Prada is one of the most iconic brands in fashion history. The designers behind the brand have continually striven to be innovative while maintaining their classically refined style. The House of Prada has proven its longevity, and the Prada name will still be in demand for years to come. Here is the history of Prada and the famous name.
About Prada
The first Prada store opened in 1913 in the prestigious Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele II in Milan, Italy. Mario Prada opened the leather goods shop with his brother, Martino. The store sold bags, trunks, steamers, and travel accessories.
In 1919, Prada was awarded the title of Official Supplier of the Italian Royal House. This prestigious distinction allowed Prada to display the House of Savoy coat of arms and knotted rope design in its trademark logo. This honor is what makes Prada a symbol of the Italian aristocracy.
This history of Prada gets even more interesting. In the patriarchal style of the times, Mario Prada did not believe that women should work outside the home. He excluded his female family members from working for his company. Ironically, his only son had no interest in the family business. His daughter Luisa Prada took over the family business as Mario’s successor and ran it for almost twenty years.
Expanding the Business
In the mid-1970s, Luisa’s daughter, Miuccia Prada, joined her mother in the family business. Miuccia initially devoted herself to designing accessories. She did continue the tradition of producing high-quality bags and luggage for the family business.
In 1977, Miuccia Prada met Patrizio Bertelli, a young Italian with his own leather goods business. He joined the Prada family business and his partnership with Miuccia took the history of Prada in a new direction. Miuccia’s sophisticated creativity and Bertelli’s entrepreneurial intuition helped expand the Prada business.
New Prada Products
The company first added footwear to their growing product line in 1979. Its first collection of women’s shoes was well received. The business continued to grow and gain attention. Prada expanded its network of directly-owned stores into markets all over the world. The stores were known for their clean aesthetic as well as the unique green hue the walls were painted. The color became known as “Prada Green.” The first “green store” opened in Milan in Via della Spiga. Boutiques in London, Madrid, Tokyo, Paris, and Tokyo followed.
The global success of the Prada brand pushed Miuccia Prada and Patrizio Bertelli in new directions. A womenswear line was introduced in the late 80s. Prada’s first fall/winter collection debuted on the catwalks of Milan in 1988. The designs were distinct due to their dropped waistlines and narrow belts. The fashion world fell in love with Prada’s clean lines, luxurious fabrics, and color selections. The history of Prada turned as they became one of the most coveted brands in the fashion world by the early 1990s.
The House of Prada Today
Miuccia and Bertelli married in 1987, and the duo is still at the helm of the Prada family business. The Prada industry houses several smaller brands, such as Miu Miu, Church’s, Car Shoe, and Pasticceria Marchesi. The heart of the business is still the Prada brand. The classic Prada Linea Rossa was relaunched in 2018 to wide acclaim. Prada is most definitely here to stay.
Although the history of Prada is long, we know that you can’t get enough of the House of Prada even today. You will want to also see our article about what makes Prada’s bowler bag so iconic to learn more about this fashion house’s impact on the world of luxury design and women’s accessories.
Best Summer Collection At Prada
One of the brands that has helped the popularity of the chunky loafers is Prada. The style is sleek and simple and made from patent leather topped off with Prada’s logo. Prada’s chunky loafers have been seen on the likes of Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber and Frankies Bikinis founder Francesca Aiello.
Dresses
1.Printed poplin mini-dress
In the Spring Summer 2022 collection, elements of clothing from the past are explored and recontextualized. Like shadows or memories that evoke ancient garments, laces resembling the closure on corsets are reinterpreted to give this poplin dress an unusual look. The garment is decorated with a new version of the iconic triangle in three-dimensional fabric.
- Product code: P3H12_1XV2_F0002_S_221
- Straight cut
- Shirt collar
- Front closure
- Shirt cuffs
- 3D-fabric triangle logo
- Decorative eyelet and laces closure on front
- Height: 85cm
2.Openwork cotton minidress
A mesh openwork motif runs through this cotton knit minidress defined by its slightly flared hem and accented with the Prada intarsia logo. A new knitwear line is born, defined by its light, sophisticated charm that brings summer to mind.
- Product code: 23879_1ZWF_F0002_S_212
- Openwork fabric
- Flared fit
- Sleeveless
- Intarsia logo
- Height: 88cm
3.Guipure lace dress
Defined by a feminine silhouette and an elaborate construction, this dress introduced in the Spring Summer 2022 show traces a new idea of couture, deconstructed and modern, that starts from recontextualized classic elements and architecture reduced to the bare essentials. Remembrance of past eras, the boning of the corsets recalls ancient garments yet forms new pieces abstracting from the body rather than holding it. A belt inside the garment creates gathers at the waist, while a plunging back reveals the bare skin. The elegance of eveningwear is translated to an entire wardrobe in which its materializations such as lace are used in new contexts.
- Product code: P3H23K_100U_F0011_S_221
- Sheath dress
- With slip
- Round neck
- Hidden snap closure on the back
- Sleeveless
- 3D fabric triangle logo
- Back slit
- Straight hem
- Removable leather belt
- External logo-print stays
- Height: 130cm
4.Long striped silk dress
The contrasting stripe motif dominates the design of this long silk dress. The dress, with ribbed knit edges, is decorated with the finely embroidered iconic logo framed by the stripe motif.
- Product code: P3G94_103N_F0970_S_221
- Shirt dress
- Shirt collar
- Front button closure
- Long sleeves
- Front patch pockets
- Fabric triangle with overprinted logo
- Side slits
- Flared hem
- Detachable matching fabric belt
- Height: 140cm
5.Stretch cotton hoodie
A sleek line characterizes this sporty hooded sweatshirt made of stretch cotton. Inspired by sportswear, the garment is decorated with the printed lettering logo.
- Product code: SGC010_Z21_F0SVF_S_221
- Regular fit
- Hooded
- Straight sleeve
- Zipper closure
- Welt pockets
- Elasticized cuffs
- Regular shoulder
- Straight hem
- Matching fabric drawstring
- Unlined
- Printed logo
- Height: 66cm
- The model is 189 cm tall and wears a size 48 – M
6.Cotton T-shirt
An essential item of the brand, the Prada jersey T-shirt embodies the luxury of simplicity that becomes an attitude and search to reinvent the bases and propose new meanings. The design animated by a stripe pattern is decorated with the brand’s emblematic triangle logo presented in its conceptual version.
- Product code: UJN809_103J_F0970_S_221
- Boxy cut
- Short sleeves
- Ribbed knit crew neck
- Straight hem
- Fabric triangle with overprinted logo
- Length: 72 cm. Size: M
- Breast pocket
- Height: 72cm
7.Re-Nylon blouson jacket
Defined by its sporty design, this blouson jacket is made of Re-Nylon, a regenerated nylon yarn made from recycled, purified plastic materials collected in the ocean. The yoke construction enhances the silhouette, defined by technical details such as the elasticized drawstring on the hem. The embroidered lettering logo on the front completes the garment.
- Product code: SGC052_1WQ9_F0011_S_221
- Regular fit
- With hood
- Straight sleeve
- Zipper closure
- Visible zipper pockets
- Elasticized cuffs
- Regular shoulder
- Straight hem
- Elasticized drawstring
- Partially lined in recycled material
- Embroidered lettering logo on the front
- Height: 66cm
8.Re-Nylon blouson jacket
Defined by its sporty design, this blouson jacket is made of Re-Nylon, a regenerated nylon yarn made from recycled, purified plastic materials collected in the ocean. The yoke construction enhances the silhouette, defined by technical details such as the elasticized drawstring on the hem. The embroidered lettering logo on the front completes the garment.
- Product code: SGC052_1WQ9_F0223_S_221
- Regular fit
- With hood
- Straight sleeve
- Zipper closure
- Visible zipper pockets
- Elasticized cuffs
- Regular shoulder
- Straight hem
- Elasticized drawstring
- Partially lined in recycled material
- Embroidered lettering logo on the front
- Height: 66cm
Bags
1.Raffia tote bag
This tote bag with a soft, deconstructed design is made of raffia, a material of natural origin imbued with a summery mood. A new interpretation of the emblematic Prada triangle decorates the front and is embellished with the embroidered lettering logo at the center.
- Product code: 1BG393_2A2T_F0002_V_OOO
- Raffia handles
- Embroidered lettering logo on the front
- Unlined interior
- Height: 38cm
- Length: 3cm
- Width: 36cm
2.Raffia-and-wood tote bag
This tote bag with a summery vintage mood is made of raffia, a light material of natural origin, that reinterprets the beach bag concept in a small, sophisticated silhouette and is decorated with colorful wooden beads for a novel accent. A new interpretation of Prada’s emblematic triangle decorates the front and is embellished with the embroidered lettering logo.
- Product code: 1BG425_2FJ0_F0018_V_OOO
- Woven with colored wood spheres
- Raffia and wood handles
- Embroidered lettering logo
- Unlined
- Height: 24cm
- Length: 7cm
- Width: 22cm
3.Saffiano leather belt bag
The Prada triangle with its pure, universal shape is the perfect synthesis of form and function, a modern expression of uniqueness. The geometric logo inspired this belt bag made of Saffiano leather, an iconic material of the brand characterized by its crosshatch texture. The removable leather belt also lets the accessory be worn as a pouch.
- Product code: 2VL039_2FAD_F0009_V_OOO
- Detachable, adjustable leather belt
- Front enameled metal triangle logo
- Zipper closure
- Re-Nylon logo lining
- Height: 14cm
- Length: 9cm
- Width: 25cm
4.Saffiano leather and leather shoulder bag
This shoulder bag with sleek, minimalist lines and a contemporary attitude is made of Saffiano leather, the iconic material of the brand. A study on the triangle inspires new geometric shapes and interpretations of Prada’s historic symbol. The iconic shape inspired the silhouette of this accessory that comes with a detachable shoulder strap for wearing different ways.
- Product code: 2VH157_2FOQ_F0L8P_V_OLB
- Two compartments
- Detachable, adjustable leather shoulder strap with detachable pouch
- Front enameled metal triangle logo
- Zipper closure
- Interior with two patch pockets
- Re-Nylon logo lining
- Hot-stamped logo on the back and on the shoulder strap pocket
- Height: 18cm
- Length: 16.5cm
- Width: 28cm
5.Prada Cleo brushed leather mini bag
A perfect synthesis of classicism and futurism, the Prada Cleo bag reinterprets an iconic design from the brand’s archives. Sleek, curved lines emphasized by the particular sloping construction on the bottom and sides give this flap bag sophisticated allure, while the handle with extension makes the accessory functional and allows it to be worn as a shoulder bag or handbag. Brushed leather, a distinctive material of Prada collections, is a modern, chameleonic material that is perfect for always new combinations and contrasts. The enameled triangle logo completes the silhouette.
- Product code: 1BH188_ZO6_F02TG_V_HOM
- Handle with leather extension for use as a cross-body bag
- Metal hardware
- Enameled metal triangle logo on the flap
- Flap closure with magnet
- Logo-print nylon lining with card slots
- Height: 14.5cm
- Length: 3cm
- Width: 17cm
6.Brushed leather shoulder bag
Elegance and practicality meet in this bag with a hybrid character that combines sleek and modern lines, functionality, and fine materials. Made of Prada’s iconic brushed leather, a material that is as chameleonic as it is luxurious, this rigid, curvy bag is characterized by its flap closure and leather shoulder strap that is adjustable for wear as a crossbody or shoulder bag. Decorating the flap is the emblematic enameled metal triangle logo created by founder Mario Prada and reinvented on contemporary designs.
- Product code: 1BD308_ZO6_F0002_V_HOO
- Handle with adjustable leather shoulder strap for crossbody use
- Metal hardware
- Enameled metal triangle logo
- Magnetic flap closure
- Nylon logo-print lining and patch pockets
- Height: 14cm
- Length: 4.8cm
- Width: 20cm
7.Saffiano leather Tote
This tote bag with sleek, minimalist lines is made of Saffiano leather, an iconic material of the brand defined by its crosshatch effect and waxed finish. Prada’s emblematic triangle logo is transformed into an embossed macro detail that decorates the front. The Re-Nylon lining, an innovative fabric made of regenerated nylon yarn, completes the design.
- Product code: 2VG084_2FAD_F0002_V_DOO
- Leather handles
- Detachable, adjustable shoulder strap in embroidered webbing and leather
- Front embossed logo and side enameled-metal triangle
- Interior with zipper pocket and patch pocket
- Re-Nylon logo lining
- Height: 37cm
- Length: 9cm
- Width: 37cm
8.Saffiano leather card holder
Featuring a contemporary mix of materials, this accessory combines a woven nylon strap with a card holder made from Saffiano leather, an iconic Prada material: an extremely high-quality calfskin featuring a scratched effect and wax finish.
- Product code: 2MR021_QHH_F0002
- Zipper closure
- Enameled metal triangle logo
- Moiré and Saffiano leather lining
- Detachable, adjustable woven nylon shoulder strap
- Height: 7.5cm
- Width: 11cm
Shoes
1.Nappa leather sandals
A design with strong visual impact defines these leather sandals inspired by the sports world. The upper with hook-and-loop straps with a retro mood is combined with a bold lug tread sole for a modern, new mix of materials and details.
- Product code: 1X832M_038_F0161_F_050
- Upper with hook-and-loop strap
- Embossed lettering logo
- 50 mm rubber sole
- Lug tread
2.Sporty woven nylon tape sandals
The sandal inspired by the trekking world comes in a new version with a chunky rubber tread sole. The sporty shoe made of nylon bands features the Prada logo in a contrasting color that decorates the hook-and-loop fastener strap.
- Product code: 1X037M_3L74_F0002_F_050
- Upper with hook-and-loop fastener strap
- Rubber logo in relief on the heel
- 50 mm rubber sole
- Block tread
3.Quilted nappa leather flatform sandals
Volume, soft lines and references to the 90s define these sandals on a leather-covered flatform sole. The iconic Prada triangle is echoed in the quilted motif of the soft nappa leather of these sandals accented by the lettering logo.
- Product code: 1XZ749_038_F0009_F_035
- Metal lettering logo
- Rubber monoblock sole with hot-stamped logo
- 35 mm leather-covered flatform sole
- Tread with triangle pattern
4.Embroidered fabric slides
The idea of graphic prints that has always characterized Prada collections is reflected in these slides, a sleek design enhanced by a new interpretation of the iconic triangle as a graphic pattern. The enameled metal triangle logo in its most classic version decorates the band.
- Product code: 1XX637_3LK6_F0I0U_F_010
- Enameled metal triangle logo
- Leather sole with hot-stamped logo
- 10 mm leather-covered heel
5.Downtown leather sneakers
These sporty leather sneakers are accented with different interpretations of the Prada logo that appears on the tongue, along the light rubber sole, and as the iconic enameled metal triangle decorating the side of the upper.
- Product code: 2EE364_3LKG_F0O3N
- Metal eyelets and cotton laces
- Enamel triangle on the upper
- Prada Milano logo printed on the tongue
- Lightweight box sole with embossed logo on the side
- 35 mm sole
- Removable leather-covered insole
6.Monolith brushed leather and nylon boots
These brushed leather and nylon boots are decorated with a versatile pouch that recalls a multi-pocket design. The formal rigor of the uniform inspires this shoe, an expression of a timeless design, monolithic and unique, that reinterprets the dual soul of Prada from a modernist perspective. The maxi sole that defines the bold lines of Monolith footwear is combined with elegant brushed leather, emphasizing the brand’s desire to create harmony through diametrically opposed hybrid concepts.
- Product code: 2UE007_3LFR_F0002_F_D002
- Upper: brushed leather and nylon
- Metal eyelets and laces
- Removable nylon pouch
- Enameled metal triangle logo
- Light rubber lug tread sole
- Sole height: 60 mm
7.Prada Cassetta Wheel sneakers
A rubber sole with chunky lug tread defines these slip-on gabardine sneakers: the style with minimalist spirit is accented with the screen-printed triangle logo.
- Product code: 2DG113_GUD_F0009_F_G000
- Cotton gabardine
- Screen-printed triangle logo
- Elasticized side gusset
- Rubber sole with tire tread pattern on the toe
- Herringbone tread
- Removable leather-covered insole
8.Prada Cloudbust Thunder high-top sneakers
These Prada Cloudbust Thunder sneakers, one of Prada’s iconic styles, have a complex, sculptural design. The knit fabric shoe is characterized by the voluminous light rubber sole animated by a three-dimensional design.
- Product code: 2TG180_3KZU_F0009
- Knit fabric
- Injected rubber with three-dimensional design
- Metal eyelet and hook closure
- Rubber Prada logo tag on the tongue and heel–Laces
- Light EVA sole with lug tread
- 50 mm heel
- Removable leather-covered insole
