When it comes to high fashion, it’s not hard to see why Prada is one of the world’s leading luxury brands. From handbags, eyewear, fragrances, and footwear, Prada’s diverse range of high-end products has cemented its status as one of the biggest fashion houses around. A Reuters report shows that sales of Prada have gained strength in Europe and Asia, signalling a significant popularity boom among fashion enthusiasts in these regions.
What makes Prada and other luxury brands so recognizable is the influence and recall that their brand names and distinctive designs have. This is exemplified in our previous interview with Nava Rose, where the social media personality shared how the iconic Louis Vuitton (LV) monogram print pushed her to make an outfit out of repurposed fake bags and put the logo front and centre. Similarly, Prada’s famous inverted triangle logo and minimalist designs make the brand easily recognizable. But how did this design powerhouse come to be, and how does it manage to stay on top of luxury fashion?
Prada was first established in 1913 as a store at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan, Italy. Founded by Mario Prada, the shop sold leather goods, trunks, and accessories like handbags to affluent Italians of the time. In 1919, Prada earned the prestigious title of ‘Official Supplier to the Italian Royal Household.’ Mario’s daughter, Luisa, took the helm after him for almost 20 years. In 1970, Miuccia, Luisa’s daughter, joined the company before officially taking over the brand in 1978.
Today, with Miuccia at the helm, Prada has cemented itself as a key player in the fashion industry. Guided by a creative philosophy that seeks to challenge and go beyond industry trends, Prada has since introduced classic designs in innovative styles that have captivated people across the globe. Prada’s style has always challenged the notions of gender with designs that blend femininity and masculinity. The use of unconventional fabric – from nylon to industrial materials – in their designs while maintaining precision and attention to detail makes Prada incomparable and enables people to enjoy the uniqueness of their products. Lyst Index thus recently named Prada as the top brand of Q4 in 2023, signifying sustained popularity and relevance through the years.
The brand’s popularity owes its thanks to its high-end products characterised by creative designs and top-notch quality. Famous accessories such as the Prada sunglasses are favourites of fashionistas as they add a chic and edgy flair to any outfit. Their PR 13YS and PR 01YS sunglasses, for example, have classic yet fashion-forward designs that go with any style era. Other frames like the PR 16WS play with geometric silhouettes without going overboard, making them great options for avant-garde wardrobes.
Aside from sunnies, Prada is also known for other timeless staples that merge fashion and function. Classic accessories like Prada bags have become crowd favourites because of their minimalist yet elegant designs and excellent workmanship. The brand’s Spazzolato tote bag, in particular, was a personal favourite of fashion publicist Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy due to its endearing functionality and fashionable style. Other bag designs like the buckle leather handbag and leather tote bag also encapsulate Prada’s commitment to creating high-quality and trendsetting accessories.
Prada’s impact in the fashion world is rooted in the brand’s creativity and zeal to innovate. By staying true to its vision of introducing designs that push the boundaries of industry norms, Prada has consistently sustained and solidified its position as a leader in luxury fashion.
