Famously reticent designer Miuccia Prada spoke today about the importance of being hot, not just in fashion, but across all walks of life.

In a rare interview with Women’s Wear Daily, the 63-year-old communist-turned-cult icon said: ‘There is a need for femininity at the moment... I always want to keep our power as women.’

The Prada woman is a complex character, all arch attitude and knowing nods but resolutely romantic with it. Just take spring 2013’s pastel shades mixed with strict and severe origami folds and samurai silhouettes. And autumn’s offerings blend classically feminine 40s styles with something more akin to grunge – ‘exaggerated femininity’ is how she terms it.

Prada’s version of woman is as difficult to categorise or pigeonhole as her designs are, but that doesn’t mean the designer isn’t interested in helping us out on date night.

‘I’m always trying… never to please men in the most banal way… Seduction is very important for all people.’

If the industry’s intellectual titan says it’s okay to flirt, that’s good enough for us.