The story of an Italian family

Prada’s story began in the spring of 1913, when Mario Prada and his brother Martino opened their first leather goods shop in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan.
Their business was a success and the Prada brothers soon became the official leather suppliers to the Royal House of Savoy. Their boutique, which specialized in luxury products, survived the First World War, Martino’s departure from the business and World War Two. Mario believed that women were incapable of doing business and placed all his hopes in his sons.
He remained manager until 1958, the year of his death, when, against all expectations, his sons decided to leave the company to their sisters Nanda and Luisa.

Miuccia’s entrance

The company truly began to evolve in 1977, the year in which Miuccia Prada – Luisa’s daughter – began to work in the business founded by her grandfather. She was shy but determined in her aesthetic choices. At that time, she took an active role in Italian political and social life: she was involved in the feminist movement and was a member of the Communist Party.
The company has enjoyed unstoppable success since Miuccia joined, from the first collection of ready-to-wear clothes in history, to Miuccia’s inclusion among the 50 most important women in the world, to the rise of her grandfather Mario’s company, which is now a leader in international fashion.

Innovation at the heart of everything

Miuccia Prada’s real success is due to her highly innovative sales technique and approach to designing clothes and accessories. Miuccia does not confine her collections to a fixed definition, but instead looks beyond. She constantly collaborates with internationally renowned architects, increasingly perfecting the design of the Prada shops.
Today she is ranked by Forbes as one of the most influential women in the world. Who knows what her grandfather Mario would have to say about her ascent.