subject: Prada, The History Of [print this page] The roots of the Fashion House Prada can be traced back to 1913 when Mario Prada began designing and selling handbags, shoes, trunks, and suitcases though two boutiques in Milan with clientele across Europe and the United States. The original Prada Signature suitcases were both exotic and distinctive in appearance. Made from heavy walrus skin the advent of air travel as the more popular means of travel rendered the heavy and cumbersome Prada suitcases obsolete. At this point Prada began designing more practical suitcases and accessories utilizing lighter and more luxurious leathers.
In 1978, Mario's granddaughter, Miuccia Prada, took over the company. Miuccia was a former mime ( and one time Communist )who had spent five years studying at Milan's Teatro Piccolo, and had a PhD in political science. Although her qualifications did not seem fitted to the design industry, her sense of fashion was unmistakable. The Prada label was still predominantly a leather goods manufacturer at this point, and had been struggling financially for several years. Competition from other fashion houses like Gucci had taken its toll. Miuccia's efforts were vital in reversing their financial downturn and in steering the House of Prada in the direction of haute couture.
In 1979 the Prada brand tasted commercial success with a line of backpacks and luxury totes made from black nylon. Although sales were slow at first, these would pave the way for new lines of shoes, the iconic and sought after Prada handbags of 1985.
The black nylon handbags introduced by Prada in the early 1980's were a huge hit, and were carried by many Hollywood Stars. This in itself created a demand for Prada Handbags by women wishing to envelop the look and style of their favourite Hollywood icons.
1986 Miuccia released both an extensive line of women's footwear and her first clothing line utilizing only the highest quality materials. Her clothing line quickly gained her and the company a large amount of fame, and the company came to be known for elegant garments that were under-stated
A successful menswear collection was added in the 90s and the Miu Miu clothing brand launched in 1992. The Miu Miu line was targeted towards the younger consumer and offered more affordable garments and accessories.
In 1993 Miuccia won an International CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) award and in 1995 she was presented with won the "Designer of the Year" Award. These awards further added to the prestige of the Prada name.
Since the opening of its Milan boutiques, many more stores have opened in cities throughout the world, including New York, Paris, Toronto, London, Berlin, Istanbul, Tokyo and Sydney as well as 7 stores in China. Many of the Prada flagship stores were designed by notable architects.
Prada wear is normally practical yet fashionable, simple and luxurious, somewhat removed from other fashion brands in its celebration of an almost working class aesthetic. Prada designs, often created in basic blacks, grays, greens and creams are readily accessorized with other Prada apparel and accessories. Prada clothing lines are widely influential Despite being one of the smaller fashion houses, Prada goods are viewed as a symbol of status and are extremely popular.
Together with Gucci and Calvin Klein, Prada traditionally casts previously unknown models for their runway fashion shows, singling out one model to open the show. This opening Prada spot is among the most sought after in the modeling world, as many of these new faces continue on to further success.
Although they have experienced monumental financial ups and downs over the years, Prada is now a worldwide empire, with stores in practically every country in the western world. The name Prada is synonymous with prestige and celebrity.
