“FOR CREATIVE PEOPLE, TO BE EXCITED IS THE ONLY WAY”

Equally subversive, equally unpredictable, equally attuned to the contradictions of the cultural moment, co-designers Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons talk Afua Hirsch through the cross-pollination process behind their new collection for Prada modelled here by four electrifying actors

- Afua Hirsch

SIMONE ASHLEY

“I love the gloves!” exclaims Simone Ashley of this look. “Why are gloves so sexy?” This bodes well. Ashley, 26, may be best known as mean queen Olivia in Netflix’s Sex Education, but soon the Surrey-born, LA-dwelling actor will be donning gloves (and bonnet) as the new lead in series two of hit costume drama Bridgerton— watched by 82 million households and counting. How does it feel? “The entire cast and crew have been working so hard,” she says. “I try not to think too much about what’s next. I find it easier to be grateful… and just give it all I’ve got.”

Jacquard and crêpe dress, jacquard boots, leather and faux-fur bag, leather gloves; all Prada

EMMA CORRIN

What “new beginning” is Emma Corrin, 25, most looking forward to this autumn? “Pretending I’m going back to school and buying myself bouquets of sharpened pencils,” says the actor, with trademark whimsy. Of course, Corrin is too modest to mention upcoming film projects, although they will next star opposite Harry Styles in 1960s-set My Policeman before taking up duties as Lady Chatterley in a new big-screen adaptation of the DH Lawrence classic. Ever since playing Diana, Princess of Wales, with eerie accuracy in The Crown, Corrin has been a star to watch, as well as a captivating red-carpet presence (remote, or otherwise). “Colour, sophistication and imagination all mixed into one,” Corrin coos of the Prada collection.

Corduroy coat, wool polo shirt, wool polo neck, leather boots, to order, sequinned bag, leather gloves; all Prada