Fifty meters of ribbon and 13 hours of embroidery went into the Fall 2024 dress “There is a sense of romance to this collection,” begins Miuccia Prada on the subject of her Fall 2024 offering, “of values of love and caring embedded in the clothes. Love between people, romantic but also familial.” Along with co-designer Raf Simons, Prada sought to translate these emotions through a visual conversation this season. Given these sentiments can be perceived as a gift bestowed via the spirit, what better way to wrap them than with a bow?
Photo: Courtesy of Prada
With its tone-on-tone bows, Prada’s Fall 2024 embroidered dress features complex craftsmanship to create whimsy and movement in its silhouette. A silk sablé fabric panel serves as the back of the dress upon which a classic chevron pattern is displayed. Satin ribbons are sewn by hand at precise angles, then steam-pressed and dried to bring a worn effect to the garment. A contrasting black silk lining is applied with additional bows sewn at the hips and neck. A total of 13 hours of embroidery – seven for the chevron pattern and six for the embellishments – was required along with 50 meters of ribbon.
Photo: Courtesy of Prada
Prada explains that this piece weaves together a story, and learnings, across generations. “History, for me, is always connected to the lives of people – references to past fashion speak about past lives, and also how we live today. Reflecting on history teaches us our mistakes, our strengths. The past is the only thing we have,” she muses. “I hate the idea of nostalgia, as if history doesn’t teach you. History teaches you everything. Especially in difficult moments. This is a collection shaped by history. It’s not about nostalgia, it’s about understanding. Who we were, why we dressed like that. It’s about remembering our past, using this knowledge to move forward.”
Photo: Courtesy of Prada
Simons is in agreement. “We strive to make something…
