Miu Miu - Spring/Summer 2011

In tune with the societal problems of today, Miuccia Prada presented a collection that echoed the fascination of the younger generation with fame and glitter. The Miu Miu girl, putting aside her fake modesty, presented herself in a flashy wardrobe à la Elvis Presley.

Ever since American Idol et al gave everyone the illusion that their Warhol-ian 15 minutes of fame was as close as their TV remote control, the number of young people tempting their fate via diverse talent shows is innumerable; and the adolescents dreaming of becoming the new media darling are growing in number everyday.

Conscious of this phenomenon, Miuccia Prada took her inspiration from it for the latest collection of her second line, which seems to have been conceived especially for these young people in quest of glory.

To do so, the Italian designer ignored the stereotypes of the trendy wardrobe of those aspiring to appear on (French equivalent of American Idol) Nouvelle Star, in favor of dress codes from idols of another decade. Following the likes of Elvis and his mythic costumes, her collection oscillated between jackets paying homage to the King, variations on the star print that Presley liked so much, electric colors and florescent details.

However, while the leather jackets, satin patchworks and fluorescent arabesques may be rock and roll, the Miu Miu girl is also a clever intellectual. She prefers retro ensembles to resembling the (French pop rock girl group) Plasticines; and the graphics on numerous outfits reveal themselves to be full of hidden meanings, as well.

These graphics, between swans decorating a gold jacket and black serpents wrapping around each other on a sensibly cut satin dress, symbolize certain inherent showbiz traits, such as beauty and vice. These bittersweet Art Nouveau illustrations can be regarded as emphasizing the problem of star fascination in our society.

Excluding all symbolic considerations, however, this Miu Miu collection is overflowing with bright, little dresses full of charm (as seen here and here) that should fulfill the desires of young actresses à la Dakota Fanning.

Click here to view the entire collection: http://www.style.com/S2011RTW-MIUMIU