Investment Portfolio is a series where associate director Kristen Nichols takes an in-depth look at the best designer buys and test-drives them, from new seasonal drops to timeless heirloom items.
Prada’s spring/summer 2024 collection was set to a soundtrack from Alfred Hitchcock’s 1958 film Vertigo. The dramatic, suspenseful music accompanied the cinematic vision of Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons as models walked down the runway in frothy organza dresses that cascaded behind them in wind-like effect. Just as eye-catching were the satin heels paired with the looks. The looks and shoes alike—steeped in nostalgia and the bygone glamour of the ‘50s—set the tone for 2024’s return to elegance and opulence that is already defining where fashion is headed this year. It’s a major turn in fashion that marks a shift away from oversize proportions and chunky shoes with the return of refined clothing and sophisticated accessories.
The satin kitten heels on Prada’s runway have since carved themselves out as a key buy for 2024. They have landed in the season’s biggest editorial shoots, on the hot list from Threads Styling, and in the closets of the best-dressed people on the street style scene. Celebrity product sourcer Gab Waller also named them as a key buy for the season. “I originally teased the new Prada Satin Mules on our TikTok in early January, and the comment section immediately told me that this was a style to watch. ‘Need those mules’ were the consistent three words across the post,” Waller explains of the buzzy heels. There are a range of styles including Mary Jane stilettos and sharply-pointed mules, but it is the square-toe kitten heels that have the makings of a future heirloom piece. Ahead, we’re taking a closer look at the Prada satin mules, including all of the details to know, thoughts from fashion industry experts, and how to style them.
Launchmetrics/Prada; Getty Images; @kristenmarienichols
(Image credit: Who What Wear)
The moment I first spotted Prada’s satin mules when they debuted on the spring/summer 2024 runway at Milan Fashion Week, they won me over. Specifically, the square-toe kitten heel version. I have a soft spot for kitten heels since they dominate my day-to-day looks, so I’m perpetually on the lookout for a new pair to add to my closet. I already count several Prada kitten heel in my wardrobe, including a vintage ’90s pair and slingbacks from the spring/summer 2022 collection. Both have similar pointed shapes, so I was immediately drawn to the unique square silhouette of the new-season style as well as the throwback ’50s design codes.
(Image credit: Prada)
Taking a closer look at the shoes on the Prada spring/summer 2024 runway, they are finished in beautiful glossy satin and low kitten heel. With their elegant lines, the shoes were one of the first signs of the shift towards sophisticated fashion that is defining style this year. Prada continues to set the tone where fashion is headed in a larger sense, so it comes as no surprise that Mrs. Prada and Raf Simons were among the first designers to usher this new sense of glamour on the runways.
As soon as the shoes arrived in-store, I went to see them (and test-drive them) in person. The heels were altered from the original runway version in production, transforming the design from a simple kitten heel to an architectural shape that is inspired by the iconic Prada triangle logo. Not every color from the runway was produced, including a hot pink style that was cut, but they are available in four colorways including orange, fern green, tobacco brown, and black.
(Image credit: WWW)
The buzz around Prada has been growing, and the brand’s satin mules are taking the lead this spring. And that buzz goes beyond a single shopping item, all of the viral social media posts, and conversations within the fashion community. Looking at metrics alone, it’s easy to see that Prada is absolutely thriving, despite slowdowns in the luxury sphere. According to Business of Fashion, Prada sales grew 12% in 2023, while searches for the brand were up 41%. Prada was named the hottest brand of Q4 2023, according the the Lyst Index. The brand’s spring/summer 2024 runway show was also named the #1 collection of the season in Vogue Runway’s fashion poll. All in all, Prada is in the lead when it comes to directional designs that are setting the tone for where fashion is headed, and also translating to sales.
@kristenmarienichols; Prada
(Image credit: WWW)
Interested in test-driving them myself, I styled the new-in Prada mules with several looks. While the runway looks were paired exclusively with sheer organza dresses, they have endless styling opportunities IRL. In the window of the Soho storefront in New York City, I spotted the shoes paired with a knit halterneck top and pleated skirt which I immediately went in to try out for myself.
(Image credit: WWW)
I would just as quickly pair the satin heels with jeans and a T-shirt, but in so many ways, this look represents the mood of the season for spring 2024 with the A-line skirt and soft feminine lines. The shoes themselves are very comfortable and easy to walk in due to both the design of the shoe itself and its low-to-the-ground 35mm height.
Prada
Halterneck Knitted Top
@kristenmarienichols; Launchmetrics/Prada
(Image credit: WWW)
Curious to find out how the shoes are translating across the fashion space, I spoke with industry experts to learn more. Gab Waller, known for finding the most difficult-to-find designer pieces, consistently predicts which items will go viral before they do, so her opinion carries a lot of weight. “Teasing and testing demand of a product in this way is something that I will often do—especially prior to an item officially launching,” Waller explains. “I knew that we had to jump on this style relatively quickly, and although still a very new style, requests are already flowing in. What’s particularly interesting is that the requests aren’t coming from a singular region—they’re coming in across all countries, from clients in Australia, to Europe, and beyond. For me, this guarantees that this is and will be a trending style.”
Erica Wright of Sourcewhere also shared her insights about how the shoes are taking off this season. “There’s been a notable surge in demand for Prada shoes this season, especially for styles that have a more discreet logo placement, like the square toe loafers and satin heels. The satin mules, in particular, have become a community favorite, with the rich brown hue being the most popular choice,” Wright tells Who What Wear. “The style offers a departure from the softer, round-toe shapes that dominated the shoe category in recent seasons, such as Mary-Janes and ballet pumps. This shift toward square-toe styles reflects a reminiscent nod to Miuccia’s late ’90s designs.”
(Image credit: WWW)
I also test-drove the cult Prada heels with another look that took inspiration from the runway, pairing a belted fawn brown blazer and sheer orange skirt to offset the black satin heels. The shoes pair particularly well with structured suiting—the tailored lines of the blazer acting as the perfect counterbalance to the softness of the satin heels. After test-driving Prada’s satin heels and speaking with experts, one thing is certain—the shoes are a must-buy piece that are set to be a future heirloom piece.
prada
Single-Breasted Jacket
Shop more key spring 2024 buys:
Alaïa
Le Teckel Leather Shoulder Bag
KHAITE
Lenn High-Rise Crepe Pants
Toteme
Asymmetric Leather Ballerina Flats
CARTIER
Panthère De Cartier 27mm Medium 18-Karat Gold and Stainless Steel Watch
High Sport
Kick Flared Stretch-Cotton Knit Pants
Bottega Veneta
Soft Wool Twill Cape With Check Lining
PROENZA SCHOULER
Niki Layered Pleated Jersey and Ribbed-Knit Midi Dress
Magda Butrym
High-Rise Wool and Cotton Cropped Pants
Prada
Re-Edition 1978 Medium Re-Nylon and Saffiano Leather Two Handle Bag
