Prada - A Mainstay Of The Fashion Industry

Easily one of the best known luxury brands in the world

, Italian fashion label Prada has been a mainstay of the fashion industry practically since the label was first founded in 1913 by Mario Prada and his brother Martino. Along with haute couture and ready-to-wear, Prada is also known for its high quality accessories, shoes, hats and luggage. The Prada label has become a fixture in pop culture thanks to the book "The Devil Wears Prada" and the movie that followed, starring Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway.

When Prada first opened its doors, it was known as Fratelli Prada, or Brothers Prada. The first goods to be sold by Prada were leather goods, including handbags and steamer trunks imported from England. The company continued to grow throughout the years and when Mario Prada died in 1958, the company was handed over to his daughter Luisa Prada. Her own daughter, Miuccia Prada took over in 1978.

In the late 1970s, the company began dramatically growing and expanding. Miuccia's first step was to introduce a line of totes and backpacks made from a highly durable nylon. Although sales started off slow, they eventually took off, making the line Miuccia's first bestseller. This act was followed by the bold move of seeking contracts to sell handbags at upscale stores throughout the world.

A second Prada boutique was opened in Milan in 1983, designed to have a modern feel and sleek style. Following this, the signature black nylon tote was released. Boutiques began appearing across the globe, in cities like Paris and New York City. In 1984, the Prada shoe line was born. The classic Prada handbag was released in 1985 and suddenly Prada was a premiere status symbol.

In the 1990s, Prada enjoyed a great deal of success, thanks to its nearly effortless style and simple yet luxurious designs. A spin-off brand, Miu Miu, was launched in 1992, to cater to the young and wealthy. Prada received numerous honors, including the prestigious Council of Fashion Designers of America award in 1993 for its line of accessories.

In the mid-1990s, a successful Prada men's line was developed, and the company continued to explode throughout the world, including Asia. In 2000, Prada revealed a line of skin care and cosmetics at luxury prices. The Prada mobile phone was introduced in 2007, in cooperation with LG Electronics.

Prada first introduced fragrances in 2003. Initially, each scent in the line focused on delivering the essence of a single flower -- orange flower, iris, violet, tuberose and others. In 2004, Prada Eau de Parfum was released. This rich oriental is sensual and sexy and very modern. Other stylish and luxurious scents followed, including Prada Intense, Prada Candy and a men's line, with such fragrances as Prada Amber Pour Homme.

by: Gen Wright

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