Prada

Intellectual, chic, elegant, free ... no shortage of words to describe Prada's style. For over 100 years, the Milan design house has had undeniable success. Their secret formula? Miuccia Prada. The granddaughter of one of the founders and a political science graduate took the helm of the Italian label in 1978, transforming the saddler into a fashion giant. Founded in 1913 as Fratelli Prada by Mario and Martino Prada, the label originally sold leather goods. Miuccia Prada quickly led a small revolution within the label. In 1984, she presented a new concept, first misunderstood and later proving to be the brand's biggest successes: Nylon. Produced in a specialised military parachute factory, it took a few seasons for the material, once seen as the antithesis of luxury to become a bestseller. Encouraged by her husband, the brand's CEO Patrizio Bertelli, Miuccia Prada then embarked on ready-to-wear collections in 1988. Another wise choice for the brand, resulting in even faster growth. The brand's history wouldn't be complete without mentioning the Fondazione Prada, an institution located just outside of Milan that celebrates the label's strong links with arts and culture in all its forms.