Bring out the Borax because slime is back! During Milan Fashion Week, Prada (led by Raf Simons) posed the bamboozling question, “What if we put a giant slime curtain in the middle of the runway?”. No, I’m not joking. Set in the utilitarian and contemporary gallery/building complex, Foundazione Prada, models traipsed across the cement floor, bordering a viscous stream of clear slime that poured down and pooled on the floor throughout the entirety of the show.
The slime curtain could have taken a day off, and I still would have believed the models lived in a slicked-back, sticky, dystopian world. Implied gooeyness was present in nearly every look, with the hair team creating extremely gelled-down looks covered in equally sleek hair scarves. Even the garments, like the tulle overlaid dresses, mimicked the ooze and flow of the slimy currents surrounding them. Other recurring themes seemed to be oversized blazers, rhinestone embellishments, and micro kitten heels. The color palette can only be described as an abandoned utilitarian cityscape. Imagine vast, dark, and imposing buildings with small blades of grass and wildflowers scattered and slowly growing between the cracks. All this to mean lots of deep shades with silver accents and muted pops of color.
To be honest, the most memorable thing about the show was definitely the slime; I mean, how could it not be? But that’s not to say the collection was anything to dismiss. The sleekness, silhouettes, and overall ambiance of the show were very trendy and very Prada, but I’m sure there’s still one question on everyone’s mind. The one intrusive thought that popped out to every viewer once the slime descended…can you touch it? Yes, yes, you can. In fact, Albert Ayal of Up Next Designer rushed to do exactly that as soon as the catwalk cleared. “I’m prob the only one that put my hands in the slime and now it’s stuck to my hands and all over my clothes.” He said, in a private Instagram channel, before sending panicked voice messages asking people for tips on how to remove slime before eventually accepting his sticky fate.
Prada knows how to consistently create something new and exciting while still sticking to their brand’s image, and Raf Simons has proven once again that he’s perfectly fit for their criteria. Sure, the shows are usually minimalist; maybe there’s an intentional gimmick or two that adds to the overall experience, but Prada always knows how to capture the crowd’s attention and social media feed. So next time your dorm (or apartment) walls need a little spicing up, think about running a fountain of slime for a decorative conversation starter.
Words by Miia Popovics.
Graphic by Adriana Roe.