The idea of role-playing tantalized Miuccia Prada in both her Miu Miu and signature collections this Resort season. She wanted her lookbook photographed as a series of portraits, entirely distinct looks set against different backdrops, with the core of the whole exercise being her desire for absolute simplicity (also the key to her men's collection for Spring 2011). It may not look so simple, though, because seldom has there been such an extravagant abundance of options in a Prada collection, especially in the accessories department.
The strength of this particular season was its breadth. Prada seemed to be dressing women for any role they might fancy—from the groomed, elegant lady in the rose-printed tea dress to the khaki-clad army bride to the tomboy in the sailor top with a pair of baggy denims tied at the waist (borrowed from the men's collection). The unifying thread was an unfussy lightheartedness that dictated that the only difference between a cocktail dress and a beach cover-up was the length of the skirt.
Another idea translated from Prada's Spring menswear was the super-fitted stretch suit, this one in denim. In fact, denim was one of the building blocks of the line. No irony there. Nor was there any in a sweet peasant dress with elasticated neck and puff sleeves, patterned like bright blue azulejos from Portugal, which made it the kind of outfit that might linger as a souvenir of summer. The blue and white fox stole draped casually over a bathing suit, on the other hand, had a true Prada perversity.
