A group of models walking on an open runway, wearing colorful and unconventional fashion designs, with a large floral rug in the center adding visual interest to the industrial setting.

Architecture as Expression A Study of Prada’s Spring Summer 2026 Show

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Introduction

Fashion shows are no longer just about displaying clothes they’ve become creative experiences that blur the lines between design, culture, and architecture. Among the fashion houses that have mastered this blend is Prada , which has consistently stood out during Milan Fashion Week.

What makes Prada’s shows unique is not only the clothing but also the space itself. Since 2018, the brand has used the vast industrial space known as “Deposito” at Fondazione Prada as a blank canvas for artistic transformation. In its Spring/Summer 2026 show, Prada once again broke the mold by collaborating with the Dutch architectural studio OMA , led by Rem Koolhaas , to create a minimalist, light-filled environment that redefined both the space and the experience.

An expansive and open design for an exhibition space, utilizing natural light and raw materials to create a sense of simplicity and calm, enhanced by soft touches like the floral rug that adds aesthetic charm.

Architecture as Part of Prada’s Cultural Identity

Prada’s relationship with architecture is deep rooted and long-standing. It began in 1999 with the opening of its iconic New York store on Broadway, designed by Rem Koolhaas. The store was more than a retail space it was a cultural statement. With sloping staircases and dramatic spatial contrasts, it reimagined what a luxury boutique could be.

Since then, the collaboration has grown to include the design of runway show sets within the Deposito space in Milan a raw, open industrial hall perfect for temporary architectural interventions that change dramatically from season to season.

: Key Moments in Prada’s Collaboration with OMA

YearProjectLocationDesign Concept
1999Prada StoreBroadway, New YorkSloping stairs and open spaces created a new shopping experience
2018Fashion Show SetMilan, ItalyIndustrial space transformed into a dynamic runway venue
2024Fall/Winter 2025 ShowMilan, ItalyDark, metallic structure with focused lighting
2025Spring/Summer 2026 ShowMilan, ItalyLight-filled, minimal, and natural
The Prada logo is prominently displayed on a black marble background, with intricate geometric patterns above it.
The Prada logo showcases a blend of classic elegance and modernity, where precise geometric lines are paired with contemporary touches.

Spring Summer 2026: Simplicity as Architectural Expression

Each season, Prada delivers a completely different visual language. In past shows, we’ve seen towering metal structures, giant paper houses, and even rave inspired atmospheres. But for Spring/Summer 2026, the designers chose a quieter, more reflective approach.

Instead of building something elaborate, the team uncovered previously hidden windows in the Deposito space, letting natural light pour in. The only decorative elements were a few soft, floral-shaped rugs scattered across the floor subtle nods to 1970s prints. This stripped back design wasn’t less impactful; it was more meaningful.

: Comparing Fall/Winter 2025 and Spring/Summer 2026 Sets

ElementFall/Winter 2025Spring/Summer 2026
Overall VibeIntense, dark, immersiveCalm, bright, natural
LightingArtificial, directedNatural, diffused
Materials UsedMetal, directional lightingRugs, openness, windows
MessagePower, tension, immersionPeace, reflection, balance
Audience FeelingFocused, almost tenseRelaxed, personally engaged
A long corridor in a fashion store displaying dresses and outfits on elevated platforms, with soft lighting highlighting vibrant colors against an industrial backdrop.
An interior design of a fashion store that blends industrial aesthetics with elegance, featuring elevated platforms showcasing clothing with precise lighting to accentuate vivid colors.

Light as an Architectural Element: Visual and Emotional Impact

One of the most striking aspects of the SS 2026 show was the use of natural daylight as a core design element. In previous seasons, artificial lighting and visual effects dominated, but here, the light came gently through exposed windows, giving the space a sense of openness and calm.

This thoughtful use of light not only showcased architectural intelligence but also reflected a deeper understanding of how space affects emotion. Light isn’t just visual it shapes our mood and behavior.

Sometimes it’s good to reflect and be a little bit more calm, said Miuccia Prada, capturing the philosophy behind the show.

Architecture and Scenography: The Art of Building Experience

Scenography or what can be called the design of show settings is one of the modern forms of architecture. It falls under the category of temporary architecture : not meant to last forever, but meant to leave a lasting impression.

In the SS2026 show, several carefully chosen elements combined to build this immersive experience:

  • Ambient music inspired by relaxation tracks
  • Birdsong and natural sounds
  • Tactile materials like soft rugs
  • Thoughtful interplay of light and shadow

These weren’t random choices they worked together as part of a cohesive design that heightened the audience’s connection to the event.

: Sensory Elements in the Show

ElementDescriptionRole in the Experience
Natural LightEntered through uncovered windowsCreated a feeling of peace and openness
RugsFloral patterns inspired by 1970s styleAdded aesthetic beauty and softness
SoundsRelaxation music and bird songsActivated the senses and set a calming mood
Empty SpaceNo extra decorationsFocused attention on personal reflection
A model walks the runway wearing a classic gray suit with vibrant red sleeves, showcasing a blend of traditional elegance and modern flair in an industrial setting.
A classic gray suit updated with bold red sleeves, demonstrating a seamless fusion of timeless style and contemporary design in a creative fashion show.

The Intersection of Fashion and Architecture: A Cultural Dialogue

The link between architecture and fashion is not accidental it’s a relationship built on shared principles. Often, a fashion designer approaches a collection much like an architect designs a building considering form and function, color and shape, and the emotional impact of the design.

In the case of Prada, Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons treat architecture as part of the creative process itself. Clothing is not just the focus of the show it becomes part of a broader spatial composition that redefines the relationship between person and place.

Conclusion

Prada’s Spring/Summer 2026 show can be seen as a small-scale study showing how architecture can serve as a powerful expressive tool, even in a field that seems far removed fashion. Through their ongoing collaboration with OMA , Prada successfully redefined space using light, simplicity, and sensory interaction , proving that architecture is not only a science of building but also an art of reshaping human experience .

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight

This article explores Prada’s Spring/Summer 2026 menswear show as a spatial narrative shaped by light, simplicity, and sensory engagement. The visuals depict an industrial setting transformed through natural illumination and minimal intervention, emphasizing raw materiality and openness. While the approach aligns with current trends in temporary architecture, the piece could benefit from deeper discussion on long-term spatial relevance or cultural context. Still, it offers valuable insight into how fashion shows are evolving into immersive architectural experiences that redefine guest interaction and storytelling.

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