Why, you might ask, would such a fashion house want to make its clothes or accessories look worn-and-torn? “Built on traces of tradition, pieces are composed with familiar elements transformed through a questioning of convention,” read the official Prada collection show notes. A runway piece looking anything less than picture-perfect certainly defies convention, but the ragged shirts served a specific purpose—to offset the sharp tailoring and smart coats that they were paired with, making them feel just a little more authentic, lived in, and, frankly, real.
Over the years, fashion has been pretty obsessed with taking other familiar closet staples—like a crisp white sneaker, or knit crewneck sweater—and well, f-ed them up. It’s an eye-catching way to demystify the world of high-fashion, that’s for sure.
Back in the resort 2018 season, for instance, Gucci made waves when it showed white sneakers that looked like they had just been on a dusty trail run—the luxurious styles covered in a grimy-gray effect. Brands like Golden Goose continue to sell similar styles, doubling down on the idea that distressed can be chic.
Luxurious bags have gotten similar treatments. Back in spring 2014, Chanel—during the Karl Lagerfeld era and to much uproar—released a dirtied, graffitied collection of totes and backpacks (some of which go for upwards of $15,000 now).
