Brand Spotlight: Everything to Know About Prada
When you think about fashion and luxury, one of the names that might immediately come to mind is Prada. A leading design house representing timeless elegance and innovation, the Italian brand’s story goes back over a century, originating in one of the most famous fashion cities in the world: Milan. Over 100 years later, Prada is now a global powerhouse that has left an indelible mark on the fashion industry.
Prada has bravely redefined haute couture through its unique creative lens, passion for innovation, and impeccable attention to detail.
In this Brand Spotlight, we unravel everything you need to know about Prada — its humble beginnings, creative direction, and of course, their most signature pieces including the nylon, iconic sunglasses, and signature Symbole, the inverted triangle.
How did Prada get its start?
Prada’s origins date back to early 20th century Milan — 1913 to be exact. Mario Prada was operating the small leather goods shop, Fratelli Prada, selling elevated, handmade leather accessories like wallets and luggage that were loved and sought after by the wealthy Milanese. Largely credited to the incredible craftsmanship and fine details of the pieces, the shop and Prada name quickly grew in popularity, becoming synonymous with luxury and elegance.
Eventually, Mario’s successor Luisa Prada took the reigns, followed by her daughter Miuccia who eventually partnered with fellow italian leather craftsman Patrizio Bertelli in the late 19070s just before expanding the brand to include luxury footwear and later, womenswear in the 1980s.
In fact, it was Miuccia who can take all the credit for the now instantly-recognizable nylon Prada backpack that is equal parts function and fashion. (But more on that later.)
Where is Prada now?
Fast forward to today: Miuccia currently serves as co-chief executive and co-creative director, working alongside the latest addition to the brand, Raf Simons. Simons, a Belgian fashion designer, was formerly creative director at other prominent luxury brands including Jil Sander, Christian Dior, and Calvin Klein. Miuccia and Raf work together when it comes to creative direction and future planning for the iconic brand.
Today, Prada has an estimated worth of over 15 billion dollars, more than 13,000 employees, and over 600 boutiques worldwide.
What are the most popular Prada bags?
As far as we’re concerned, Prada can do no wrong when it comes to their timeless yet modern, elevated pieces. But, of course, some of the design house’s styles have made a permanent mark in the world of luxury more than others—and are instantly identifiable. (And on wishlists the world over.) Here are some of the brand’s most popular and highly coveted pieces.
The Nylon Prada Backpack
First introduced in the late ‘80s, the nylon Prada backpack, known for its mixed, military-chic silhouette, quickly became a fan-favorite piece and standout seller for the brand. It’s functional, durable, practical, and synonymous with luxury — what more could you really want in a carryall?
Though Prada now offers different variations of the backpack including a larger, sleek men’s style with brushed leather accents or the Re-Nylon and Saffiano leather backpack with a nylon base and leather straps, the most popular, most notable prada backpack is the classic style — currently sold as the Re-Nylon medium backpack with pouch. The base is crafted with sustainable Re-Nylon fabric and it has two buckled compartments in the front, a top flap closure, two back straps and a handy little carrying strap on top. Of course, it also has Prada’s signature enabled logo front and center, with logo-print lining on the interior.
Prada Re-Edition 2000 Nylon Mini Bag
Next up, the Re-Edition 2000 Nylon Mini Bag has had a major resurgence in popularity and has been, and continues to be seen, spotted amongst some of the biggest A-listers and fashion icons in the world. The re-launch of this miniature purse pays homage to the early 2000s trend, and is available in neutral colors like Black, Desert Beige and white, or more fun and funky hues including Citron Yellow and Alabaster Pink. The cherry on top? The forward-thinking, innovative Re-Nylon fabric is actually crafted from recycled and purified plastic found discarded in the ocean — so you can feel good about carrying it, too.
The Saffiano Leather Tote
Crafted entirely of Saffiano leather, this rectangular tote has double handles for hand carrying, plus a detachable shoulder strap. It’s accented with gold-toned metal hardware and of course, the iconic Prada logo colored to match the leather of the bag. It has small feet on the bottom to keep the bag protected from surfaces when put down, Nappa leather lining, and a secure snap closure on each side. It’s an elegant bag for work or play, and is a classic staple in any closet.
What are the best Prada shoes and accessories?
Outside of their trademark handbags, Prada’s accessory offerings — specifically their shoe and sunglass categories — are also timeless must-haves. From sneakers to oversized shades, here are some of the best Prada staples to add to your wardrobe.
Prada Downtown Leather Sneakers
These understated, monochromatic white leather sneakers complete pretty much any outfit while adding an element of luxury and style. They’re made of calf leather with a patent finish, with front lace-up detailing and a round toe box. The sneaker is accentuated, of course, with the Prada logo printed at the tongue and heel, with the enamel triangle affixed to the sides of each shoe.
Prada also makes different variations of must-have sneakers including colorful, skater-inspired styles, tennis shoes, clunky “dad sneakers” and more.
Oversized Prada Acetate Sunglasses
Pretty much a daily necessity, Prada’s sunglass offerings cover all the bases in terms of style, silhouette, and color. Most popular, though, are their oversized styles including the 53mm Gradient Irregular style, the 51mm Square style, and the 55mm Gradient Polarized Square styles. The bold designs instantly elevate any look, from sweats to sundresses, and are almost instantly recognizable as some of the brand’s most popular products.
The design house also makes chic, stylish optical frames too in a variety of colors, styles and shapes.
Prada Monolith Brushed Leather Booties
Prada boots will quickly become a staple in any closet for their durability and universal appeal. The Monolith style, in particular, has a chunky, lug-sole design that’s accentuated with a brushed leather upper, completed with an elasticized gusset on the side and a tab to make pulling them on a bit easier. Combining fashion and function, as Prada so often does, the booties even have a removable leather-covered insole and thick, 55 mm rubber lug soles for comfort and grip for rain, shine, or even snow. Prada also makes combat-style boots and chic heeled boots to suit any style or occasion.
Rectangular Sunglasses with Prada Logo
With a unique, slim rectangular shape, these bold acetate sunglasses are designed with even bolder temples with the brand’s name loudly placed on the side. The black frames are paired with slate gray lenses though they are compatible with graduated lenses, too. Plus, they offer 100% UVA/UVB protection.
