Prada facts for kids
Logo since 2002
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Prada boutique at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan, Italy
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| Public | |
| Traded as | SEHK: 1913 |
| Industry | Fashion |
| Founded | 1913 (as Fratelli Prada) |
| Founder | Mario Prada |
| Headquarters |
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Area served
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Worldwide |
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Key people
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Andrea Guerra (CEO) Miuccia Prada (Executive director) Patrizio Bertelli (chairman) |
| Products | Luxury goods |
| Revenue |  €5.431 billion (2024) |
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Operating income
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€1.28 billion (2024) |
| €838.9 million (2024) |
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| Total assets | €8.55 billion (2024) |
| Total equity | €4.39 billion (2024) |
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Number of employees
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15,216 (2024) |
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Prada is a famous Italian luxury fashion company. It was started in 1913 in Milan, Italy, by a man named Mario Prada. The company is known for making high-quality leather handbags, travel bags, shoes, and clothing. Prada also works with other companies to create eyewear, perfumes, and makeup under its brand name.
When it first opened, Prada sold fancy leather items and travel trunks imported from England. But in the 1970s, Mario's granddaughter, Miuccia Prada, took over. Along with her husband, Patrizio Bertelli, she changed the company's direction. They started using a special waterproof nylon fabric, which became very popular.
By the 1990s, Prada was seen as one of the world's top luxury brands because of its unique and creative designs. Miuccia Prada also started a new brand called Miu Miu for younger customers. Over the years, Prada has grown into a major global company with billions of euros in sales.
Contents
The History of Prada
How It All Began
In 1913, Mario Prada and his brother Martino opened a shop called Fratelli Prada (which means Prada Brothers) in Milan. Their store was located in a beautiful shopping gallery called the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. They sold high-quality leather bags, trunks for traveling, and other luxury items.
Interestingly, Mario Prada did not think women should be involved in business. He tried to keep female family members out of his company. However, his son was not interested in taking over. So, his daughter Luisa ran the company for nearly 20 years. In 1970, Luisa's daughter, Miuccia Prada, joined the family business and took charge in 1978.
A New Direction
Miuccia Prada had fresh ideas for the company. She started designing waterproof backpacks using a type of nylon fabric called Pocono. In 1977, she met Patrizio Bertelli, who had his own leather goods business. He gave her advice on how to grow the company, like stopping the import of English products and focusing on their own unique designs.
Together, Miuccia and Bertelli turned Prada into a modern fashion powerhouse. Miuccia's creative designs and Bertelli's business skills were a perfect match. In 1979, she released her first line of backpacks and tote bags. At first, they were hard to sell because they were expensive and not widely advertised. But soon, they became a huge success.
In 1983, Prada opened a second store in Milan. They also began opening stores in other major cities like Paris, Madrid, and New York City. In 1985, Miuccia designed the "classic Prada handbag," which became incredibly popular overnight. It was simple, stylish, and very well-made, setting the standard for Prada's signature look.
Becoming a Fashion Icon in the 1990s
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During the 1990s, Prada became one of the most influential fashion houses in the world. Its designs were known for being original and different. Miuccia Prada introduced a style that some called “ugly chic.” This style used unusual fabrics and shapes that challenged traditional ideas of beauty in fashion. People loved it because it was smart and daring.
Unlike other luxury brands, Prada didn't put its logo on everything. This "anti-status" image made the brand even more cool and desirable.
In 1992, Miuccia launched a new brand called Miu Miu, which was her nickname. Miu Miu was aimed at younger customers and had a more playful style. The company continued to grow, opening a huge boutique in New York City in 1996.
To become a bigger player in the fashion world, Prada began to buy other luxury companies. They bought parts of brands like Jil Sander, Church & Company, and Fendi. This helped Prada compete with other large fashion groups.
Prada in the 21st Century
In the 2000s, Prada continued to be a major force in fashion. The company introduced skincare products and perfumes.
One fashion show in 2008 became well-known for a surprising reason. The models wore very high heels with slippery silk socks inside, which made it difficult to walk. A few models stumbled or fell on the runway. Miuccia Prada explained that the shoes sold in stores would have lower heels to make them easier to wear.
In recent years, Prada has focused on new ideas and being more responsible. In 2019, the company announced it would stop using animal fur in all its collections. In 2020, it also stopped using kangaroo leather.
In February 2020, the Belgian designer Raf Simons joined the company as a co-creative director, working alongside Miuccia Prada. In 2023, Andrea Guerra became the new CEO to help lead the company into the future.
Acquiring Versace
On April 10, 2025, Prada made a major move by acquiring the famous Italian fashion brand Versace for 1.25 billion euros. This purchase was a big step for Prada, helping it build a powerful Italian fashion group that can compete with large French companies. Prada's chairman, Patrizio Bertelli, said that the company plans to respect Versace's unique style while helping it grow.
Prada's Creative World
Fashion Shows
Prada presents its new clothing collections at runway shows in Milan every season. These shows are major events in the fashion world.
- 1988: Prada held its first womenswear show in Milan.
- 1998: The first menswear show was held in Milan.
Many famous models have walked in Prada's shows, including Daria Werbowy and Sasha Pivovarova. Prada has also featured well-known actors in its menswear shows, such as Gary Oldman and Adrien Brody.
Amazing Stores
Prada is known for its unique and artistic stores, called "Epicenters." The company has hired famous architects like Rem Koolhaas to design these special flagship stores.
- 1913: The very first Prada store opened in Milan.
- 2001: The Broadway Epicenter opened in New York City.
- 2003: The Tokyo Epicenter opened, famous for its glass bubble-like structure.
- 2004: The Los Angeles Epicenter opened.
- 2012: Prada opened its largest boutique in the world in Dubai's Mall of the Emirates.
Other Prada Products
Costume Design
Miuccia Prada has also designed costumes for movies and theater.
- In 2010, she designed costumes for the opera Attila at the Metropolitan Opera in New York.
- In 2013, she worked with costume designer Catherine Martin to create costumes for the movie The Great Gatsby.
Perfumes and Cosmetics
Prada began creating perfumes in 2004. Some of its popular fragrances include Prada Candy and Luna Rossa. In 2023, Prada also launched its own line of makeup and skincare, called Prada Color and Prada Skin.
Technology and Space
Prada has also explored technology. In 2007, the company worked with LG Electronics to create the LG Prada mobile phone, one of the first phones with a touchscreen.
More recently, Prada partnered with Axiom Space in 2024. The company is helping to design the spacesuits that NASA astronauts will wear on the Artemis III mission to the Moon.
Supporting Sports and the Planet
Sailing and Sports
Patrizio Bertelli loves sailing, which led Prada to create its own sailing team, Luna Rossa, in 1997. The team competes in the famous America's Cup race. Prada became the main sponsor for the challenger series of the 2021 America's Cup, which was renamed the Prada Cup.
Protecting the Environment
Prada is committed to environmental sustainability. In 2019, the company teamed up with UNESCO to create SEA BEYOND, an educational program for young people about protecting the ocean. The program teaches students about the dangers of ocean pollution.
Prada supports this project by donating 1% of the sales from its Re-Nylon collection, which is made from recycled materials.
Images for kids
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Prada store, Sydney
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Prada window display at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan
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Silver leather wedges by Prada, 2005. Collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum
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See also
In Spanish: Prada (casa de moda) para niños
- Lavender Prada dress of Uma Thurman
