The way to get ahead? Bizarre headgear hits the catwalk during Prada fashion show in Milan

There were certainly shades of the surreal at Prada's Milan fashion show on Thursday.

Models donned a striking array of unusual sunglasses and bizarre headwear from the spring/summer 2025 range.

But as outlandish as some of the new looks were, believe it or not, you’re very likely to be wearing them – or watered-down versions of them – next year.

Miuccia Prada, 75, is one of the most influential fashion ­designers working today. Which also means that she’s one of the most copied. 

All over the world, retailers watch her fashion shows with a gimlet eye, taking notes on every shape, print and colour combination she uses.

One of the models (pictured) at Prada's S/S 2025 show at Milan Fashion Week was dressed in a brown leather visor

One of the models (pictured) at Prada's S/S 2025 show at Milan Fashion Week was dressed in a brown leather visor

Another of the models at Prada's Milan show on Thursday wore these oversized sunglasses covering almost her whole face

Another of the models at Prada's Milan show on Thursday wore these oversized sunglasses covering almost her whole face

These oversized sunglasses with purple lenses, was paired with a black headscarf featuring white polka dots

These oversized sunglasses with purple lenses, was paired with a black headscarf featuring white polka dots

The reason that the high street is awash with twinsets this autumn is because Prada showed them in February - likewise slingbacks, riding boots and double-breasted blazers.

Among the bizarre headwear and glasses on show was a futuristic leather visor. 

Strip away the outlandish eyewear, however, and you would see a surfeit of desirable – and easily wearable – clothes.

There were skirts for every occasion; handbags came in structured and bowling bag styles; footwear included brightly coloured court shoes, Mary Janes and loafers.

Whatever your opinion, you can’t argue with the facts: The fashion house continues to outpace the market, with sales at Prada Group up 17 per cent in the first half of 2024, defying the slowdown that rivals such as LVMH and Kering are currently experiencing.

The show was watched by A-listers including actress Carey Mulligan, who wore a more orthodox pair of sunglasses. 

Also attending the event was Simone Ashley, who looked stunning in a thigh-skimming strapless mini dress, with delicate floral straps. 

She accessorised with slingback heels and shades, joining Carey Mulligan on the star-studded FROW. 

VISOR: This model at Prada's show in Milan on Thursday wore a straw visor
Meanwhile, another was dressed in a leather coat and matching hood

Meanwhile, another model wore what appeared to be a straw visor-style hat, and another a leather hat

Coming to a store near you? Futuristic sunglasses were among the unusual headgear showcased by models at the event

Coming to a store near you? Futuristic sunglasses were among the unusual headgear showcased by models at the event

Carey looked gorgeous in her classic Prada suit, teaming a blazer with a pencil skirt and heels.

Sarah Paulson added a pop of colour to the FROW with her bright yellow sweater, teamed with a full black skirt.

She threw a grey jacket around her shoulders and carried her Prada bag.

The actress accessorised with a white belt to cinch in her waist and matched Simone with her shades.

Top Boy star Letitia Wright rocked a £6,000 leather varsity jacket from the fashion house, teamed with a tiny mini skirt and lace-up boots.

Meanwhile, Stranger Things star Maya Hawke looked effortlessly stylish in a black mini dress, boasting a bejewelled neckline.

She teamed the chic look with black tights and heeled strappy shoes, toting around her essentials in a Prada handbag.

Designers Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons opened the show, called Infinite Present with florals before moving into metallics and feathers, accessorised with bizarre, animal-like visors.

Simone Ashley looked stunning in a super chic mini dress for Prada's anticipated Milan Fashion Week show on Thursday

Simone Ashley looked stunning in a super chic mini dress for Prada's anticipated Milan Fashion Week show on Thursday

The Bridgerton star led the stars as Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons unveiled their Spring/Summer 2024 collection
Carey Mulligan looked gorgeous in a chic black suit for the star-studded event

Simone Ashley looked stunning in a super chic mini dress as she joined Carey Mulligan for Prada's anticipated Milan Fashion Week show on Thursday

Sarah Paulson added a pop of colour to the FROW with her bright yellow sweater, teamed with a full black skirt

Sarah Paulson added a pop of colour to the FROW with her bright yellow sweater, teamed with a full black skirt

Top Boy star Letitia Wright rocked a £6,000 leather varsity jacket from the fashion house, teamed with a tiny mini skirt and lace-up boots

Top Boy star Letitia Wright rocked a £6,000 leather varsity jacket from the fashion house, teamed with a tiny mini skirt and lace-up boots

Stranger Things star Maya Hawke looked effortlessly stylish in a black mini dress, boasting a bejewelled neckline

Stranger Things star Maya Hawke looked effortlessly stylish in a black mini dress, boasting a bejewelled neckline

Milan Fashion Week will run from Tuesday, September 17, to Monday, September 23, and will feature a total of 57 shows and 69 presentations.

Some of the biggest names in the industry are expected to showcase their latest looks, including Prada, Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Emporio Armani and Versace.

Noticeable absentees include Giorgio Armani, who instead unveiled their newest range in New York, and Tom Ford, which will hold a presentation instead of a show, following the departure of Peter Hawkings and in anticipation of new creative director Haider Ackermann's AW25 debut.

Speaking about the upcoming range of shows, Vogue Italia contributor Giorgia Feroldi told Vogue Business: 'Being in Milan during fashion week always means having very little time to rest and process what you've seen, as it's always the most packed calendar out of the ''big four''.'

'But with less big debuts ahead and a day added to the schedule in search of some relief, the mood feels slightly more relaxed compared to other seasons. I hope this can benefit younger designers.'