In 1913, brothers Mario and Martino Prada established Fratelli Prada, a Milan-based fashion house specializing in leather goods and imported British steamer trunks and handbags. Despite their initial belief that women had no place in the business world, it was Mario's daughter, Luisa, who eventually took the reins of the company as his successor, leading Prada for the next two decades. In 1978, Luisa's daughter, Miuccia, entered the family business, which had by then become known simply as "Prada," and introduced a revolutionary waterproof backpack crafted from a nylon fabric called Pocone.
Miuccia's innovative designs caught the attention of Italian leather goods trader Patrizio Bertelli, who became her business partner and encouraged her to shift focus from selling British luggage to designing and selling their own bags. Embracing this advice, Miuccia unveiled her first line of totes and backpacks made from durable Pocone fabric in 1979, resulting in a significant boost in Prada's sales.
Expanding beyond Milan, Miuccia and Bertelli opened Prada stores in Florence, Paris, New York, and Madrid, alongside launching a new shoe line in 1984. The following year saw the release of the iconic "classic Prada handbag," renowned for its sleek lines, practical durability, and understated luxury.
Miuccia and Bertelli married in 1987, and two years later, Prada introduced a new women's ready-to-wear collection characterized by sleek lines, basic colors, and extravagant fabrics. Unlike its contemporaries, Prada opted for a minimalist logo, relying instead on the quality and originality of its designs to drive sales, cementing its status as one of the most coveted status symbols of the 1990s.
The brand's success was attributed to its "working class" theme, reflecting the high-tech, IPO-driven early 1990s era. Prada's cautious expansion strategy and scarcity of products further heightened interest in the brand. With the appointment of fashion executive Patrizio di Marco as president and CEO of Prada America in 1993, the brand's visibility soared, leading to substantial sales growth.
Prada's expansion continued with flagship stores designed by renowned architects such as Rem Koolhaas and Herzog & de Meuron popping up worldwide. Innovative architectural feats, like the Prada Transformer in Seoul, Korea, further solidified the brand's reputation for creativity and modernity.
Today, Prada remains a leading fashion house renowned for its simple yet elegant designs and high-quality materials. Prada products have become international symbols of style and luxury, frequently seen adorning celebrities and debutantes alike.
