Prada has had a long tradition of striking up unconventional looks that have impacted the overall ecosystem of fashion. Going with the less safe routes, esoteric prints lived along side tech and luxury fabrics. Miuccia Prada recent presented the SS 2019 Menswear line during Milan Fashion Week and in doing so set forth her latest undeniable trend, the mini short. Her end goal was to create a line that defined a more “youthful, contemporary elegance” approach to menswear that rejects the bagginess of contemporary streetwear.
At the show Prada created an allegorical field of inflatable stools inspired by Verner Panton, while a collaboration with AMO studio saw a gridlines and pink neon. Creating a space that was defined in its conformity – an ode to mass production and calibrated space giving way for that sterility to be broken by short-shorts and trapper hats. The looks still feel rather masculine while highlighting the elegance in its fragility and fluidity.
Although shorts may not be leading to breakthroughs in our current climate they mark pivotal moments throughout fashion history of both the restrictions and allowances of dress. During the French Revolution, shorts were seen as an in-between garment, one that marked progress from femininity and subservience to what was at the time considered “male”– trousers. Over time, shorts became known for their ergonomics and practicality being used to dress soldiers and prep school boys alike; creating a neatness and order that was supposed to accompany masculine forms. By the 70’s, shorts had become shorter aligning themselves as a symbol of sexual power - short enough to highlight the male form in all of its dominant glory.
Since then shorts, baggy pants, and skin-tight jeans have gone and past taking bits of toxic masculinity along with them. There were no oversights in Prada’s decision to heavily feature shorts for Spring 2019 as they are a symbol of the human form, something that will no longer be defined by hegemonic standards of dress.
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