Prada is yet another Italian company who got its start in the leather goods industry a century ago. Making its small mark in 1915, it wasn't until about the 1970s that business exploded and Prada handbags made a name for themself.
Although founded by Mario Prada, it wasn't until his granddaughter Miuccia Prada inherited the company that the leather goods business expanded into couture.
Being the interesting and great designer that she was, Miuccia would take her products and simplify them to a thing of beauty. It was her creative use of materials and simple modern lines that she was most noted for. Thus was the start in Prada's fame of being fashionable yet simple and elegant.
This simplifying of the design and beauty during the 80s, when all the other designers were going over the top, is what made Prada different. Taking such things as simple lines and nylon material to create a sleek chic handbag in the mid 80s would begin a new trend away from the rest of the fashion world at that time and breathe fresh air to items such as handbags. Since then Prada has always been a head of the rest with their simple, yet elegant style and class.
Since the 80s, Prada designs have become known for the over sized glasses and gaudy colors and accessories. Many have compared the newer designs and styles of Prada with the Gucci line, but the target market couldn't be any different. Gucci aims for the party club girls, while Prada wants that sophisticated woman who wants to be fashionable.
No matter what critics say and where Prada takes its designs, they will still always be known as the pentacle of contemporary fashion design, especially with their handbags. So when looking for that perfect chic simple handbag, Prada is probably the perfect bag for your collection