Prada’s FW25 collection, designed by Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons, celebrates the power of raw emotion and instinct in fashion, embracing spontaneity over perfection. The collection blurs the lines between romance and imperfection, challenging the constraints of modern menswear.
Prada’s Fall/Winter 2025 menswear collection, presented at Milan Fashion Week, delivered a profound message about fashion’s relationship with instinct, authenticity, and emotion. Designed by Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons, the show explored the idea that fashion is not just about clothes but also about the raw, emotional reactions that come with creating a look. It was a celebration of human nature, challenging the constraints of modern perfectionism in favor of spontaneous, instinct-driven design.
The runway show took place at Fondazione Prada, an iconic venue in Milan, where the set itself made a bold statement. The invitation had arrived in the form of a small white box containing a silver metal pipe, hinting at the industrial theme that would dominate the collection. Upon entering the venue, guests were greeted with a towering, three-story metal structure—reminiscent of an industrial playground, with a chaotic yet sophisticated edge. The large, plastic curtains that encased the structure created a striking contrast to the regal red, blue, and yellow lighting that bathed the space.
The set was not only visually captivating but also symbolic. The architecture evoked both the raw energy of a Berlin nightclub and the elegance of a grand 20th-century ballroom. This juxtaposition reflected the dual nature of the collection itself: bold yet refined, instinctive yet thoughtful. Prada and Simons referred to the set as an “expression of instinct,” setting the stage for a runway show that was all about exploring the complexity of human nature.
At the core of Prada FW25 was the concept of instinct—unlearned reactions, automatic responses, and primitive urges that shape our creativity. The designers expressed a desire to create clothing that embodies the spontaneous, emotional, and intuitive decisions that come with dressing. In a world where fashion often strives for precision, Prada and Simons sought to disrupt that notion and remind us that fashion, at its most authentic, is about the truth of human expression.
The collection embraced what the designers called “basic instincts” as tools for creative exploration. Each piece felt like the result of an unfiltered, unrefined moment, where design was driven by emotional impulses rather than calculated decisions. The clothing appeared to be formed not by rigid structure but by the flow of human emotion and instinct, making it feel both raw and intimate.
Romance was another key theme in the FW25 collection, but not in the conventional sense of perfect, polished love. Prada and Simons explored romance as an emotional force that transcends rationality. The collection was a reimagining of romance, focused not on idealized perfection but on the passion and spontaneity that come with being alive. Romance here was about letting emotions lead, giving in to the energy of the moment, and embracing the unpredictability that makes life—and fashion—so captivating.
The clothing itself reflected this romantic energy in unexpected ways. Large, oversized coats were paired with delicate, almost flirtatious elements—such as fur stoles draped casually over bare chests, or small tops with whimsical, cottage-like patterns worn with formal shoes. The juxtaposition of opposites created a visual narrative that was both playful and serious, spontaneous and controlled. Bright purple trousers, often seen paired with a plaid trench, seemed to bring together vibrant energy with old-school sophistication.
The collection also featured plenty of unlikely pairings that seemed to embody a sense of freedom and individuality. Bomber jackets were layered over fur shirts, a seemingly contradictory mix that combined the boldness of streetwear with the luxury of fur. Innocent floral brooches were affixed to serious blazers, turning them into something softer, more approachable. The clothes evoked the idea that fashion is not about following rules or meeting expectations, but about embracing what feels true and right in the moment.
Prada’s FW25 collection was also a commentary on fashion’s relationship with perfection. In an era where artificial intelligence and advanced algorithms are increasingly influencing design, Prada and Simons pushed back against the cold precision that technology offers. The collection embraced imperfection and the beauty of risk-taking. It was a celebration of the unpredictable nature of life and creativity—the moments when things don’t go as planned but result in something beautiful anyway.
The mismatched combinations on the runway spoke to this theme of imperfection. Outfits that seemed to be put together in a hurry, without the precision of trend-following, became the essence of the collection. It was an expression of what happens when we let go of control and follow our instincts, whether in life or in fashion.
This willingness to embrace imperfection was particularly important in the context of a rapidly changing fashion industry. Prada and Simons seem to be saying that, no matter how much technology advances, the emotional and spontaneous elements of human creativity can never be replaced. Fashion, at its best, is a deeply human expression, and this collection was a love letter to that idea.
Prada’s Fall/Winter 2025 collection marked a significant departure from traditional fashion norms. It wasn’t just about clothes—it was about understanding fashion as a deeply emotional, instinctual process. By focusing on human nature, romance, and imperfection, Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons have once again redefined what menswear can be.
The collection was a celebration of raw creativity and the beauty of spontaneity. It reminded us that fashion, in its truest form, is not about following trends or striving for perfection, but about expressing who we are in the moment. In a world where technology often dominates, Prada FW25 boldly reminded us that there is still power in human instinct and emotion, and that is something that will never go out of style.
