Feathers and nostalgia add glam to Prada spring collection

MILAN: Retro trenchcoats, feathered cuffs and brightly coloured patterns hinting at the 1960s and 70s were among the highlights of Prada's (1913.HK) spring/summer women's wear collection in Milan on Thursday.

Silk ensembles, colourful clutch bags and the Italian fashion house's signature handbags added to the mix.

The luxury goods maker, which has been hard hit by the global slump in luxury spending, appeared to be counting on colour and a touch of nostalgia to revive its fortunes.

Last month it predicted a return to sales and profit growth next year, helped by improved sales trends in China, and there was plenty of variety in veteran designer Miuccia Prada's collection.

Short black and red hot pants were a throwback to the 60s and 70s along with check long-sleeve tops and coats, while wraparound and pleated skirts, long and short, were completed with colourful feathers that were also used on the cuffs of dresses and blouses.

Footwear was decidedly more practical. Apart from a few chunky heels, models strode the catwalk in flat sandals or kitten heels.

Prada has said it is now trying to turn itself around by putting out more accessible products and slimming down its extensive retail network. Milan fashion week continues until Monday. Karl Lagerfeld's collection for Fendi and creations from Moschino were also on show on Thursday.