A few years ago in an art theory class, my professor asked us “Can anyone name one, undeniable, unequivocal truth?”
I promptly raised my hand and said “Prada.”
It was more than a quip. Among Miuccia Prada's many gifts is the ability to culminate concepts into fully realized collections. No matter where she ventures thematically, the arc of her aesthetic remains clear.
There was a nod to sportswear with wrap-around sunglasses, complete with neckstraps. Let’s hope there was some irony here and this trend doesn’t step off the runway.
Elusions to hospital scrubs manifested in the palette of clear blues and the boxy shape of T-shirts and shorts.
Schoolboy resonances sounded in the styling...
... and accessories: bags which came down the runway emblazoned with varsity letters and clutched like lunchbags, and bracelets that looked like that perennial summer-camp diversion (do you remember how to do “square”?).
The mixture of references culminated below the ankle, where wingtips sat atop layered soles that were part espadrille and part runner.
Jackets featured extreme tailoring in the waist.
Sweaters further developed a V-shaped torso, emphasizing shoulders with solid colour boat-necks...
...and bright stripes across the chest.
Despite the eclectic inspirations, the collection retained that distinctive, cohesive and utterly desirable quality that is, in a word: Prada.
Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli continue to find their footing at the house of Valentino; their couture presentation was experimental to the point of confusion. Still, they did come up with this cage-like dress, which was, I think, the only compelling piece in the lot.
Gaultier's collection was typically French, dark and thought-provoking. He seemed to be exploring the more macabre side of glamour, with tons of untrimmed fur, corsets shaped like rib-cages, monocle adornments and smoking models. I really loved the strength of this loosely gathered coat...
...and the feathered dégradé effect on this skirt. 
Innovative and multi-textured fabrics also appeared at Chanel.
Anyone who knows me knows I love booties. These ruched gold ones from Chanel echoed the leg feathers of the giant gold lion around which the girls traipsed.
Lagerfeld ended the Chanel presentation with a series of knee-length dresses with matching boots. The show had a decidedly imperial flavour: a nod to both Eastern and Western cultures which has marked his collections of late.
I didn't think I could love this piece from Armani Privé any more...
...until I saw the fabric up close.
Summer knits are the picture of casual elegance from Hermès...
... and Dolce & Gabbana.
For the fashion fearless, a loosely woven shirt under a trench is a slick interplay of texture and structure. Burberry Prorsum posterboy Charlie France dominated runways this season.
