How an iconic brand is born: the story of Prada
Prada, a symbol par excellence of timeless Italian sartorial quality, is a brand that has made history in international fashion.
Let's relive the history of Prada, on a journey that begins in the early 1900s in an Italian artisanal shop and reaches the highest positions in the fashion industry.
When was the Prada brand born?
1913, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, Duomo di Milano.
Brothers Mario and Martino Prada open a boutique in central Milan under the name of "Fratelli Prada".
The shop immediately stood out for its collection of bags, travel trunks, belts, and luxury goods made entirely by hand with extremely precious leathers, refined, and top-quality materials.
The particular care that distinguishes all models made by the brothers gradually made the Prada brand a true status symbol of typically aristocratic-Milanese elegance.
1919, entry into high society.
Prada's prestige was recognized nationally after only six years: in 1919, it became the official supplier of leather accessories to the Royal House of Italy.
1958, generational transition.
The sons of the Prada brothers decided not to continue managing the brand.
Thus, Luisa, Mario Prada's daughter, took over the reins of what would soon become a true fashion house.
The 80s and 90s, great success.
Even though fashion was not her primary vocation (preferring theatre), it was Luisa's daughter, Miuccia Prada, who decisively took over the brand.
The fortunate meeting between Miuccia and entrepreneur Patrizio Bertelli, her future husband, also contributed to Prada's future triumph.
Miuccia and Patrizio, with a perfect fusion of creative flair and strong expertise in the financial-entrepreneurial field, made the Prada brand one of the most highly rated companies in the fashion system as early as 1999.
The brand expanded by introducing the women's clothing collection in 1988, following those minimalist lines that became a true fashion trend that reappears seasonally.
In 1993, the new independent brand Miu Miu was also launched, at the behest of Miuccia Prada herself.
Between 1999 and 2000, Prada achieved such success that it acquired shares in companies of the calibre of Gucci, Church's, and Jil Sander.
The present day.
“You have to embrace the world if you want to live in it now”
This is precisely the underlying concept of the multifaceted character that has evolved and manifested itself 360 degrees over the years.
If there is one undeniable certainty, it is that the Prada brand has transcended the boundaries of the fashion ecosystem.
Prada and art
Miuccia Prada's creative impulse has also found expression in artistic, architectural, and sporting fields, demonstrating her natural inclination towards experimentation and innovation.
Just think of the Fondazione Prada, inaugurated in 1993 as an art space in Milan where works by great international artists such as Louise Bourgeois, Dan Flavin, and Laurie Anderson are hosted.
The project was revived in 2015 thanks to Rem Koolhaas.
The new Fondazione Prada in Milan is a 17.5 square meter space dedicated to art exhibitions and design and science events by Italian and international artists and professionals.
Prada and sport
Prada entered the sports context in 1997, when Bertelli, an passionate sailor, sponsored the America's Cup in New Zealand, laying the foundations for the new Prada Sport line.
And it doesn't end there.
"Three Epicenters" Project
When talking about art and architecture connected to Prada, we must mention the famous Three Epicenters project, born from the collaboration with AMO (Office Metropolitan Architecture).
The project aims to create three Epicenters, true experimental spaces capable of expressing the entire innovative essence of the Prada brand.
Thus, the three spearheads of New York, Los Angeles, and Tokyo were born, each with architectural lines that will host exclusive events and boutiques.
From the wooden wave floor to the motorized clothes hanger cages in the New York store to the glass facade that became a true symbol of Tokyo, Prada's inclination for experimentation culminated in the early 2000s.
During those years, the brand's first fragrance was launched on the market, with an advertising campaign featuring Hollywood stars such as Ridley Scott.
Today, Miuccia Prada is co-creative director of the brand alongside Raf Simons and can boast a wide range of awards and recognitions obtained throughout her career.
Prada: a selection of iconic men's and women's wear
The triangular emblem that distinguishes Prada's identity recurs in all of the fashion house's most iconic products.
Among the women's must-haves, a space is entirely reserved for bags.
From the iconic tote bags to the panier bags, made unmistakable by Saffiano leather and the Galleria collection, with typically Prada cuts.
“What you wear is how you present yourself to the world, especially today when human contact is so quick. Fashion is an instant language”
As for men, we must mention men's loafers, a perfect common thread for an elegant and refined man.
Prada is also distinguished by its strong commitment to the eco-sustainability sector, making re-nylon fabric the main material of its men's and women's accessories collections.
The brand has also committed, with a close collaboration in 2019 with FFA (Fur Free Alliance), to suspending the use of real fur, in favor of sustainable practices.
Discover our selection of Prada clothing, bags, and accessories Prada
