The Runway Sniper #12

Prada Spring Summer 2009 Menswear

Prada is one of my most anticipated collections for the Milan shows season after season. Although I may not entirely agree to her aesthetics, but her highly philosophical and conceptual interpretation of menswear leaves me feeling in awe of how intricate her mind thinks.

For this collection, it seems once again, she challenges the way a typical modern male should dress. Following the footsteps of her highly androgynous fall winter collection, came another take on the gender bending style of dressing she seems to be in favour of at this moment. The boys are draped in oversize cropped blousons/parkas suspended on the neck by what seem like a bikini strap. The elongated polo tee borders on the edge of it being either a shirt or a skirt. However, her accessories are still one of the best to be seen on the runways. That amazing oversize nylon tote of suede and brown leather is probably my most coveted. Other designs came in as leather versions of totes and messenger bags, but given new life in a brand new colour of deep Prussian blue.

This is a collection that for me, will not be taken as a whole. It may seem too far fetched for a guy to wear some of the looks. But break it down from its entirety, you see beautiful parkas, perfectly tailored pants/jackets and gorgeous shirts. And of course, the bags the shoes which will probably be the best sellers that everyone wants a piece of.

(For pictures of the full collection and reviews by the experts, go to www.men.style.com)