Prada
Prada, orginally known as Fratelli Prada, was founded by Mario Prada in 1913. For several decades, the company continued to sell leather goods such as leather handbags, suitcases and trunks, and leather shoes, until 1978, when Miuccia Prada inherited the business, passed down to her from her grandfather to her mother, and turned it into a couture business. The first collection, or ”ready-to-wear” collection was designed in 1989. In 1992, the Miu Miu collection was established, which targeted younger individuals and offered its products at more affordable prices. This collection displayed a more bohemian look, and consisted of clothing with earthier colors than the other collections. A year later, in 1993, Prada was awared the Council of Fashion Designers of America award for its beautifully designed accessories, and two years later, Miuccia Prada won the ”Designer of the Year” award for her amazing talent and achievements. The Prada Sport Collection was then introduced, which even went as far as to design and manufacture tennis shoes. 1990 brought much success to the company, as by that time, Prada had gained immense recognition, and was regarded as a leading force in the fashion industry. The signature look at this time included colors such as greys, blacks, and creams, and simplicity was the essense. Prada bags, handbags, and purses can range from $200 to even over $2000, depending on the style. There are Prada bags made out of genuine leather, which are much more expensive than the ones made out of cheaper material. Prada eyewear and Prada sunglasses can typically cost around $200. Prada shoes are offered in a variety of styles, including high heels, pumps, sandals, and flats. They can cost up to $600, but there are shoes that are around $200 as well. The essense of Prada embodies synthetic fabrics, dark colors such as greys, blacks, forest greens, mixed with lighter, neutral colors like creams, and simplicity in style. Although her designs, especially in clothing, have been regarded as plain, they are never discredited or regarded as bad design, for each and every single piece utilizes impeccable tailoring and exquisite fabrics.