A Self-Referential Prada Collection — FW 2008

Oftentimes, we see a designer have a style so distinct, that it runs as a theme through most of their collections.
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This is usually the case with Miuccia Prada.
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Nevertheless, Prada’s FW2008 ready-to-wear collection has been highlighted by critics as a self-referential collection due to an abundance of elements that evoke memories of her 90s shows.
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We can see garments of nylon fill the runway, yet again — from voluminous A-line skirts to ruffled dresses. However, this is not the technical and utilitarian appeal that the 90s were known for. Prada uses nylon in the FW2008 for fitted tailoring, ruffles and peplum, producing a more formal look.
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Yet again, this show experiments with the voyeurism of sheer material. Several 90s collections presented tops, dresses, and skirts made of completely see-through fabrics. This time, she presents several garments in thick, unlined lace — one of the highlights of this show.
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Fun fact: one of the black lace dresses became so popular at the time, that it was waitlisted worldwide.
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I’d like to highlight the accessories in this show, as they are just as memorable as the clothes. Handbags made of ruffled lace and leather, and futuristic heels with heels curved inwards (a Prada favorite) accompanied the looks. We’ve seen similar colorful futurism in Prada late 90s shows, but here, she gives it a more formal spin.
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The FW2008 ready-to-wear collection is not a carbon copy of 90s Prada (and to be fair, I wouldn’t want it to be one). Its greatness lies in taking familiar elements from the 90s and pushing their possibilities in tailoring and accessory-making, producing yet another stunning Prada collection.