The Art of Ugly

Mrs Prada has long been the master of making the ugly (or, at the very lest, off-kilter) desirable. From those chunky, clunky, fat soled lace ups she has critics and customers alike coveting every season, to the nylon backpacks that she made her name with, redefining what constitutes beautiful clothing is her raison d’etre. And so, no one should be surprised when she serves up a collection for Miu Miu that, at first glance, is overflowing with a floral fustiness fit for the geriatric in all of us. Then again, it wasn’t all tweed suits and dense patterns: there truly was something for everyone.

Jumble Sale

A mash up of jumble sale proportions might be the best way to describe this season. The first look was a denim and white bloomer combo; the jackets were appliqued with name badges of Roy, Gene, Bob and other middle-aged men’s names, not dissimilar to a mechanic’s overalls. Striding the catwalk to Marvin Gaye’s “Heard it Through The Grapevine”, the models showcased golf-check print knitted tunics and thick carpet-print maxi skirts, more appropriate for upholstering a sofa, all cinched in at the waist with a thickset circular belt.

Awkward Luxury

Next came a mixture of long and short khaki hunting coats with fox fur cuffs and collars, adding a touch of luxe to the collection. A particular highlight was a long, lavish fur coat thrown over a boyfriend-fit Western shirt and white short shorts: it was like Mrs P’s unique take on the morning-after, devil-may-care sexy look. The other talking point? Fluffy pink and blue sliders , heavily embellished with enormous pearls and jewels – ideal as fabulous slippers for looking prancing around your vast, marble floored house in.