To what extent can we say a brand is losing its personality?

Prada has been fighting for ugly chic for years—a style that works remarkably well in modern times because, who doesn't want to just wake up, throw on a skirt and a sweater, and head out on an adventure? However, there is a very fine line between creating a functional collection that people want to buy because it's spectacular, and creating a collection that works well for sales but lacks personality and creative direction.

Miuccia Prada clearly knows the formula. Now, with Raf Simons' contribution for this Spring/Summer 25 collection, they presented a joint effort packed with skirts, tops, and mostly standalone pieces that everyone will surely want to wear. But it leaves us with the uncomfortable question: does it work as a cohesive whole?

On one hand, Miuccia crowns herself as the all-time skirt diva. Her playful experimentation with volumes, varied materials, embellished details, and even industrial finishes on silk has become a signature that will always be remembered. The low-rise waistline and the A-line silhouette remain key codes for the brand, evolving through diverse materials—from leather to pleated textiles.

On the other hand, Raf's touch is evident in the exploration of tension between the industrial and the delicate. We see a play of utilitarian, understated silhouettes in grey or neutral tones punctuated by bursts of color, where layering creates unexpected dialogues between contrasting textures and prints.

And if there is one garment everyone will be talking about, it is undoubtedly the ultra-crop top: a short bandeau-style silhouette with an architectural, industrial design that highlights the elegance of simplicity and leaves bare skin front and center. Added to this are leather jackets, impeccably tailored coats, futuristic sunglasses, and, of course, handbags. This is precisely where the magic of the collection's styling lies: although everything seems simple and effortless at first glance, each look is deeply layered with calculated textures and contrasts that transform apparent simplicity into an elaborate visual exercise.

Perhaps as a whole, the collection feels somewhat fragmented or borders on the purely commercial due to its focus on individual pieces. However, this clash between everyday effortlessness, skin exposure, and design precision continues to prove why Prada dominates the conversation—why it tops every wishlist, and why, even when we question its direction, we all still need that glitter skirt in our closet.