Prada & Miu Miu

The Vault

Does it take a woman who never wears jeans to build a brand valued at $2 billion? 

Miuccia Prada, granddaughter of founder Mario Prada, took over the company in 1978. Prada began as a fine leather good company in Milan, Italy in 1913 but soon turned into a fashion powerhouse. She began designing in the early 1980's and has produced perfection though fashion ever since. Surprisingly, Miuccia studied political science and then mime at the Piccolo Teatro di Milano, seeking a career in acting. While participating in politics, she also dipped into traditional craftsmanship and fashion design. After taking over her grandfathers company, fashion design took center stage as she began to explore and expand the brand.

"Women are successful designers because clothing today must express what many women deeply feel." -Miuccia Prada; answers.com/prada

Today, Prada is internationally known as one of the most innovative and successful companies of our time. With a cult following of celebrities, honorable mentions in countless films and books and notable awards, Prada is THE collection to watch from season after season to come.

The Valuables

Two key elements to help identify an iconic Prada design.--High Fashion yet so wearable!

1. Ingénue-esque yet sexy

Spring 2010 Runway; vogue.com

Spring 2011 Runway; vogue.com

2. Uber chic, nerd-chic, grandma chic, or minimalist-chic

 

Fall 2010 Runway- "grandma chic"; vogue.com

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Fall 2008 Runway- "minimalist chic"; vogue.com

The Lock
 

What can we expect from Prada for Fall 2011?

Return of the '60s!

Skirt length? four inches above the knee. Drop waist and trouser socks positioned inside block-heeled shoes. 

  

“It was about a lady, getting more innocent.” -Miuccia Prada, vogue.com
 

 Typical school-girl innocence with argyle and checks but as the collection progresses, things get a little weird.  Python and beaver trimmed collars, leather aviation caps, and serpent scaled frocks with serious blow-out hair style caps. 

We will agree with Vogue on this one and call this collection..."offbeat chic".

 

Prada Fall 2011 Runway; vogue.com

  The Key

Sibling brand - "Miu Miu"

Slightly more snazzy than sophisticated; Miu Miu was established in 1992 by Miuccia Prada, owner of the Prada Group. The inspiration behind the name of the sibling label was actually Miuccia Prada’s nickname growing up as a child. Slightly lower price points than Prada, equally as chic. You can find Miu Miu in a number of high-end stores as well as on the runway at fashion week!

Pre-Fall 2011; vogue.com

Resort 2011; vogue.com

Spring 2011; vogue.com