The magical world of the Prada SS 2008 ready-to-wear collection

Miuccia Prada is great at musing on various historical and social issues. That said, she’s also great at painting fantastical scenes, immersing us into fictional worlds.
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For the Prada SS 2008 ready-to-wear collection, the designer took us to a magical forest, with fairies, delicate floral themes and Art Nouveau motifs. The collection skilfully blended more common patterns, such as 60s gingham, with surreal floral and fairy prints — sometimes by simply layering both on the same garment.
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The Art Nouveau influence is especially visible in the geometric aspects of the clothing, such as the curved necklines, fluffy sleeves and flowy skirts in sheer, satin fabrics. Such motifs were also visible in the shoes and bags, which combined Art Nouveau elegance with bright colours, inspired by 60s and 70s colour palettes.
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The iconic floral heels from this collection are a favourite amongst many fashion lovers — and rightfully so, the sculpted heel, moulded into the shape of floral petals, is a work of art in its own right.
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It’s always refreshing to see Prada venture out into fantasy worlds, while staying grounded to the conventions of ready-to-wear collections. Under her creative direction, even something as whimsical as fairy heels, adorned with flower petals, become desirable.