• Style Guides
    • All Style Guides & Tips
    • Boho Style Essentials
    • Classic Style Essentials
    • Edgy Style Essentials
    • College Wardrobe Essentials
  • College
    • All College Articles
    • Dorm Bedding 2020
    • College School Supplies Checklist
    • Dorm Color Scheme Guide
    • Dorm Organization Tips
  • Outfit Ideas
    • All Outfit Inspo
    • College Outfits
    • 21st Birthday Outfits
    • Cold Weather Outfits
  • Sorority
    • All Things Sorority
    • Sorority Rush Essentials
    • Sorority Rush Outfits
  • Shopping
    • All Shopping Guides
    • Best Budget Fashion Stores
    • Where to Buy Sweaters
    • Best Online Thrift Stores
    • Timeless Jewelry Guide
  • Beauty
    • All Things Beauty
    • Makeup Essentials Guide
  • Valentine’s
    • All Valentine’s Posts
    • Valentine’s Day Gifts 2021
    • Valentines Gifts for Boyfriend
    • Valentine’s Day Gifts for Girlfriend
    • Cute Valentines Outfits
    • Galentine’s Day 2021
College Fashion
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Write for us

Designer Basics: Miuccia Prada

From Ph.D. to powerhouse, Miuccia Prada’s journey hasn’t been a typical one.

Last Updated on January 31, 2019 by Alexa - NYU
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you purchase through our links. Please read our full disclosure here.

When I first got into fashion, I had a lot of trouble distinguishing between different designers. I never understood how anyone could recognize a certain designer just by looking at their work. What I have learned over the years is that knowledge comes with experience… and reading. Each designer has their own aesthetic, and I’d like to introduce you to some of them in my new series, Designer Basics.

Designer Basics Miuccia Prada Header

Photo Credit: ELLE

Know the Basics

Unlike many designers, who had to claw their way to fame straight out of art school, Miuccia Prada has become a sort of  “accidental” phenomenon. Originally a Ph.D. in political science with no training in design, Miuccia built up her family’s luggage business and learned a thing or two along the way.

  • Miuccia Prada was born in Milan, Italy.
  • Her career began when she designed a line of bags for her family’s luggage business.
  • A few years later, Prada opened a women’s ready-to-wear line, and the company evolved into the powerhouse it is today.
  • Miuccia Prada also owns Miu Miu, a diffusion line, as well as a line of menswear.
  • She had no formal training in design.
  • Prada is known for disregarding the rest of the fashion industry. She sticks to her own designs and doesn’t follow trends.
  • She has been a feminist since her early days in college.
Designer Basics Miuccia Prada Image Collection

Photos Courtesy of ELLE: 1, 2, 3

Aesthetic

  • Despite the beauty of Prada’s designs, she says she is most inspired by “ugliness.“
  • Prada designs often look to sophisticated elegance, including minimal, simple lines and luxurious fabrics.
  • Inspired by that “ugliness,” Prada designs are often known for their “crunchy” fabrics, like polyester and nylon, as well as their wild, art deco, and almost wallpaper-like prints.
  • Prada balances ugly and ladylike with boxy, “nerdy” proportions, such as cropped legs, oversized jackets, and quirky, mismatched separates.
  • Miu Miu, Prada’s diffusion line, takes a different approach to the design process; Prada says she “doesn’t think” when designing for Miu Miu.
  •  As a result, Miu Miu designs are more naïve, wearable, and quirky.

How to Look like You’re Wearing Prada (on a College Budget)

Prada’s Nerdy Elegance

Prada Nerdy Elegance Outfit Set

Product Information: Dress, Jacket, Sandals, Socks, Sunglasses, Green Bangles, Black Bangle

To capture both Miuccia Prada’s sense of elegance and her fascination with ugliness, start with a dress in a timeless silhouette and classic print, thrown off-proportion by an oversized, puffy bomber jacket in an “ugly” earth tone.

Add a “nerdy” layer to the outfit by pairing socks with platform sandals. The pink shoe adds a pop of color without becoming the focus of the outfit. Finally, accessorize with cheeky sunglasses and bold bangles to tie the look together.

Miu Miu’s Naïve Wearability

Miu Miu Naive Wearability Oufit Set

Product Information: Blouse, Skirt, Coat, Shoes, Necklace, Earrings

Because the designs for Miu Miu are more spontaneous, the line itself is more young and accessible. Start with a mini-skirt, kept classy by its texture but youthful from its bubblegum pink color. Add on a bold, almost wallpaper-like printed top, and layer a sleeveless duster coat (left untied) on top.

Take the unexpected path with d’orsay flats instead of heels, but opt for a bold, shiny color so they’ll stand out. Finish the look with a bib necklace and bold earrings that allude to Prada’s notorious Candy fragrance.

What do you think?

Do you prefer Prada’s timeless elegance or Miu Miu’s youthful appeal? Which of these outfits would you wear, and where? Which designer do you wish you could wear on the reg? Let me know in the comments!

Tags : Designer Basics, Designers

2 Comments
Originally published on June 26, 2015
Previous Geek Chic: Fashion Inspired by Mad Max: Fury Road
Next Movie Inspiration: The Devil Wears Prada

Related Posts

Geek Chic: Back-to-School Edition

The Top 9 Fashion Icons of the ’90s

Alessia Cara Elle photo

Style Inspiration: Alessia Cara

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. maru says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:49 pm

    Love this series

    Reply
  2. Molly says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:49 pm

    This may be my new favorite column. Keep these coming!

    Reply

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

  • facebook
  • twitter
  • instagram
  • pinterest
  • bloglovin

SEARCH CF

Get the latest CF updates! (Delivered weekly, no spam ever, unsubscribe anytime.)

21 Cute Backpacks for School 2021: Our Picks for Going to Class with Style

Sling some style over your shoulder this semester.

Best of 2020: Fashion, Beauty, College Essentials, and More!

All of my favorites from an unforgettable year, to say the least.

Vintage Posts

Copyright © 2007-2021 College Fashion LLC | Contact • Privacy Policy • Terms of Service • Disclosure • Write for Us