In the designer handbag industry of today Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Coach purses are the epitome of luxury and style. The House of Prada has been in existence for almost one hundred years and is a pioneer in elegant, simple high-fashion purses and handbags. The Prada label was founded in 1913 by Mario Prada. He first began by selling shoes, trunks, and leather handbags and almost instantly was widely recognized with success in the United States and in Europe. Later, Prada opened two boutiques in Milan, Italy.



The very early suitcases that were made by Prada were composed of heavy walrus skin and did not do well for air travel. Therefore, Prada began concentrating on fine leather handbags as well as accessories. New materials were incorporated such as tortoise shell, crystal and wood. In the U.S. markets, waterproof garments were sold as well. No matter how successful Prada was, the company began to decline in the 1970's. There would soon be a new age in the history of Prada.

The granddaughter of Mario Prada, Miuccia Prada, took the company over in 1978. She had spent five years studying in Milan at the Teatro Piccolo where she earned a doctorate in political science. Miuccia had an inborn ability to recognize good fashion and she steered the Prada name into the world of the elite fashion designers. Miuccia began to make backpacks and luxury tote bags out of sleek black nylon material.

At about the same time she married Patrizio Bertelli who took over the role of business manager. This allowed Miuccia to focus on perfecting the designs of the new Prada image and look. The Pocone handbag that was introduced in 1985 became an overnight success and launched the Prada name deeper into the spotlight. Although the Pocone was practical and well-made, it was also very high fashion and was a bit on the pricey side. The industry of fashion replicas took off, and more and more women wanted to own an authentic Prada purse.

Prada has now become a worldwide empire and is regarded as the first name in designer handbags. There are Prada stores in just about every country here in the western world. What better way to get free advertising than to have celebrities carry around Prada handbags? The Prada look has evolved and diversified through the years and it is with profound thanks to Miuccia that she has steered Prada in the right direction while all the while maintaining the highest quality.

If you are looking to find an authentic Prada purse or handbag, there are several sites on the Internet that you may want to try. However, you must realize that Prada purses do not come cheap. I hope you have allowed room in your budget if you really have to have one. q The leather handbags begin with a price tag of just above $1,000 and can balloon all the way past $2,000. Some of the nylon handbags are a little more reasonably priced and begin at around $700. They can easily run up to $1,500. Just remember, you are buying quality and the Prada name.