Unless you’ve been living under a rock, chances are you are already familiar with the brand Prada. Prada was initially founded in 1913 by Mario Prada in Milan Italy, and over the next century quickly grew to become one of the most renowned Italian luxury fashion houses in the world. As of 2021, Miuccia Prada (daughter of Mario Prada), serves as the head designer at the Prada fashion house and has been responsible for some of Prada’s most iconic designs over the last few decades. Today, we pay homage to Prada by featuring 5 of their most iconic designs over the last 100 years, so if you’re into all things fashion this is one that you definitely don’t want to miss!
1.The Prada Galleria Handbag
The Prada Galleria bag made of iconic Saffiano leather with a crosshatch texture is characterized by its sophisticated simplicity. This timeless piece is known to be one of Prada’s most iconic designs featuring a double handle and detachable shoulder strap that allows your bag to be used as a handbag or worn as a crossbody bag. Like all iconic Prada bags, the Galleria is decorated with Prada’s world-famous logo on a leather triangle and gold-tone metal hardware, bearing the name of the historic Prada store that Mario Prada opened back in 1913. The Galleria is as versatile as it is beautiful, with enough space for a tablet, wallet, organiser and more.
2.The Silk Turban
Prada truly changed how we felt about turbans in 2007 when they launched their now infamous silk turbans that took the world by storm. A wide variety of other fashion designers such as Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan and Marc Jacobs quickly followed suit, all creating wonderful get-out clauses for women (or men) who may be having a bad hair day. The silk turban is crafted from a floral silk body with sequin embellishment on it and comes with an elasticated band at the rear to accommodate heads of all sizes. If you’re lucky enough, you may be able to find a second-hand turban online as Prada no longer stocks them as of 2021.
3.Nylon & Saffiano Leather Backpack
This list wouldn’t be complete without the mention of the world-famous Nylon & Saffiano Leather Backpack. This one came as a godsend for those who prefer the functionality of a backpack over a handbag, and this nylon backpack with luxurious Saffiano leather details has modernist charm and contemporary functionality. A fan favourite amongst men and part of the brand’s Re-Nylon collection, the Saffiano Leather Backpack features adjustable straps and a woven handle, front pockets with flap and buckle fastening, metal hardware and of course, the classic Prada enamelled metal triangle logo.
4.Prada Banana Print Skirt
Although Prada has made a name for itself as a designer of luxury bags, we can’t forget that they also create some of the world’s most unique clothing that is featured on runways and fashion shows all around the world. One design in particular, however, caught the eye of the masses in 2011. This was none other than that iconic Banana Print Skirt which was featured on the Spring 2011 Prada runway. This uniquely fruity garment was so popular that it even managed to convince Anna Wintour to swap her tasteful florals for bananas and also inspired a wide variety of copycat garments by popular retailers such as Asos and Forever 21.
5.Diagramme Bag
If there was a top prize for the world’s classiest handbag, the title definitely has to go to the Prada Diagramme Bag. This timelessly elegant bag features classic elements such as quilted leather and a high-quality classy chain that is sure to elevate any outfit from ordinary to full-on glamorous. Many compare this bag to Chanel’s Classic Flap Handbag and the Gucci Marmont, but there are distinct differences between the bags, mainly with Prada’s signature stitching that you really can’t go wrong with!
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The Flaming Stiletto
Last but not least, there was absolutely no way that we were going to leave the world-famous Flaming Stiletto out of today’s list. Prada’s 2012 flaming stiletto launched at their 2012 50s-inspired postmodern show and quickly garnered the attention of any and every woman with shoe obsession. These flamboyant, eccentric stilettos won the hearts of celebrities and fashionistas all over the world and featured a glossy paint job in siren red, tiny exhaust pipes as fixtures, polished chrome as accents and, most, of course, the cutout leather flames that trailed from the heel. Years later, the Flaming Stiletto remains one of Prada’s most prominent designs and is considered a prized-collectible amongst global shoe and fashion fanatics.
Style, luxury and class are all words that aptly describe Prada and it is no wonder that they remain as relevant today as they were during their humble origins. What is your personal favourite Prada design that you simply can’t live without? Leave us a comment and let us know!