Miuccia Prada

Birth: May 10, 1949
Place of birth: Milan, Italy
Couture line: Prada

Maria Bianchi Prada, professionally known as, Miuccia Prada, took over her family owned business and has turned it into a fashion powerhouse. Maria who is entirely in charge of her company's creative decisions bases her decisions on her strong intuitions. While Maria takes care of the creative flow of the company her husband takes charge of the finances of the company. The brand surprises each time with its use of a specific material in an unusual context and the consequence is the astonishment on how wonderfully it fits the product.

Early life
Mario Prada was born in Milan, Italy on May 10, 1949. After completing her graduation she did her further studies attaining PhD degree in Political Science. She also attended Teatro Piccolo for five years, where she both studied and performed mime. She was also a member of the Communist Party and an outspoken proponent for women's right. She inherited the "Prado" organization which basically dealt in leather goods and was founded by her grandfather and along with her husband reformed its appearance completely. Though she came from the highly contradictory world of politics and was a new entrant in the glamour and glitz world she contemplated and produced designs which actually reformed global fashion.

Promotions and success
It was in the year 1985 that the brand achieved its first major success with the introduction of the signature Prada handbag. A classic, black nylon bag, it was simultaneously delicate but sturdy. In 1989, it brought out its first ready-to-wear collection which was an instant rage. The success bandwagon continued in the year 1992 as well with the release of Miu Miu, a slightly cheaper bridge line. All the hard work culminated in 1993 when Prada was honored with a Council of Fashion Designers of America International Award. The following year, she had earned enough fashion recognition to debut in New York and London. Her two lines are currently staples at Milan's fashion week.

Brand and Clientele
Prada is said to be the most prominent example of a new form of inward-directed luxury. Her line of clothes are describes as cool, comfortable, pure, graceful, and minimalist. They reflect an understated luxury which is sort after these days. Her clothes avoid being filled with loud coloring. The brand deals with apparels for both men and women, leather products, underwear, shoes, new skiing line, fragrance, watches wallets, handbags, etc. Prada operates from about 250 stores in 65 countries. It also provides online buying facilities.