Prada Menswear Spring Summer 2014 Milan

It certainly is not the first time Miuccia Prada has opted for a cartoonish motif for her collection. In her spring summer 2014 collection Prada depicted the post-war beach scenes of Hawaii with the same melancholy, poetic romance Gauguin depicted Tahiti in the 1800's.

Somber colors of burgundy, black, brown, soft peach and red adorned silky shirts and travel bags were flavored in contrast with prints of smiling women strumming the ukulele, and the sort of large tropical flowers and plants that remind us vacation beckons.

What at first blush seemed childish, was actually pulled off with a sense of elegance, symmetry and romantic style.

With an elaborate runway venue decorated with a sunset colored beach theme, leisurely collared shirts were paired with pinstriped pants, double breasted blazers and shimmery boxer shorts.

Knitwear also made a debut with short-sleeved sweater illustrated with a blazing red hot sunset scene. 1950's style bowling jackets offered casual wear a touch of effortless, comfortable cool.

Footwear ranged from canvas tennies to multicolored bowling and hi-top boxing shoes.

Female models with dresses and shoes designed in the same spirit, reminded us of the type of glamorous gals who entertained lonely soldiers at the USO during the war.

Fast forward to the end of the show. Male models paraded down the runway in elegant double breasted suits in dark, sultry colors like chocolate brown.  With floral printed leather travel bags and briefcases, it was clear that it was time to leave the island paradise and head back to the steaming asphalt streets of the real world.
The roaring applause from the crowd, was a clear indication that the fashion world loved every last bit.

- Sofia Celeste