What Did Prada Originally Sell?

If you’re familiar with the luxury fashion brand Prada, you might associate it with high-end clothing, accessories, and fragrances. However, did you know that Prada didn’t start out as a fashion brand? In fact, the company’s origins lie in a different industry altogether.

The Beginnings of Prada

In 1913, Mario Prada founded Fratelli Prada in Milan, Italy along with his brother Martino. The company initially sold leather goods such as trunks and handbags. The products were designed with functionality in mind and were made from high-quality materials.

Prada’s Evolution

After Mario’s son Aldo took over the business in 1952, he expanded the company’s offerings to include women’s shoes. This move proved successful and helped to establish Prada as a well-known fashion brand.

In the 1980s, Miuccia Prada (Mario’s granddaughter) took over the company and further expanded its product lines. She began designing clothing and accessories that were more modern and avant-garde than what was typically seen in the fashion world at the time.

Prada Today

Today, Prada is known for its innovative designs and luxurious materials. Its product lines include clothing for men and women, footwear, handbags, eyewear, fragrances, and more. Despite expanding far beyond its original focus on leather goods, Prada has still managed to maintain its reputation for quality craftsmanship.

Final Thoughts

It’s fascinating to think about how much a company can evolve over time. While it may have started out selling something as simple as leather trunks and bags, today Prada is synonymous with high-end fashion. Its success serves as a testament to the power of innovation and forward-thinking leadership.

  • Key Takeaways:
  • Prada was founded in 1913 and originally sold leather goods such as trunks and handbags.
  • The company expanded into women’s shoes in the 1950s and then into clothing and accessories under the leadership of Mario Prada’s granddaughter, Miuccia Prada.
  • Despite its evolution, Prada has maintained its reputation for quality craftsmanship.

No matter what industry a company starts in, it’s always possible to adapt and evolve over time. Prada serves as a great example of how a brand can stay relevant by staying true to its values while also embracing change.