What’s the feminist message behind the Miu Miu SS 2008 show?

“Life as theatre, and all the clichés of how people represent themselves in this world.”
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This is the theme that Miuccia Prada chose for the Miu Miu SS 2008 show, which unfolded in a parquet-clad baroque mansion. From harlequin costumes, to fluffy French maid-style skirts, to scandalously short bloomers — this collection presented explored performance not just in a theatrical sense, but also a social one.
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Prada, who’s not a stranger to exploring femininity in her shows, brings to our attention the performative aspect that comes with being a woman.
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A common motif was the extremely short hemline, featured in the skirts and the bloomers throughout the show. Paired with extremely high waistlines, this exaggerated silhouette echoed ideal feminine beauty standards; a thin waist with long, exposed legs, preferably dressed into ultra high heels.
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Some looks featured garments that looked so surrealistic and absurd, that they are difficult to imagine outside a theatre or a ballet set. However, it relates to the female experience — putting on a costume that may feel unnatural, out-of-place.
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Another point of interest are the accessories. Some featured insect motifs, others were adorned with jewels or exaggerated baroque details. It ties right back into the theme: as women, we typically like to adorn ourselves with elements we deem “beautiful” and “admirable”. Sometimes because we enjoy it, sometimes because we feel we have to.
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This show is not a glaring statement about femininity as a performance. Nevertheless, its subtle message leaves plenty to consider about how we choose to represent ourselves in this world, and the costume we choose to perform in it.