Prada
In 1913, Mario Prada and his brother Martino opened a
leather goods shop called Fratelli Prada, which in English translates to “Prada
Brothers”. Mario’s daughter Luisa Prada was the one who became his successor
and ran the company for 20 years. In 1970, luisa’s own daughter Miuccia joined
the company and eventually took over in 1978. Miuccia began making waterproof
backpacks out of Pocone. She met Patrizio Bertelli in 1977. At the age of 17,
Patrizio had started his own leather goods business. After joining the company
soon after, he advised Miuccia on better decisions for the prada company. With
Patrizio as her business manager, Miuccia was able to implement more time into
design. In 1979 she released her first set of backpacks and totes. In 1983,
prada opened a second boutique in Milan reminiscent to the original shop but
with a sleek and modern contrast to it. In 1984, prada released it’s classic
black nylon tote as well as it’s shoe line. The classic Prada handbag became an
overnight sensation in 1985.
In 1987 Miuccia and Patrizio got married. In 1989 prada
launched it’s women’s ready-to-wear collection. Prada’s popularity rose steeply
when the fashion world took notice of it’s clean lines, luxurious fabrics and
basic colors.
Prada became a premium status symbol in the 90’s. Reported
sales showed $31.7 Million in 1998. Patrizio de Marco took over the company in
the US and prominently displayed Prada bags in department stores.
In 1992, Miuccia launched a high fashion brand called Miu
Miu, which was her nickname. By 1993, Prada was awarded the ‘Council of Fashion
Designers of America’ award for accessories and in 1995 as ‘Designer of the
Year’.
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