Prada

Mario Prada and his brother Martino Prada started the Prada label and Italian fashsion house from Milan in 1913. Mario specialised in luxury goods for men and women, ready-to-wear apparel, leather accessories, shoes, luggage and hats.

The business did not interest his son, so it was his daughter Luisia Prada who took the helm of Prada as his successor and ran it for almost twenty years. Her own daughter, Miuccia Prada joined the company in 1970 eventually taking over from her mother in 1978.

She released her first set of backpacks and totes in 1979. Initial success was not instant, as they were hard to sell due to the lack of advertising and high-prices but the lines would go on to become her first commercial hit. That same year, the house of Prada began expansion across Europe by and America opening locations in prominent shopping districts within Florence, Paris, Madrid and New York City. Miuccia went on to open wholesale accounts with well know department and boutique stores worldwide to increase revenue and sales.

A memorable year in 1985, Miuccia released the famous classic Prada handbag that became an overnight success. In 1989 Prada lunched its ready to wear women’s collection. The designs came to be known for their dropped waistlines and narrow belts. Prada's popularity skyrocketed when the fashion world took notice of its clean lines, opulent fabrics and basic colours.

Prada's originality made it one of the most influential fashion houses and the brand became a premium status symbol in the 1990s. The signature Prada look encompassed luxurious fabrics in mostly black, browns, greys, greens and creams to create simple, elegant yet provocative styles.

In 1993, Prada was awarded the Council of Fashion Designers of America award for its accessories which included skinny leather belts, elegant high heeled shoes and of course the Prada classic handbag. In mid 1990’s Prada launched its men’s ready to wear collection and sales were expected to double. 1995 Prada won another award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America for designer of year.

Today Prada’s expansion into different lines from apparel, shoes, handbags, eye wear, perfume and accessories have elevated the luxury brand to the top with the other big fashion houses. Known for its elegant styles, luxury fabrics and sexy styles, Prada is looking to increase its revenue to about $5 billion by 2010 -2011.

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