Milan Fashion Week AW 2013: Prada

The second day of Milan Fashion Week brought with it a stunning collection from Miuccia Prada. The garments were very strong, confident and dramatic, but the drama could be felt long before the show actually began. Prada's industrial show space was transformed into an intriguing space with bleachers of wood, velvet drapes hanging from the walls, marble and transparent plastic pillars. The backdrop increased the effect of the dark space, with the silhouette of a twirling woman, a prowling cat and a metal security grille. With this setting in mind, the models came out on the runway with wet hair and unbuttoned dresses and shirts as if coming right from the shower. The collection evokes a burgeois-lady chic inspired by the forties and fifties with tweed, fur, metallic leather and handheld purses. The color palette was very interesting varying from the darkest black to ochre, rust, turquoise and baby pink.

Among my favorite looks are the black dress in the opening photo, the grey coat/dress with fur sleeves, the striped wool dresses, the green dress and of course the delicate dresses paired with luxurious furs at the end of the show. Here is my selection of the best looks from the runway:

A very strong and confident collection, based on "raw elegance" as the designer herself describes it. What were your favorite looks?

Photos: Marcus Tondo