Devils Always Wear Prada: The Evolution of a Belle Epoque Brand
Founded in Milan in 1913 by the Italian brothers Mario and Martino Prada, the original business focused on producing and selling luxury leather goods to an aristocratic and royal elite. With the advent of ready-to-wear and the expansion of fashion retail in the 1970s, Prada entered the global market under the direction of the founder’s granddaughter, Miuccia Prada. The now iconic black nylon backpack featuring the silver Prada logo became one of the most sought-after fashion accessories as the brand expanded into women’s and men’s wear lines.
Fashion historian Natalie Nudells joins the Gilded Gentleman table to discuss the evolution of the brand and how the influences of Fashion Week, retail boutique expansion and the launch of sub-brand Miu Miu all contributed to a modern fashion brand projecting style, power, and authority.
Natalie Nudell is the author of “In American Fashion: Ruth Finley’s Fashion Calendar,” available wherever books are sold.
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