MILAN–The Prada show began an hour late. (Apparently there was a problem with the models; several were replaced at the last minute, according to a catwalker in my hotel elevator.) But for the first time in my life, I brought a book to a runway show, so I honestly didn’t notice how long it was taking until Leah texted me, saying, “Has it really not started yet?”

But really, who cares how long it took? All frustrations were put aside when Miuccia Prada sent out her first look: A black coat dress with a blush fur collar, topped with an aviator cap.

What followed, if you read my notes, sounds like a jumbled mess. But it wasn’t, because Mrs. Prada is genius at taking several different ideas—blush and red; school girl dresses; python print boots; swimming caps made of spiky fur; plastic paillettes—and transforming them into one cohesive collection. A collection that will be worn and loved in real life, but also celebrated on the pages of nearly every fashion magazine in existence.

What I think I loved most about Fall 2011, other than the pretty pleated dresses, was the way the girls held their handbags under their right arms. Instead of tucking their wrists under the handle, or sliding the bags over their shoulders, they each clutched theirs like it was a baby doll: secured tight under the arm, close to the body. There was something strange, yet brilliant, about it.

**Photos by Imaxtree.