fashion
January 18, 2026
Prada show rejects political elite, as Dolce & Gabbana criticised for ‘50 shades of white’
Prada says its tailoring opposes US ‘corporate masculine power’, while D&G’s all-white cast causes controversy in Milan
TL;DR
- Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons found it difficult to translate the "volatile present moment" into their latest menswear collection.
- The Prada collection featured disparate elements combined in outfits, described as "uncomfortable" and meant to reject images of political elite and corporate masculine power.
- Raf Simons stated designers must not be in an "ivory tower" and should acknowledge the changing connection between fashion and politics.
- Dolce & Gabbana's menswear show was criticized for an all-white cast of models, despite the show's title.
- Fashion commentators called out Dolce & Gabbana for the casting, noting the brand's history of racial controversies, including Blackamoor figures, "slave sandal" shoe name, and culturally insensitive 2018 adverts.
- Prada previously faced criticism for cultural appropriation concerning footwear inspired by India's traditional Kolhapuri sandal, with its head of corporate responsibility acknowledging the inspiration.
Continue reading the original article