Fashion

P is for Prada

Fashion powerhouse Prada has become one of the leading forces of the fashion world, inspiring pop culture and influencing other industry hopefuls – but the design house wasn’t always one of the big fish.

In fact, Prada had fairly humble beginnings, starting out as small-time family business founded in 1913 in Milan by Mario Prada. It wasn’t until 1978, when Mario’s granddaughter Miuccia Prada inherited what was still at that stage a leather-goods business, that Prada’s expansion into the fashion world began to explode.

Initially pursuing a career in political science, Miuccina was far removed from the glitz and glamour of the fashion world and raised eyebrows as an outspoken proponent of women’s rights in Milan throughout the 70s. Although she didn’t have any formal training in design, Miuccia’s exposure to fine quality craftsmanship while she was growing up led her to appreciate the importance of keeping Prada a quality brand.

With her husband Patrizio Bertelli, her future in fashion began when she expanded the company’s output from its previous luxury goods to high end clothing before hitting her first benchmark success – the release of what would ultimately become the signature Prada handbag in 1985.

The classic, black nylon bag was an instant hit, and was quickly seen hanging on the arms of supermodels and the international fashion elite. Only four years later the first Prada ready-to-wear collection stalked the runway, composed of dark tones, classic cuts, and simple designs. The line bravely stood in stark contrast to the bright, feminine lines of its competitors, and Prada was instantaneously raised to the upper echelons of high fashion.

The success continued to boom, and 1992 saw the release of Miu Miu – a slightly cheaper line named after Miuccia’s nickname. With lowered prices and looks that are more earthy and stylistically daring, the line became a huge hit with the fashion-minded youth, and both Prada and Miu Miu are now staples at Milan’s fashion week.

Prada is today considered one of the most influential clothing designers in the fashion industry.

"In the end, fabric is fabric. What is really new is the way you treat it and put the pieces together." Miuccia Prada

By Nikki Webber - Christchurch