Prada- Italian goods shop turned to fashion power house

When Mario and Martino Prada founded Prada in 1913, they had no idea that in years to come their leather goods factory would become one of the most prominent names in fashion. The brothers' initial idea for the Prada brand was to manufacture leather handbags and trunks, import goods from England, and most importantly to keep the women in the family completely out of the business.

However, as the years went by, no other male in the Prada family wanted to join the leather manufacturing business, so Mario was obliged to involve his daughter Luisa in the business. To his surprise, Luisa single-handedly veered the Prada name to the top of the fashion pyramid, where it stayed for nearly 20 years. However, it wasn't until 1971, when Miuccia Prada (Luisa's daughter) joined the company that the brand began to transform into what we know today.

Prada spring 2012, first look
Once Miuccia took sole control of the Prada name seven years later, things within the company began to change. Following the advice of Patrizio Bertelli, who would later become Prada's business manager, Miuccia discontinued the English imports and instead, began to design her own leather backpacks and totes. At first, the products' success was not gratifying due to high prices, lack of advertisement, and financial problems.

However, in 1985, Miuccia designed a line of unlabeled, black, finely woven, nylon handbags, which were instantly welcomed with widespread admiration from fashionistas around the world. Soon thereafter, in 1989, Prada launched her first Ready-to-Wear collection. The collection featured pieces in unusual fabrics and a surprising combination of materials. The clean lines, basic coloring, and opulent fabrics introduced in the collection would soon become Prada's luxurious signature.

Prada fall 2011
Worldwide success, with new stores in the USA and throughout Europe raised the Prada fashion house to a premium status. Following the success of her first RTW collection, Prada launched an equally successful menswear collection.

Then in 1992, Prada unveiled a less expensive line, Miu Miu (Miuccia's nickname), inspired by her personal wardrobe. The sister-line was became a huge success and attracted an array of young celebrity customers, including the brands popular spokes-models Katie Holmes, Kirsten Dunst, Maggie Gyllenhal, and Ginta Lapina.

Prada men 2010-2011
In 2010, Prada took her high-fashion brand and leaped into the world of technology. Prada collaborated with LG Electronics and introduced the LG Prada mobile phone to the world. The stylish phone was launched with a star-studded black and white campaign, starring award-winning actor Edward Norton and supermodel Daria Werbowy.

Naturally, Prada's collections have evolved during the years. Miuccia Prada has proven to be one of the most meticulous designers of today, with her keen eye for trends and themes and ability to translate them injavascript:openNewWindow('pix.php', 'PhotoGallery','900','700');to signature Prada designs.