The story of Prada
Prada store Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan in Italy
Known for its discreet luxury and avant-garde innovation. Prada is an Italian fashion house that has established itself among the biggest. From its humble beginnings in Milan to its rise under the visionary leadership of Miuccia Prada, let's discover the incredible story of Prada.The creation of Prada
The story of Prada began in 1913, when Mario Prada opened a high-end leather goods and luggage boutique in Milan, in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Specializing in luxury leather travel items, the boutique quickly attracted a wealthy and sophisticated clientele. Mario Prada's creations are distinguished by their exceptional quality and elegant design, helping to establish the house's reputation.
The Miuccia Prada era
After the death of Mario Prada, the house passed into the hands of his son and then his granddaughter, Miuccia Prada, in 1978. Miuccia, endowed with a creative and avant-garde vision, radically transformed the brand. In 1985, she launched a backpack made of black nylon, an unusual material for the time, which became an instant success. This iconic bag reflects Miuccia's ability to combine functionality and minimalist aesthetics, two elements that would become Prada signatures.
Innovation and expansion
Under the direction of Miuccia, Prada diversified its offerings by launching its first ready-to-wear collection in 1989. This collection, marked by clean lines and luxurious fabrics, received an enthusiastic reception from critics and the public. Over the years, Prada continues to innovate with avant-garde materials and designs, establishing the brand as a pioneering force in the fashion industry.
In the 1990s, Prada expanded its empire with the acquisition of the British shoe brand Church's and the launch of the younger, more daring line, Miu Miu, in 1993. The brand continued its international expansion by opening boutiques in major fashion capitals and diversifying its products to include perfumes, eyewear and accessories.
Miuccia Prada at the Miu Miu fashion show at Bryant Park in New York in 1993
Artistic collaborations
Prada also stands out for its innovative artistic collaborations. The house has worked with contemporary artists, architects and designers to create unique pieces and avant-garde sales spaces. A notable example is the collaboration with Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, who designed several Prada boutiques around the world, bringing an avant-garde and architectural touch to the retail experience.
Iconic creations
The Galleria bag:
Designed in 2007 and constantly reinvented since then, the Galleria bag has become an emblematic neo-classic for Prada. Embodying the heritage of the future, this bag is named after Prada's historic headquarters in Milan, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, where Mario Prada founded the brand in 1913.
Prada Cinema sunglasses:
Prada Cinema sunglasses, with their bold design and retro shapes, are another flagship product of the brand. Launched in 2014, they stand out with their oversized frames and tinted lenses, offering a touch of glamor and sophistication to any outfit.
Today, Prada continues to shine under the leadership of Miuccia Prada and the supervision of the Prada Group. With more than 600 boutiques around the world and collections that combine tradition and innovation, Prada remains an essential reference in fashion and luxury. Mario Prada's legacy lives on through the brand's bold designs and undeniable influence on haute couture.