>> A casting surprise was promised, and Miuccia Prada delivered: Victoria's Secret regulars like Doutzen Kroes, Alessandra Ambrosio, Miranda Kerr, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, and Bianca Balti all walked the labyrinthine runway — perhaps as a one-up to Givenchy, who cast Adriana Lima, and Balenciaga, who cast Kerr, in recent seasons.  Also populating the Fall 2010 Prada cast: Lara Stone, Catherine McNeil in her first runway turn since a year ago, Mariacarla Boscono, Rose Cordero, and opener and closer Samantha Gradoville.

The show was preceded by cartoons portraying feminine cliches like "He loves me, he loves me not" while front rowers complained about the anchovy canapes handed out, but once the show started, it was all beehive hairdos, cat-eye librarian glasses, and A-line skirts in muted tones and vinyl-like finishes.  Busts were enhanced with rows of ruffles and strategically placed darts, while knee-high pleated socks were finished off with pointy-toed patent pumps.  A slow jazz soundtrack played, and the whole look — cable knit sweaters, sketchy plaid — earned a chorus of Mad Men comparisons. Apparently, when asked backstage, however, Miuccia said she had never seen the TV show.  A video of the Prada show can be seen here.