If summer was defined by the Prada raffia tote bag, which popped up on Instagram feeds across the sun-soaked Amalfi Coast, on rocky beaches in the Balearics and across the white and blue hued Greek islands as style mavens explored their new post-lockdown freedoms, new styles for this season will see a return to sleeker shapes taking inspiration from the brand’s archives, with a reimagining of some iconic handbags bursting onto the scene in time for autumn – and a greater return to normality, where handbags will hopefully play a bigger role in our everyday wardrobes once again.

One such focus for autumn winter is the iconic Cleo bag, reimagined from the Prada archives. Sleek, curved lines emphasised by the particular sloping construction on the bottom and sides give the flap bag sophisticated allure. The style is available at the newly relaunched bags and accessories corner at Brown Thomas Dublin, in chic shades of silver, black, white, lilac and a bright sunshine-yellow, pictured below. New elements to the Mini Cleo include handle extensions, offering the function to be worn as a shoulder bag or a handbag. A throwback to the 90s, this sleek shoulder bag has been reinterpreted for the new season.

In fact, the entire Prada autumn winter 2021 collection has an eye to reinventing classic pieces, ideas, styles. “Transmutation, transfiguration. The fundamental, integral idea of change – that intrigues us,” says designer Raf Simons, who joined Miuccia Prada as co-creative director of the brand in 2020. “Transmutation is the word we return to, in the concept of something that transforms slowly, shifting and changing, becoming heightened. There are many more contrasts in this collection – retro and futuristic, embellished and minimal, sports and elegance – because we are combining them, hybridising them, creating something that seems new.”

It is this ability to take known and loved styles, shapes and silhouettes and update them with modern flair that makes Prada stand out now. Speaking about the power of transforming classic items, Miuccia Prada says, “By classic, I mean that it has passed the exam of history – the word ‘classic’ means there is something intrinsically necessary or clever about it, something meaningful. I like the word ‘classic’ for that reason. It actually means something that is relevant to people, relevant to life. Often, it is very simple – through new materials, a different cut or context, something obvious, eternal, normal – with a simple gesture, it can transform. That is what I truly love, in fashion.”

The Prada bags and accessories boutique at Brown Thomas Dublin is open now. Prada handbags, accessories and shoes will be launched on brownthomas.com in September.