Prada, Baudelaire and the Actors

Half East Berlinesque, half Parisien, Prada Menswear F/W 2012 was worth a post, even though I normally don't write much about men fashion. Not only the tailoring, fabrics and style were impeccable, the Milan show featured great stablished actors among the models, such as Willem Dafoe, Adrien Brody, Gary Oldman, Timothy Roth (who slipped a smile)... Miuccia Prada welcome the applauses and the great ovation all the assistants gave to this magnificent designer.

She described this collection as a “historical memory” and "a way to express male vanity". And I found it also an hybrid between a powerful and serious man - represented by the oversized coats and military inspiration- and a dandy. The dandy claiming an aristocracy of spirit that should be reflected in external appearance. As Baudelaire would say "dandyism as the last flicker of heroism in decadence". This part of the inspiration would be represented by the dressing gowns and pocket squares.

Ultimately, a collection for men with strong character, long-standing style and an inner status struggle.

If you want to watch the whole runway:

 Images source: The Sartorialist