Why is 1999 the best year for Prada & Miu Miu

Over 25 years later, Prada & Miu Miu ready-to-wear collections of 1999 are still revered amongst fashion lovers and coveted on the vintage market. But why did specifically 1999 become the “best” year for Miuccia Prada’s two brands?
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The turn of the century saw a transition from 90s minimalism to early 2000s eccentricity, which is perfectly captured by the four collections presented in 1999. These collection blended classic tailoring and monochromatic styles of the 90s with embroidery, patterns, and more daring styles of the 2000s.
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Prada maintains her signature take on “subversive beauty” — murky tones, off-beat embroidery elements (such as mirrors or fall leaves), and clashing patterns can be observed throughout these shows. It is not for nothing that her late 90s collections earned her the label “ugly chic”, as Prada defied traditional glamour by playing around with unusual elements…
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One such element is nylon, which is also heavily featured on the runway in all Prada and Miu Miu shows of 1999. Especially in the Prada and Miu Miu SS1999 shows, the material is heavily used in more sportswear-inspired outfits. The FW1999 collection, on the other hand, presents a more solemn, almost militaristic, style, with heavier fabrics and tailored silhouettes — a look that Prada heavily references throughout the 90s.
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The four 1999 collections offer plenty to look at and explore: delightful suede dresses of Miu Miu SS1999 collection, sewn-on mirrors from Prada SS1999, floral themes in the Prada FW1999 collection, and the utilitarian elements of the Miu Miu FW1999 collection, to name a few.
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Combined, these elements unfold into a tasteful amalgamation of everything that Prada has been doing throughout the 90s. Distilled into four collections, these elements contribute to the lasting success of 1999 for Miu Miu and Prada.