History of Prada in Timeline

Prada S.p.A. is a renowned Italian luxury fashion house established in Milan in 1913 by Mario Prada. The company is known for its high-end clothing, handbags, shoes, and accessories. In addition to its own product lines, Prada licenses its brand to Luxottica for eyewear and L'Oréal for fragrances and cosmetics, expanding its reach and influence within the luxury market.

1913: Fratelli Prada Founded

In 1913, Mario Prada and his brother Martino founded Fratelli Prada as a leather goods shop in Milan, selling items such as steamer trunks, handbags, and jewellery.

1913: Company Founding and Initial Products

In 1913, Mario Prada founded the company, originally named for his family, selling imported English animal goods.

1913: Prada Founded in Milan

In 1913, Prada was founded in Milan, Italy, by Mario Prada, establishing an Italian luxury fashion house.

1970: Miuccia Prada Joins the Company

In 1970, Miuccia Prada, Luisa's daughter, joined the Prada company.

1977: Miuccia Meets Patrizio Bertelli

In 1977, Miuccia Prada met Patrizio Bertelli, who soon joined the company and advised her on business matters.

1978: Miuccia Inherits Prada

In 1978, Miuccia Prada inherited the company, with sales reaching $450,000 USD.

1978: Miuccia Prada Takes Over Prada

In 1978, Miuccia Prada succeeded Luisa and took over the management of Prada.

1979: Release of Backpacks and Totes

In 1979, Miuccia Prada released her first set of backpacks and totes made of military-spec black nylon.

1983: Opening of Second Boutique in Milan

In 1983, Prada opened a second boutique in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in Milan, reminiscent of the original shop.

1984: Release of Shoe Line

In 1984, Prada released a shoe line and began expanding across Europe and the United States.

1985: Release of Classic Prada Handbag

In 1985, Miuccia Prada released the "classic Prada handbag", which became an overnight sensation.

1987: Miuccia and Bertelli Married

In 1987, Miuccia Prada and Patrizio Bertelli married.

1988: Launch of Women's Ready-to-Wear Collection

In 1988, Prada launched its women's ready-to-wear collection, known for dropped waistlines and narrow belts.

1992: Launch of Miu Miu Brand

In 1992, Prada launched Miu Miu, a high fashion brand named after Miuccia's nickname, catering to younger consumers.

1993: CFDA Award for Accessories

In 1993, Prada was awarded the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) award for accessories.

1994: Sales Report

In 1994, Prada's sales reached US$210 million, with clothing sales accounting for 20%.

1995: CFDA Designer of the Year Award

In 1995, Prada won the CFDA award for "designer of the year".

1996: Turning Point in Prada's Aesthetics

1996 marked a turning point in Prada's aesthetics with the development of an "ugly chic" style, solidifying the brand's worldwide reputation.

1996: Opening of Prada Boutique in Manhattan

In 1996, Prada opened an 18,000 ft² boutique in Manhattan, New York, which was the largest in the chain at the time.

1996: Revenue Tripled Since 1996

Revenue tripled from that of 1996, to L2 trillion, elevating Prada to the top of the luxury goods market in Europe.

1997: Prada's Revenue in 1997

In 1997, Prada's revenue reached US$674 million, and another store opened in Milan.

January 1998: Bertelli Sells Shares to Arnault

In January 1998, Patrizio Bertelli sold his shares in Gucci to Bernard Arnault for a profit of US$140 million.

June 1998: Bertelli's Investment Return in Gucci Group

In June 1998, Patrizio Bertelli gained a 9.5% return on investment at US$260 million in the Gucci group.

1998: First Menswear Collection

In 1998, Prada released its first ready-to-wear menswear collection for Spring/Summer.

1998: Sales Report and US Business Leadership

In 1998, Prada's sales were reported at US$31.7 million, and Patrizio di Marco took charge of the business in the United States.

March 1999: Purchase of Helmut Lang's Company

In March 1999, Prada purchased 51% of Helmut Lang's company for US$40 million.

October 1999: Acquisition of Stake in Fendi S.p.A.

In October 1999, Prada joined with LVMH to buy a 51% stake in Fendi S.p.A., with Prada's share of the purchase worth US$241.5 million.

2000: Introduction of Skincare Products

In 2000, Prada introduced skincare products in unit doses in the United States, Japan, and Europe.

June 2001: Sale of Fendi Shares to LVMH

In June 2001, Bertelli sold all of Prada's 25.5% share in Fendi to LVMH for US$295 million.

2006: Sale of Fashion Labels

By 2006, Prada sold the Helmut Lang, Amy Fairclough, Ghee, and Jil Sander labels.

September 2008: Infamous Prada Spring/Summer 2009 Ready-to-Wear Fashion Show

On 23 September 2008, the Prada Spring/Summer 2009 Ready-to-Wear fashion show in Milan received infamous coverage due to models stumbling and falling on the catwalk. The models blamed the high heels and slippery socks inside the shoes, but designer Miuccia Prada did not blame the height of the shoes, but the silk little socks inside, which were slippery and moved inside of the shoes.

2009: Prada Spring/Summer 2009

The Prada Spring/Summer 2009 Ready-to-Wear fashion show in Milan got infamous coverage.

2010: Revenue Target for 2010

According to Fortune, Bertelli planned on increasing Prada's revenue to US$5 billion by 2010.

May 2011: Protests Against Prada's IPO Approval

On May 6, 2011, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange faced criticism for approving Prada's IPO despite the Prada Gender Discrimination Case, leading to protests.

June 2011: Listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange

On June 24, 2011, Prada was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, raising $2.14 billion, but failed to meet expectations.

2022: Annual Revenue and Profit in 2022

In 2022, Prada's annual revenue reached €4.2 billion, with a profit of €776 million.

December 2025: Prada Partners with Indian Corporations to Produce Luxury Sandals

In December 2025, Prada partnered with Sant Rohidas Leather Industries and Charmakar Development Corporation (LIDCOM) and the Dr. Babu Jagjivan Ram Leather Industries Development Corporation (LIDKAR) to produce 2,000 limited-edition luxury "Made in India" sandals inspired by Kolhapuri chappals, priced at 800 euros or $930 each. The collaboration includes training, skill exchange, and fair pay for artisans.

February 2026: Limited-Edition Collection Launch

In February 2026, the 'limited-edition collection' of luxury sandals, a collaboration between Prada and Indian corporations, will go on sale across 40 global stores and online. India projects $1 billion export potential from the traditional footwear.