Now a status symbol for the rich and famous, the Prada label is almost 100 years old, and has come a long way from its humble beginnings.
It has always been associated heavily with handbags, and creator Mario Prada began his career selling shoes, leather handbags and trunks, with his success at this eventually leading to him opening two Milan-based boutiques, which draw on the experience he had gained in both the USA and Europe.
The original Prada set piece was a suitcase, which was made of heavy walrus skin. However, the increased frequency of air travel saw a necessity in the market for lighter baggage, and so Prada began manufacturing such items, as well as top of the range items which were made form such unusual materials as crystals, tortoise shell and wood. In addition, they sold waterproof items to the US.
The company began to go into decline in the 1970s, but was rescued by Miuccia Prada.
Miuccia was born in 1950, but only came into the family business 29 years later after picking up a doctorate in po
