If you’re a fashion enthusiast, you must have heard of Prada – the Italian luxury fashion house that has been around for over a century. The brand is known for its high-end clothing, leather goods, accessories, and fragrances.
But have you ever wondered what Prada sold first? Let’s take a trip down memory lane to find out.
Founding of Prada
Prada was founded in Milan, Italy in 1913 by Mario Prada. Initially, the brand was named Fratelli Prada, which translates to “Prada Brothers” in English. Mario and his brother Martino started the business by selling leather goods such as trunks, handbags, and suitcases to wealthy customers.
What Did Prada Sell First?
Believe it or not, when Prada first opened its doors for business, the brand did not sell any products related to fashion. Instead, they sold leather goods that were designed for travel purposes only. These products included trunks and suitcases that were made from walrus skin and other animal hides.
The Transition to Fashion
Prada’s transition from a travel-focused company to fashion happened in the late 1970s when Miuccia Prada took over as the head of the company. Miuccia is Mario’s granddaughter and a graduate of political science who never had any formal training in fashion design.
Under Miuccia’s leadership, the brand started experimenting with new materials like nylon and incorporated them into their designs. Soon after that, Prada launched its first women’s ready-to-wear collection in 1989 at Milan Fashion Week.
The Success Story
The launch of their women’s ready-to-wear collection was a huge success for the brand. It marked their entry into high fashion and paved the way for future collections that featured bold colors, graphic prints, and unique Silhouettes.
Today, Prada is one of the most iconic fashion brands in the world. They have expanded their product line to include clothing for men and women, footwear, eyewear, fragrances, and more. The brand has also collaborated with several other designers such as adidas to create limited edition collections.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Prada started off as a brand that sold leather goods designed for travel purposes only. It wasn’t until Miuccia Prada took over that the brand transitioned into high fashion and started creating clothing for women. Today, Prada is a household name in the fashion industry and continues to be a trendsetter with its unique designs and innovative approach to fashion.