a pocket size history of handbags - prada

Prada the quintessential Italian fashion house synonimous with high end luxury was founded by Mario Prada in 1913.  Clients were based throughout Europe and America and bought into the luxury walrus skin luggage associated with early production.  As travel turned to the air these pieces were less in demand due to weight and size restrictions, so at this point Prada redirected his focus towards exquisitely crafted handbags and leather goods.

Miuccia, grand daughter of Mario took her place at Prada in 1978. With a Doctorate in political science, the potential critics of this apparent mismatch of qualifications were soon ousted as Miucca's sense of style combined with her abilities within this realm promptly came to the fore.  

Prada had at this point been struggling for many years due to competition from other Italian design houses such as Gucci, so it was in Miuccia's inheritance to transform the design house, which she achieved by introducing haute couture into the family brand.  The success of this transformation rested on a marriage between Miucca and Patrizio Bertelli, with Bertelli managing the family business and Miucca's focus upon taking Prada's designs into a new era.

Femininity epitomised the 80's through romantic, flowing and brightly coloured garments which often exposed more than just a little flesh.  So entered Prada's pret-a-porter collection taking the fashion forum by storm, depicting a confident modern woman through a blend of neutral colours, minimalistic lines and luxurious fabrics, a fashion line confident in sexuality without the need to shout or reveal the body in excess. Prada's renaissance had finally come, positioning the brand at the forefront of luxury contemporary design.

Tessuto fabric nylon Prada bags became a staple design classic of the mid 80's and were a combination of minimalistic, practical understated elegance.  Miuccia's designs also became very popular with the counterfeiters, flooding the market due to high demand, which in turn further raised the brands populariity.

Miucca introduced miu miu in 1992, prada's diversion line, whose focus was towards a younger, bohemian market, slightly less expensive and with an emphasis on flowing fabrics, earthy tones and retro graphic prints, though with prada's standard of craftsmanship inherent in all pieces.  Prada sport soon followed miu miu's lead and thereafter a menswear and lingerie range.  

Prada's ability to innovate and experiment whilst retaining exceptional levels of craftmanship, has enabled the brand to evolve from a small leather artisan business into a truly aspirational family dynasty.