No.16: Prada!!!

Fashion Designers (brands)♥ challenge: http://www.polyvore.com/fashion_designers_brands/group.show?id=107889
 
Founder: Mario Prada
Current designer: Miuccia Prada
Headquarters: Milan, Italy
Founded:1913
 
Prada was founded by two brothers, Mario Prada and Martino Prada, in the year 1913 in Milan, Italy. At first, it was primarily a leather goods shop. It sold leather products like steamer trunks and handbags.

The first successor was Mario’s daughter Luisia Prada, who ran it for 20 years. Then her daughter Miuccia Prada took over the company in 1978. It was then that Prada began manufacturing waterproof backpacks. On the advice of her business manager, Miuccia started implementing creativity onto the design. In 1979, her first set of backpacks and tote design was released. This design line became Prada’s first commercial hit.

This success was followed by the opening of a boutique in Milan in 1983, which resembled the original shop, but was very modern. In 1984, the nylon tote was released. Also in the same year, Prada started expanding across continental Europe by opening boutiques in Florence, Paris, Madrid, and New York. 1984 was also the year in which Prada released its shoe line. In 1985, Prada released a handbag that became a classic and established its signature style. No wonder, the Prada handbag became an overnight sensation.

Prada is credited with introducing dropped waistlines and narrow belts in fashion. This they introduced in their women’s ready-to-wear collection in 1989. Their styles – clean lines, opulent fabrics, and basic colors – became their signature. It is said that the designs from the House of Prada reflected the feminine worker aesthetic that distinguished it from other high fashion brands. Thus, the brand Prada came into being. During the nineties, the originality of the designs made Prada the most influential fashion houses. It became a symbol of status.
 
The styles were provocative yet simple. Its fabrics were mostly blacks, browns, and creams. This was accompanied by high-heeled shoes, thin leather belts and the classic handbag. To cater to the younger generation, Prada launched the clothing brand Miu Miu in 1992. Prada also holds a 10% stake at Gucci and as such, it is Gucci’s largest shareholder.

The numerous accolades that Prada received include the Council of Fashion Designers of America award in 1993 and 1995.
 
In May 2007, Prada began producing mobile phones with LG Electronics.
 
American financial newspaper, The Wall Street Journal, has named Miuccia one of the thirty most powerful women in Europe. From fabulous runway shows to gracing the bodies of actresses like Uma Thurman and Cameron Diaz, Miuccia Prada has taken her grandfather's struggling leather goods business and created a true empire.