Prada S/S 2005 Crystal Embellished Skirt Suit

Muccia Prada, the visionary behind the Italian house of Prada, is known for her subversive approach to fashion. She famously introduced the use of nylon to high fashion in the 1990s, giving luxury a new dimension that was free from traditional ideas. Describing her creative process as “always trying to go against the rules, the cliché” in an interview for Vogue, Muccia has consistently created unique designs that feel contemporary years after their debut.

 

According to Muccia, the Prada 2005 S/S collection was inspired by “A vague idea of birds; birds of vanity, like peacocks, parrots, and swans,” while also wanting to “move toward something more young and sporty, tall and narrow.” The collection manifested as an eccentric flight of fancy that included airy pleated chiffon gowns, peacock feather embellished shirts and hats, abstract silk prints, and elaborate Bakelite accessories.

As seen as look #44 on that season’s runway, this beautiful skirt suit was also featured in ad campaigns, as can be seen in the featured images. Done in a beautiful midnight blue shantung silk that has a nice metallic sheen, this skirt suit is alluring and glamorous at once. The jacket begins with a simple jewel neckline and three-quarter-length sleeves that display the wrists.

The neckline, front placket, hem, and cuffs feature a brown and beige silk ribbon trim that accentuates the natural lines of the body while providing the perfect background for the trim of gorgeous hand-appliqued crystal embellishments. Each embellishment is sewn on a portion of black mesh to further emphasize its unique design and color, which range from floral and fan-shaped paillettes to medallion-like circles in shades of sapphire, emerald, jet black, gold, and amber.

Size: 42 IT

Size estimate: Small

Measurements:

JACKET:

Shoulders: 15 inches

Sleeves: 21 inches

Bust: 35 inches

Length: 20 inches

SKIRT:

Waist: 28 inches

Hips: 36 inches

Length: 20.5 inches

The skirt sits lower on the hips and falls to mini length above the knees in a flared hem, creating an A-line silhouette. The skirt begins with a band of brown silk ribbon at the hips and two brown silk ribbon insets down the front of the skirt that frame the collection of beautiful crystal and beaded embellishments. A small inset of luminous beige silk at the top of the skirt adds a satisfying color block effect that draws the eye upwards while complementing the ribbon trim on the jacket.

This skirt suit is impeccably tailored throughout and is finished with princess seams at the front of the jacket, giving it an appropriately feminine yet formal air. The back of this skirt suit is largely unadorned, with only a few crystal embellishments at the cuffs and hem of the jacket alluding to the dazzling display that awaits at the front. This marvelous skirt suit can easily be paired with a silk blouse or camisole to create a captivating ensemble and is the perfect choice for a wedding, gala, or special occasion.

This 2005 Prada skirt suit is fully lined in midnight blue silk. The jacket closes with hook closures along the front placket. In very good condition, this skirt suit has been professionally eco-dry cleaned and pressed. High-quality vintage pieces like this are yours to live in and love while increasing in value every year. It’s never too soon to start collecting them, as an investment in your wardrobe—and in yourself.