world’s hottest brands, its army of influential ambassadors, and its ability to adapt to the cultural zeitgeist; celebrity-studded front rows are not a novelty for the brand. However, Prada curated what might be its most notable front row yet, reuniting all its VIPs under the same roof at Fondazine Prada. 

Spanish idol Rosalía, Kylie Jenner, Sofia Richie, Vincent Cassel, Scarlet Johanson, Hunter Schafer, Diana Silvers, Eiza González and Benedict Cumberbatch were among the effortlessly well-dressed crowd. A notable presence was Filipina actress and fashion maven Liza Soberano, who wore a blazer look cinched at the waist and channeled Audrey Hepburn with her baby bangs hairstyle. Even Prada Paradoxe’s campaign star, Emma Watson, who rarely steps under the spotlight for fashion shows, was in attendance, dressed in a chic LBD and tapping into the hairbow trend.

But the most visible stars of the show were Prada’s Asian ambassadors Mei Nagano, Somi, Sana, ENHYPHEN and Win Metawin. The ladies opted for light-colored ensembles: Sana wore a peach pastel dress with a white Prada Arqué shoulder bag while Somi went for a crop top and sequined skirt ensemble, and Mei Nagano sported a light yellow dress with a black shoulder bag. 

Meanwhile, K-pop force ENHYPHEN, appeared dapper in a galore of trendy tailored jackets, cardigans and bomber jackets paired with black trousers and signature Prada footwear. Earlier this year, the group left their mark at Milan Fashion Week when they attended the brand’s menswear FW23 show, amassing the staggering amount of $11.2 million in MIV® (Media Impact Value) — numbers unheard of at any Prada show. 

Thai actor Win Metawin, who is a regular at Prada events worldwide — he was in Seoul for the most recent iteration of Prada Mode — couldn’t miss out. The Prada darling stepped out in a fall-ready ensemble featuring a wool champagne coat over a white tank top and black pants. Just like every season, the star created great anticipation for his appearance at the event and even made headlines with his airport look — a cool twist on the Canadian tuxedo. 

Prada’s Prowess 

Although Milan Fashion Week is still underway, Prada’s SS24 presentation is already one of the most-talked-about shows on the calendar. And it can’t be otherwise. The Italian fashion house has made it a mission to champion smart, chic, and minimal dressing enhanced with satisfyingly odd twists. With their latest runway, Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons continue to build this strong identity, without neglecting the most commercial side of the business.

Interested in more Fashion Week coverage? Check EnVi’s rundown of Burberry’s SS24 show here. 

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