Mario Prada started the Prada label in 1913. He designed and sold handbags, shoes, trunks, and suitcases though two boutiques in Milan, with clients across Europe and the US. When the signature Prada suitcase, made from heavy, cumbersome walrus skin, proved to be too heavy for air travel at that time, Prada concentrated on designing exquisite leather accessories made of crystals, wood and tortoise shell, and lighter waterproof handbags. By the 1970s however, the company had gone into almost irreversible decline.  That was, until Miuccia Prada took over at the helm. Miuccia Prada, granddaughter of Mario Prada, was born in 1950, earned a doctorate in political science by her mid-20s, and remained a committed communist into her early 30s.

Mario Prada

Miuccia Prada

While her academic background didn't seem to lend itself to the world designer stage, her sense of fashion was unmistakable. The label was still mainly a leather goods manufacturer at that point, and had been struggling financially for several years. And competition from other fashion houses like Gucci had taken its toll. In 1978 she took over the company and astutely directed the House of Prada towards the world of haute couture. With sales flagging, she expanded into nylon backpacks and luxury tote bags. She started using backpack bags made out of Pocone, a waterproof fabric. In 1985, she unveiled the classic Prada handbag -- a simple yet functional, sturdy, sleek, practical and fashionable black nylon number – and it became an overnight sensation. The high price tag that accompanied the desirable handbags caused an onslaught of designer knock-offs, which only helped to make the genuine Prada articles more in demand.

In the 1980s, other labels were creating designs that played on sexuality. Popular were frilly, lacy, brightly colored garments with low cut tops and short bottoms. Prada hit the runway in 1985 with its prêt-a-porter collection, with elegant, simple pieces featuring clean lines, luxurious fabrics, and basic colors. The fashion world took notice of her understated, elegant garments, and Prada’s popularity skyrocketed.

By the 1990s, Prada was a leading force in fashion. Their clothing and accessories were smart, sophisticated, and extremely high quality. Simple, yet elegant styles, created in luxurious fabrics, mostly in blacks, browns, grays, greens, and creams, became the signature Prada look. The apparel was sexy and spoke of confidence without revealing too much skin. Accessories included skinny leather belts, elegant high heeled shoes, and of course, the classic handbag.

In 1992, Miuccia presented the more affordable Miu Miu line, which targeted a younger consumer. More flowing shapes and earthy colors and prints set this collection apart, although the simple designs and classic appearance continued the quality of the Prada label. Soon after, the Prada Sport label was created, followed by a line of men’s wear and a lingerie collection.

As Prada's fame grew, she began to be rewarded, earning an International Award for the Council of Fashion Designers of America in 1993 and winning the Designer of the Year award in 1995.

The Prada look has certainly evolved over the years, and Miuccia is credited with many innovations in fabric and design. She has added everything from beaded latex to mirror fragments to her garments, and experimented with new and unique fabric blends, all without compromising quality and style.

1998 Prada opened their first menswear shop in Los Angeles, USA. They also opened new Prada stores in Manhattan and Las Vegas, as well as Miu Miu's first North American boutique, in Los Angeles. Prada is now a worldwide empire, with stores in almost every western country and worn by nearly  every celebrity.

Their shoes for men and women have become a staple for fashion enthusiasts and celebrities alike, and those extraordinary handbags are still wildly popular. The distinct silver Prada triangle is a status symbol all over Europe and North America.

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 had taken her grandfather’s struggling leather goods business and created a true empire.

Prada is now a worldwide empire, with stores in practically every country in the western world. It is a million dollar concern, with every celebrity wearing Prada clothes.