Prada, The History of

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.


About the Author:

Trevor Eastveld is an online marketer and owner of the
World's Largest Online Replica Designer Handbag Site.
http://www.laboutique.com.ph