Prada

Prada S.p.A. is one of the most recognizable names in Italian luxury fashion, with a history that stretches back over a century. Founded in Milan in 1913 by Mario Prada, the house began as a purveyor of fine leather goods, importing English suitcases and handbags. Today, under the creative direction of Miuccia Prada and the business acumen of her husband Patrizio Bertelli, it stands as a global powerhouse known for its intellectual, often unconventional approach to style.

Miuccia, who took over in the late 1970s, transformed the brand with her use of industrial nylon and minimalist designs, turning Prada into a symbol of understated cool. Her vision expanded with the launch of Miu Miu in 1993, a younger, more playful line that has become a favorite on red carpets and runways alike. The company also made strategic moves in the late 1990s, partnering with LVMH to acquire a stake in Fendi and backing LVMH's failed takeover of Gucci.

After a rough patch in the late 2000s and 2010s, which included a scrapped IPO on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, Prada rebounded strongly in the early 2020s. By 2022, revenues hit €4.2 billion, with profits of €776 million, and the brand consistently ranks among the most desirable in the world. As Miuccia and Bertelli move toward retirement, they have brought in former Luxottica CEO Andrea Guerra to guide the transition, while their children prepare to take the reins. [edit]