Forget Minimalism—at Prada, Pastel Coats, Frankenstein Skirts, and (Lots of) Jewels Marked a New Era in Fashion

It's Prada day, which means that fashion people all over the world came together, no matter what time it was, to bear witness to Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons's latest creations as they made their debut. I watched the show from the steps of Prada's SoHo store among Parsons students as well as editors, stylists, and influencers who didn't travel to Milan this season. Our editorial director, Lauren Eggertsen, viewed the unveiling from Fondazione Prada, the art institution where the Italian house holds its runway show every season. Many more watched from their iPhones and laptop screens, zooming in on every last detail and taking screenshots to inspect later.

The Prada show is always a look into the future. During it, you'll rarely see anything similar to what other brands are debuting. It's always fresh and different, and it paints a picture of what fashion will soon look like. The biggest takeaway from spring/summer 2026 is that minimalism will soon be ushered out of the spotlight, making room for louder (yet still refined) aesthetics to take the stage. Clashing combinations of orange, purple, red, and pink will replace muted neutrals in our spring wardrobes. At the same time, eccentric accessories—like satin opera gloves, colorful drop earrings made with oversize gemstones, and rhinestone-crusted pumps—will soon take over from calmer alternatives.

As a result, a sense of serenity didn't blanket viewers like it does at some shows. Instead, everyone seeing the collection for the first time appeared to be taken over, filled with inspiration, and invigorated about the future of fashion. "People seemed to really love it," Eggertsen told me over Slack post-show. "Everyone was excited and chatty and cheering!" New eras will have that effect.

Meet the Frankenstein Skirt

You might be wondering what a Frankenstein skirt is right about now. Well, let me tell you. Essentially, it's a silhouette only Prada could make chic, wherein multiple skirts appear to have been stitched together, creating a patchwork-like creation. The brand debuted a more tailored and pared-back version of this in its fall/winter 2024 show with backless skirts meant to be worn both frontward and backward styled with a bevy of slip skirts underneath that you could mix and match with your mood. For spring/summer 2026, it appears that you have fewer options to change up your skirts but instead should embrace the intentional chaos of having part of a ruffled orange taffeta skirt attached to a lace slip, among other materials and styles. Another version saw a model donning a gray satin skirt that also featured a pink, tiered taffeta skirt. Why choose one piece when you can have them all?

Prada and Simons Are Bejeweling Again

There was a time when rhinestones and jewels always made an appearance at Prada (and Miu Miu!), but it's been a while since such decadent detail work has played a role in the brand's collections. They're back for spring/summer 2026, though. Pearl-encrusted collars showed up on heavy satin tunics, and colorful baubles appeared on square-neck tops worn on top of buttoned-to-the-top shirts. Even the kitten heels got the rhinestone treatment, with diamond drippings hanging off the backs of many of the collection's pumps like a "just married" sign on the back of a pristine vintage car.

Car Coats for Spring

If you thought car coats were big for fall, just wait until you see the options Prada presented for spring 2026. From old-school Prada options in cool khaki shades to pastel-painted leather versions that could turn any outfit into a statement, every type of car coat you could ever want made the cut. This outerwear staple is beloved for its simple design—a knee-length hem combines with a single-breasted closure to create a top layer that's easy, timeless, and practical. Prada and Simons, of course, made them their own, particularly through styling, pairing them with bold skirts and long gloves in shocking hues.

Deep Vs, Coach Jackets, and Polo Collars Add a Tinge of Prep

It appeared at Prada that the preppy trend we first reported on following Michael Rider's debut at Celine back in July was no passing fad. Instead, preppy codes are continuing to show up in the lead-up to spring 2026 in unique takes on polo collars in primary colors being paired with tiny, peach-colored briefs debuting at today's show as well as bright-yellow coach jackets styled with button-down shirts and deep-V-neck sweaters tucked into suspender skirts. Low-profile suede sneakers that gave off an almost boat-shoe vibe, oversize glasses, and Peter Pan collars attached to faded-leather coats only added to the preppy energy reverberating through Fondazione Prada.

Zoom In for More

Often, the best part of a new collection is getting up close and personal with the pieces. There are always more details than what you can see during the show, and for spring/summer 2026, those arrived in the form of exposed stitching on thick satin gloves and drawstring bags, both painted in pastel shades of pink and yellow. Elegant pumps featured a sexy touch of toe cleavage as well as delicate bows and the aforementioned rhinestone waterfalls. Sunglasses and eyewear were fitted with surprise baubles that could only be seen because of the models' slicked-back 'dos. Re-sees for Prada are like playing Where's Waldo, but instead of a tiny man in a striped shirt, you get to hunt for minute crumbs of exquisite craftsmanship in a sea of beautiful things.