Prada

Prada is one of the most significant, and largest Italian fashion houses. Starting with leather products almost a century ago, Prada has become one of the most outstanding luxury brands in the world. Their designer clothing line, shoes, and handbags are only the first step in the agenda. Discover with us everything you should know about the iconic fashion brand, Prada.

How did Prada start? The Prada brand’s history

Mario Prada started the Prada label in 1913. He designed and sold handbags, shoes, trunks, and suitcases through two boutiques in Milan, and had clients across Europe and the US. When the signature Prada suitcase, made from heavy, cumbersome walrus skin, proved to be ill-suited for air travel, Prada concentrated on designing exquisite leather accessories and waterproof handbags.

Miuccia Prada, taking over the Prada brand

In 1978, Mario’s granddaughter, Miuccia Prada, took over the company. Miuccia was a former mime who had spent five years studying at Milan’s Teatro Piccolo and had a Ph.D. in political science. Although her qualifications didn’t seem appropriate, her sense of fashion was unmistakable. The label was still mainly a leather goods manufacturer at that point and had been struggling financially for several years. Competition from other fashion houses like Gucci had taken its toll. Miuccia turned things around and steered the House of Prada towards the world of haute couture.

The Prada brand, becoming a family bussiness for Miuccia and Patrizio Bertelli

About the same time as she took the helm of the Prada label, Miuccia married Patrizio Bertelli. Bertelli took on the role of business manager, allowing Miuccia to focus on designing and perfecting the new Prada look.

Miuccia had been making black waterproof backpacks since 1970, out of a nylon fabric called “Pocone”. She unveiled the classic Prada handbag which was simple, sleek, black nylon, and in 1985 it became an overnight sensation. The bag was functional and sturdy, practical and fashionable. The high price tag that accompanied the handbags caused an onslaught of designer knock-offs. This only helped to make the genuine Prada designer products more in demand.

A beginning with a pret-a-porter collection – Gaining popularity through simplicity, cleanness and basic, along with luxurious fabrics

In the 1980s, other labels were creating designs that played on sexuality. Frilly, lacy, brightly colored garments that were low cut on top and short on the bottom were popular. Then, Prada hit the runway in 1989 with its pret-a-porter collection. It is won with elegant, simple pieces featuring clean lines, luxurious fabrics, and basic colors. Furthermore, the fashion world took notice, and Prada’s designer products’ popularity skyrocketed.

By the 1990s, Prada was a leading force in fashion. The garments and accessories were smart, sophisticated, and extremely high quality. Luxurious fabrics and simple styles, mostly in blacks, browns, grays, greens, and creams, became the signature Prada look. The apparel was sexy and spoke of confidence without revealing too much skin. Accessories included skinny leather belts, elegant high-heeled shoes, and of course, the classic handbag.

The birth of a new brand – Miu Miu, Prada’s little sister

In 1992, Miuccia presented the more affordable Miu Miu line, which targeted younger consumers. More flowing shapes and earthy colors and prints set this collection apart, although the simple designs and classic appearance continued the quality of the Prada label. Soon after, the Prada Sport label was created, followed by a line of men’s wear and an Italian lingerie collection.

The following year, in 1993, Prada received the Council of Fashion Designers of America award for accessories.

The Prada look has certainly evolved over the years, and Miuccia is credited with many innovations in fabric and design. She has added everything from mirror fragments to beaded latex to her garments and experimented with new and unique fabric blends. Even with all of this experimentation, however, the caliber of the finished product has never wavered.

Prada, spreading it’s collections and opening new boutiques worldwide

Since then, Prada has gone on to open boutiques that sell Prada designer products in dozens of cities and countries across the globe. Their shoes for men and women have become a staple for fashion enthusiasts. Now, celebrities alike, and those extraordinary handbags are still wildly popular. The distinct silver Prada triangle is a status symbol all over Europe and North America.

The luxury group now produces men’s and women’s leather goods, clothing, and footwear, combining contemporary, cutting-edge sophistication with one-of-a-kind, sublimely crafted products. Prada also operates in the eyewear, fragrance, and mobile phone sectors. Prada is now part of the Prada Group, which also includes Miu Miu, Church’s (men’s footwear), Car Shoe, and since 2014 it owns 80% of Angelo Marchesi’s pastry shop in Milan.

The woman behind the growth of a fashion empire – Miuccia Prada, one of the thirty most powerful women in Europe

American financial newspaper, The Wall Street Journal, has named Miuccia one of the thirty most powerful women in Europe. In addition, from fabulous runway shows to gracing the bodies of actresses like Uma Thurman and Cameron Diaz, Miuccia Prada has taken her grandfather’s struggling leather goods business and created a true empire.

What does Prada offer? – A wide range of products, from clothing pieces to resort collections

Unique and sophisticated are the two words that can be used to describe the creations of the Prada brand. Furthermore, innovative, contemporary men’s and women’s clothing, footwear, accessories, and leather goods products are in continuous demand for the difference they make in matter of luxury fashion.

Besides all of those, Prada also provides eyewear pieces and fragrance perfumes. Miuccia Prada has been known for years now for the minimalist designs of modern vibes that she created throughout the time she has been the head designer at Prada.

Prada clothes

The Prada designer clothes have something different than any others. One of the things that can be remarked easily is their techno-alike approach, mixed with a retro feeling and discreet elegance. For the accessories line as well, we can observe the mixture of classic and eccentric, the modern vibe and the quality craftsmanship, and also, the Italian elegance.

Prada shoes

The brand’s latest shoes are known to be some of the most comfortable pieces among other luxury fashion brands. Their value is definitely worth it and the sizing is correct. The Prada typical shoe sizing for women, especially for high-heels fits comfortably and the women’s shoe size chart is exact. A Prada shoe blog is available online where dozens of customers are asking questions and responses in matters of shoe sizes and types.

Prada accessories

The accessories that can be purchased from Prada, as designer products are much more than you think. Their category starts with braces, Hair Accessories, Hats, Keychains, Neckties, and Collars, and ends with eyewear, sunglasses, wallets, belts, make-up bags, phone cases, and, travel accessories. Also, the Prada accessories are designed with big attention to detail, as the main idea around them is to make a difference to every basic outfit.

Prada men accessories – Sunglasses

When it comes to Prada eyewear, the Prada teddy style aviator sunglasses can be the best example of simplicity, elegance, and luxury, all blended in a piece that takes all the eyes on you. Those Prada sunglasses are made entirely in Italy, updating the aviator frame, having grey lenses and the Prada logo together, for a final elegant touch.

Prada home accessories

Prada home accessories have yet another story. Nowadays, minimalist growth had taken more and more people to embrace the simple and useful. That is why Prada had won big over other home accessories brands. It is won with products that make your home the simplest, airy and comfy, with a subtle elegant vibration.

Prada fragrances – Prada designer products

The fragrances that have been released by Prada, as designer products are the perfect escape from reality. The perfect trip to the euphoric feeling during a night out. For example, Prada Amber perfume for women symbolizes classic feminity with a unique accent on the modern. Featuring an oriental aroma, with wooden touch, along with greens and fruit aromas, makes the perfume the number one choice for every woman that wants to amplify her feminity.

Moreover, Prada’s fusion of traditional and innovative creates a modern concept of classic, which makes the brand demonstrate the elegance that it spreads around customers. Don’t miss out on other Italian fashion houses like Armani or Gucci either. Make sure you check our French line, for luxury french fashion brands, and lingerie brands too!

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