Miuccia Prada has a way of making the ordinary feel extraordinary, and at Miu Miu’s Spring Summer 2026 show in Paris this week, she turned her attention to something most of us probably overlook – the apron. Yes, the apron. What could easily be dismissed as a symbol of chores or labor became the star of the runway, reimagined in dozens of creative, unexpected ways.

The show kicked off with actress Sandra Hüller (you may remember her from the Oscar-nominated Anatomy of a Fall) strolling out in a look that could have come straight from a factory floor. Hands tucked in her pockets, posture casual, like she was just taking a quick break. From there, it was a full-on celebration of working women: waitresses, welders, housekeepers. Even the venue felt like a workplace, with Formica tables and strip curtains giving the room cafeteria vibes.

Mrs. Prada explained afterward that the apron is her favourite garment, calling it a symbol of real women’s lives – lives often filled with both responsibility and resilience. And you could see that idea woven throughout the collection. At first, the looks were sturdy and practical – industrial coats, drill pants, and housekeeper-style florals. But as the show went on, the aprons got dressier and bolder: some dripping with crystals, others edged with ruffles, or even styled over bikinis. Milla Jovovich’s leather apron with a ruffled bib was a highlight, showing just how far Prada could push the concept.

The details

As always with Miu Miu maximalism – the devil was in the details. Micro florals adorned frilled tops and dresses, while jewel-like embellishments clung to satin shift dresses. One of the most interesting looks was a layered vest look – one knit, one collared shirt – each with tied sides and a peekaboo silk scarf. Another was a a series of crochet-look, laser-cut cover-ups worn over brightly coloured bikinis.

Colour, as always, was integral to the playfulness of the collection. Oranges, periwinkles and mint greens felt ripe for the picking.

The beauty

One Miu Miu-ism that was continued in the SS26 show was the beauty, which remained typically insouciant. Hair felt gently windswept and imperfect – even when pulled into buns or ponytails. Cheeks were lightly flushed with pink and lips felt soft but bare.

The accessories

Bags remained in Miu Miu's signature tones of chocolate and toffee brown, in both suede and calfskin. Interestingly, pops of orange leather were a new addition – especially across a new bowling bag that felt descendent of the kind making waves at Prada earlier in the year. Rattan was also a new material used for bags, giving them a summery almost Cesca Breuer feel but still in those innate Miu Miu silhouettes.

Shoes were kept understated and each with a worn-in feeling. Leather's softened and rich with patina. A new sneaker silhouette appeared well-worn, with a jute rope sole and double-laces (one white tennis, one suede brown).