Though it started as a leather goods shop in 1913 by brothers Martino and Mario Prada, Mario's great-granddaughter Miuccia Prada would transform the company into the design powerhouse it is today. First would be her line of waterproof backpacks and totes in 1979 that would go on to inspire the release of Prada's definitive nylon handbags in 1984. In 1989, Miuccia and her partner Patrizio Bertelli launched Prada's first ready-to-wear line, which instantly gained recognition for its clean lines and luxe fabrics.
Now with Miuccia at the helm for more than 30 years, Prada has been shaped by artful, whimsical talent that takes us from ladylike, curve-conscious dressing one season to dramatic textures and boxy shapes the next. Its fan base and influence know no bounds — and it's not hard to see why the label has remained a fashion mainstay and a design-house heavy hitter. Look back at some of the brand's most memorable runway looks.
— Additional reporting by Robert Khederian
Supermodel Natasha Poly opened the show in a chic black dress layered over a gray turtleneck, which was followed by some double-breasted coats piped in metallic leather or dark fur.
When the black coat lined with thick strips of bright red and yellow fur came down the runway, it was a refreshing shock — and a bit of foreshadowing that the rest of the collection would be bright, too.
In fact, the rest of the collection was filled with bold color and patterns that seemed, in a way, more optimistic than the house's recent collections.
If you're a fan of colorblock, we have a feeling you'll fall for the Spring 2014 lineup.
Prada took inspiration from pop artists for its sporty Spring collection, which featured pictures of women on some garments.
For evening, off-the-shoulder dresses were layered to perfection unexpectedly over wool cardigans. The result epitomized laid-back elegance.
The brilliance of this collection was the obvious dichotomies on display. Think oil-slicked locks paired with the most opulent of furs.
Three of the collection's signatures were on display in this look: silk, origami folds, and a bold Warhol-inspired poppy print.
For Spring, Miuccia looked east for inspiration. The prints, shapes, and accessories (most notably the leather judo socks!) brought Asian flair to the runway.
Prada's Spring '12 show featured bandeau tops paired with jackets and high-waisted skirts.
Bold textures and prints added to the whimsical, dramatic effect of the Fall '11 line.
For Fall 2011, Prada mixed childlike whimsy with adult glamour — like gorgeous paillettes, adorning jackets and skirts.
A stark white shift made a perfect contrast against the line's high-impact accessories.
Fall 2010 showcased a retro-infused collection with modern edge in the form of a patent pencil.
This bustier-topped dress continued the call to feminine dressing throughout the Spring '09 collection.
Separates tempered some of the bolder looks, but texture remained a constant — even on this simply stated sweater and pencil skirt.
Fall '07 fused an edgier aesthetic with fringed statement coats, focusing on more dramatic cuts and textures.