Kara Keigan

Prada is one of the most famous brands in fashion history. With the rise of prominent logos over the years, Prada’s instantly recognizable triangle trademark is often seen on the iconic nylon bag to trendy sunglasses.

Leather goods were the centerpiece of the brand when Mario and Martino Prada founded it in 1913 as Fratelli Prada, translating to Prada Brothers. Steam trunks, handbags, and animal goods were imported from England and were the first products the company focused on.

Mario Prada believed a woman should not work outside the home and did not want any of his female family members to join the company. Regardless of this philosophy, his son showed no interest in the family business so his daughter, Luisa, joined and successfully ran Prada for twenty years before passing it along to her daughter, Miuccia.

Prada transformed into the luxury brand we know today when Miuccia met Patrizio Bertelli, a 24-year-old Italian leather businessman, who convinced Miuccia to focus instead on luxury luggage pieces. Another important business lesson he passed along — instead of importing from England, focus on locally sourced materials. It was this business decision that was formative in the rise of this traditional luxury brand and the Prada we know today.

Fashion is instant language.”

– Miuccia Prada