Prada was begun in 1913 by Mario Prada when he began selling shoes, leather handbags and trunks. He opened two boutiques in Milan after experience in Europe and the USA.

By the 1970s the company was going into decline.

Born in 1950, Miuccia Prada started making backpacks out of a waterproof fabric called Pocone in 1970.

In 1979 she took over the family business and expanded into luxury tote bags and backpacks in black with flat classic lines made from nylon.

In 1985 she launched a line of footwear for women and her first pret-a-porter clothing line using high quality fabrics. Her clean lines brought her fame and she became known for her understated elegance.

In 1993 she received an international award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America followed in 1995 by the Designer of the Year award.

In 1998 they opened their first menswear store in Los Angeles plus Prada stores in Las Vegas and Manhattan as well as Miu Miu's first North American store in Los Angeles.