Designer Spotlight x Miuccia Prada

PRADA 
The house that Prada built, was not by her own design...

  (Prada logo)

The Italian company was formed in 1913, by Mario Prada (Miuccia's grandfather), and although he did not encourage women being a part of the workforce (after his death in the 1950's), ownership of Prada was given to Miuccia's father (who passed on the opportunity), ultimately going to her mother... who in-turn passed the reigns down to Miuccia in the 1970's.

 

(Miuccia Prada)

By 1978, Miuccia was in full control of the family business (which started as a leather goods company), but saw a slow rise to success in trying to brand an identity; and to much surprise, the now FAMOUS nylon-backpack emblazoned with the Prada triangle-logo, was not launched in the 1990's, but was unveiled in 1979!!!

 (Prada x nylon backpack, 1979)

Prada's first, women's ready-to-wear collection was shown in 1989, and men's was introduced in 1995. In 1997, Prada's bridge label, Miu Miu, along with the infamous 'red-stripe' Prada Sport label was launched.

(Prada x Miu Miu logo)

 (Prada x Prada Sport logo)

Between 1998-2000, Prada bought stake in Helmut Lang, Jil Sander and Gucci, in order to internationally compete in the luxury goods market against LVMH, PPR, et al. And in 2006, the film (as well as the book), The Devil Wears Prada, helped to further propel the brand to the masses.

(The Devil Wears Prada, by Lauren Weisberger, 2003)

Moreover, at the age of 62, Miuccia Prada is a fashion design veteran, a CFDA award-winner, holds a Ph.D. in Political Science, and along with her husband Patrizio Bertelli (CEO of Prada Holding, B.V.), is a well-paid billionaire; Prada S.p.A. 1913 (HKG) is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (shares are currently selling at $35.15 per share).

 (Prada x Spring/Summer 2012 collection)

(Prada x Spring/Summer 2012 collection)

  (Miuccia Prada x Spring/Summer 2012 collection)

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References:
www.google.com, www.forbes.com, www.fundinguniverse.com, www.quotes.wsj.com/HK/1913, www.nowfashion.com, www.prada.com