The Pre- and Post-War Delicacies ... Prada F/W 09-10

The pre-war era is back in style this upcoming fall, all thanks to Miuccia Prada. Filled with politesse and lack in profligacy and pointless fanciness, especially at this period when achieving target sales point is absolutely impossible (according to some high-end sales assistants), the fall/winter 2009-10 ready-to-wear pieces literally evoked my imagination to the highest degree on how does it feel to live in the past.

I could already imagine the romantic pre- and post-war times in fall, when stylish European (or Italian) ladies dressed in their most sophisticated garbs would stroll in the park or near the beautiful Lake Como shores, walking arm-in-arm with their leading men who are smartly clad in crisp clean-cut tailored suits (think Brioni or Emenergildo Zegna), luxurious woollen overcoats and that inevitable yet gentlemanly felt hats.

Kicking off the fall/winter show is the basic necessity of the forties style – perfectly tailored and belted double-breasted suit with larger-than-life plackets. Relaxed and not too body-cinching, the moderately thick fabric and the earthy colour palette used to create this ensemble seem to provide both comfort and warmth, aside of chic and sophistication. In fact, I bet the model who wore the ensemble at the show (Katlin Aas) would more than agree, since winter has not been over yet in Milan.

On the one-piece side, the dresses are immaculate as well, with no exaggerating details. Warm colours such as crimson and dull dark tones complement the pieces nicely. Adding a touch of sexiness that could easily melt the chill of fall and winter winds, most of the dresses sport plunging V-necklines instead of non-exposing round or funnel necks. There are also pieces adorned with embroidered flower patterns, which truly ooze classiness and vital superiority to the wearers’ style, such as cap-sleeved dress in velvety grey and double-breasted embroidered outer coats.

But here’s a thing. While there has been a decrease in the number of fashionistas being seen in their gladiator sandals, be prepared to embrace another new trend by Prada – gladiator fringed leather skirts and dress! Yes, the upcoming fall trend is about to witness the return of Roman centurion-styled fringed leather skirt and the super trendy fringed leather dresses. What’s more, studs have also been added onto the pieces as decoration, thus lending authentic Roman soldier chic to the pieces.

Although most fashionistas would opt to keep their leggings handy till the next season, Prada girls have chosen to sashay their stuff in two options – bare-legged or thigh-high leather boots.

Either buttery soft leather thigh-high boots or simple monotonous Mary Janes, your style will be blatantly bland without them. As for bags, expect to a line-up of demure and oversized leather bags instead of the sequined and metallic hued ones from last year’s fall/winter accessories collection.

Prada FW09-10 ready-to-wear and accessories collection will be available at Prada boutiques in fall.

*Photos by Marcio Madeira for Style.com

Prada – Lot 2.22.00 & 3.24.00, Level 2 and 3, Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur; G33, Ground Floor, Suria KLCC, Jalan Ampang, 50088 Kuala Lumpur.