Prada - History of Prada

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Prada like many other designer brands originally started in Europe, but soon came to the USA once he realized how loved his merchandise was becoming. The originator of the Prada company was a man by the name of Mario Prada. Mr. Prada originally started selling leather handbags, trunks and shoes in 1913 in Europe, but quickly moved to the USA and also opened two boutiques in Milan once he realized how big of a success he was becoming.

The classic prada suitcase had a very exotic and distinct look, it was made out of very heavy walrus skin. As the common way of travel became planes, very heavy and bulk luggage became very un-functional, and a big hassle even though they were very fashionable. Prada started making much more light-weight suitcases, made out of wood, crystals and even turtoise shells.

In 1950, Mario had a daugher named Miuccia, she helped with innovate ideas for the prada line, she inspired the Pocone bags, backpacks that were made out of a waterproof fabric.

In 1979 Miuccia took over the company, and completely ran the entire business. Sales were currently way down when she took over the company, and many believe Prada wouldn't still be in production if she didnt take over. In order to take Prada back to the top in the designer fashion industry, she expanded the company into manufacturing luxurious backpacks and tote bags made out of black nylon, an example of this classsic black nylon bag can be seen above.

The black handbags introducted in the early 1980's were a huge hit, and with hollywood stars using them, many women wanted to perceive the look and style of a hollywood icon, and this brought prada back to the top of its game.

Miuccia kept shocking the world with her designs and styles, in 1986 she released an extensive line of footwaer for women, and her first clothing line using only the highest quality materials that could be found. Her clothing line quickly gained her and the company a large amount of fame, and the company came to be known for elegant garments that were under-stated.

Within 2 years she won two awards, in 1993 she received an international reward that was presented to her by the CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America), and then in 1995 she also won the "Designer of the Year" Award. These awards did nothing but give the company even more publicity.

Like always, she had another great idea for the next step to bring the Prada company, with every aspect of women's fashion convered and check-mated, she decided it was now time to start making fashionable and luxurious products for men.

In the year 1998, prada opened a store in Los Angelos that was the first menswear shop. While they were expanding, they also opened some other stores around the world, in cities such as New York City, Manhattan, and Las Vegas.

Prada is now known worldwide for its luxurious designs and first class quality, with stores located in practicaly every country. Every celeberity in almost every country is guarenteed to be seeing some prada line, and if not they definantly have something in their closet!