Why Prada remains as relevant today as when it started over 100 years ago

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There are surprisingly few companies that can claim to be over 100 years old, and Prada is one of those. It started out as a family company and even though it has since become a global fashion powerhouse, the company is still owned and run by the same family today.

That's why the company has been able to maintain its visionary spirit. They may have started trading over 100 years ago, but Prada remains as relevant today as it has ever been.

The beginnings of Prada

Mario Prada and his brother opened a single store in 1913. They offered leather goods that mainly include English Steamer Trunks and handbags. Today, Prada is known across the globe as a symbol of Italian design and elegance. However, becoming one of the top brands in the fashion world didn't happen overnight.

The company continued trading leather goods until 1978 when Mario's granddaughter, Miuccia, took the reins. She stopped importing English goods and released their own line of backpacks and totes in 1979.

It took a while, but this range was a success and marked the start of the Prada we know today. Miuccia made the first bag of Pocono and has continued to shake up the fashion world since then.

Her first ready-to-wear women's collection was released in 1989, known for its dropped waistlines and narrow belts. These clean lines made the fashion world sit up and take notice. Her approach and originality led to Prada being the status symbol of the 1990s.

Prada's continued influence today

Like many businesses, things weren't all plain sailing for Prada. There were several faux pas and years of low income from 2010 to 2014. However, the visionary spirit of the brand and continued commitment to interesting and unique materials has helped it revitalise, refocus, and, once again become a premier name in fashion.

Aside from its highly recognisable logo, what really makes Prada relevant today is how it embraces the femininity of its clothing line. It mixes classic and bold items to create refined but modern fashion statements. The brand is always known to mix traditional accents with contemporary styles to create a minimalist and elegant look.

Interesting facts about Prada

A luxury company that has existed for a hundred years surely has interesting stories to tell. Prada also made its mark in popular culture. Here are some interesting tidbits about this fashion powerhouse:

The founder, Mario Prada, didn't believe that women should have a place in business. The irony was that his son had no interest in the business, meaning that his daughter had to take over running it. After twenty years at the helm, she passed the business onto her own daughter (Miuccia) in 1978.

Prada created the LG Prada Phone, an entirely touch screen phone, that came out six months before the first iPhone.

Miuccia isn't worried about fakes. The Prada logo is best known to those who truly care about genuine items. She sees copied or counterfeit merchandise as a compliment and she believes it helps promote the exclusivity of the real thing.

The film, 'The Devil Wears Prada,' was based on Anna Wintour-the editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine and a powerful fashion personality. Even though she was not invited to the movie premiere, she turned up anyway-in full Prada clothing.

Conclusion

Prada has been in existence for a century but despite rapid market changes, it managed to remain at the forefront of fashion. Its mix of classic and modern design pieces made it a timeless favorite among fashion enthusiasts and high-class personalities.