The House of Savoy coat of arms and knotted rope on Prada’s seal herald that the iconic Italian luxury fashion house was named Official Supplier to the Italian Royal Household in 1919. Started in 1913 by Mario Prada, the brand’s original shop in Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II still has the mahogany shelves that displayed its early wares such as travel items and handbags. Today, these fine leather goods are joined by the clothing, wallets and other various accessories that keep the brand on the cutting edge of fashion.
When Mario Prada’s granddaughter, Miuccia Prada (b. 1949), inherited the business from her mother in the late 1970s, Prada was recognized for its quality craftsmanship, yet it was still a modest-sized company. Miuccia, an enthusiast of unconventional Italian filmmakers who’d earned a Ph.D. in political science, introduced the concept of using pocone — a military-grade water-resistant nylon that feels like silk.
Nylon revolutionized the fashion house’s business, with the first Prada nylon backpack released to universal acclaim in 1984. Soon the durable, water-resistant material was incorporated into Prada’s ready-to-wear collections for both men and women. No one had previously considered nylon a part of luxury fashion, and it wasn’t long before the family-owned company best known for its luggage was leading modern style that emphasized function as much as form.
Characterized by clean lines and a refined elegance that signaled the new direction of the legacy brand, Miuccia Prada debuted her first ready-to-wear collection for women in Fall/Winter 1988. More inventive fashion would follow in the ensuing years, such as the 1993 launch of the more affordable, more playful Miu Miu line, which was aimed at a younger audience, and the introduction of Prada Sport in 1997 — a collection now widely seen as prescient for its embrace of athleisure.
Prada has regularly gone against the grain to elevate styles that have long been out of fashion. In 1996, there were dresses and skirts in clashing patterns and muted earth tones that seemed flat and outdated, all worn with chunky high wedge sandals. Fanny packs followed three years later, and elaborate lace in 2008. Each season continues to bring new eye-catching innovations for the historic brand, including enhanced attention to sustainability with Prada Re-Nylon, a new line of bags created from recycled ocean plastic.
Today, find a wide variety of vintage Prada evening dresses, bags and other items on 1stDibs.
PRADA fuchsia pink CROCODILE ZIP POUCH Clutch Bag
By Prada
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Prada mini clutch in fuchsia pink shiny crocodile. Designed in a sleek, elongated silhouette with a polished, structured feel, this striking piece showcases the natura...
PRADA red CROCODILE LONG FLAP Clutch Bag
By Prada
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Prada flap clutch in red shiny crocodile, crafted in a sleek, elongated silhouette that highlights the exquisite scale and natural luster of the exotic skin. This refi...
PRADA black CROCODILE LONG FLAP Clutch Bag
By Prada
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Prada flap clutch in black shiny croc, crafted in a sleek, elongated silhouette that highlights the exquisite scale and natural luster of the exotic skin. This refined...
LOUIS VUITTON Fuchsia pink Epi leather EMILIE Wallet
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Louis Vuitton Emilie Epi Wallet in Fuchsia is crafted from textured Epi leather, offering a vibrant yet refined finish. Design...
PRADA white CROCODILE LONG FLAP Clutch Bag
By Prada
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Prada flap clutch in white shiny crocodile, crafted in a sleek, elongated silhouette that highlights the exquisite scale and natural luster of the exotic skin. This re...
PRADA cognac brown MATTE CROCODILE Clutch Bag
By Prada
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Prada clutch in cognac brown crocodile. Crafted in a sleek, elongated silhouette with a refined, softly structured feel, this elegant piece highlights the rich depth o...
Prada Pink Crocodile Micro Cahier Bag with Gold Hardware
By Prada
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This authentic Prada Pink Crocodile Micro Cahier Bag is in pristine condition. Bright pink crocodile with gold hardware. Long gold tone chain strap. Dust bag included. PBF 13769
Prada Vintage Pink Bufalino Chic Pochette
By Prada
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Prada Vintage Pink Bufalino Chic Pochette SKU: 154213 Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Good Condition Comments: Item is in good condition with apparent signs o...
Prada Saffiano Leather Compact Wallet Pink
By Prada
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Indulge in elegance with the Prada Leather Compact Wallet in Pink—a chic accessory that effortlessly combines style with practicality. Crafted from Prada's signature Saffiano cross-grain leather, this wallet is not just a functional item; it's a fashion statement. Imagine holding a wallet that captures the essence of luxury in a delightful shade of pink. The gold Prada logo on the partitioned zipper compartment adds a touch of opulence, while the snap on the back opens to reveal a compact leather interior designed with meticulous attention to detail. The thoughtfully organized interior features card slots, patch pockets, and a bill compartment—providing ample space for your essentials without compromising on style. The combination of functionality and elegance makes this wallet the perfect companion for those who appreciate both form and utility. Make a statement with the Prada Saffiano Leather Compact Wallet in Pink. Elevate your daily interactions with a touch of luxury, and let the world see that your style is as practical as it is sophisticated. Because with Prada, every detail is a testament to timeless craftsmanship and impeccable design. Pair this with a Prada Saffiano leather handbag...
rare PRADA Vintage glossy pink scaled leather silver clasp chain shoulder bag
By Miuccia Prada, Prada
Located in Hong Kong, NT
rare PRADA Vintage glossy pink scaled leather silver clasp chain shoulder bag Reference: MELK/A00389 Brand: Prada Designer: Miuccia Prada Material: Leather Color: Pink, Silver Patter...
Prada Elektra Pink Crossbody Bag
By Prada
Located in London, GB
This Prada crossbody bag has been crafted with premium saffiano and smooth leather. It features studs and a detachable black strap with unique rivets. With a spacious main compartmen...
Prada 2010s Red Crocodile Leather Bauletto Bag with Gold Hardware
By Prada
Located in London, GB
Red crocodile leather exterior with natural scale texture Gold-tone hardware Double rolled top handles Zip closure at top Leather-lined interior with zip pocket Includes clochette, l...
