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 In 1996, there were dresses and skirts in clashing patterns and muted earth tones that seemed flat and outdated, all worn with chunky high wedge sandals.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 Tobacco Saffiano Leather Portamon Key Case Card Holder, 2016.
By Prada
Located in Banner Elk, NC
Prada Tobacco Saffiano Leather Portamon Key Case and Card Holder Wallet, 2016. The "Portamon" or Italian for "card holder" is a classic and traditional Prada piece made to the highes...
Hermès Gold Courchevel Leather Micro Trim 15cm with Gold Hardware, 1991.
By Hermès
Located in Banner Elk, NC
Hermès Gold Courchevel Leather Micro Trim 15cm Bag with Gold Hardware, 1991. Originally introduced in 1958, the Trim bag design pays homage to the brand’s long-running equestrian roo...
Gucci Tri-Color GG Marmont Matelassé Diagonal Leather Small Crossbody Bag, 2021
By Gucci
Located in Banner Elk, NC
Gucci Tri-Color GG Marmont Matelassé Diagonal Leather Small Crossbody Bag, 2021. The classic Gucci matelassé leather takes a new shape in this special limited edition "Tri Color Azal...
Bottega Veneta Mount Envelope Small White Leather Top Handle Crossbody Bag
By Bottega Veneta
Located in Banner Elk, NC
Bottega Veneta Mount Envelope Small White Leather Top Handle Crossbody Bag, 2021. This contemporary piece of fashion was introduced for the Fall 2...
Hermès Toile Canvas & Natural Peau Porc Leather Trim II 31cm Bag, 1992.
By Hermès
Located in Banner Elk, NC
Hermès Toile Canvas & Natural Peau Porc Leather Trim II 30cm Bag, 1992. Originally introduced in 1958, the Trim bag design pays homage to the brands long running equestrian roots dra...
Hermès "Orange H" Epsom Leather 25cm Birkin Bag with Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Banner Elk, NC
Hermès Orange H Epsom Leather 25cm Birkin Bag with Palladium Hardware, 2007. Originally introduced in the Late 20th Century, the Birkin bag was created during a chance encounter betw...
Prada Mango Saffiano Lux Leather Card Holder
By Prada
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This refined, modern, Saffiano-leather card holder features an iconic, enameled-metal triangle logo, which first appeared on trunks designed by Mario Prada i...
Prada, saffiano leather card holder in orange
By Prada
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Prada, saffiano leather card holder in orange. The item is in good condition. Light wear on the corners and some discoloration on the leather.
Prada Mens Bi-Fold Black & Grey Saffiano Leather Wallet
By Prada
Located in Sydney, New South Wales
Brand: Prada Product: Mens Bi-Fold Wallet Size: 11 l x 9.5 h x 2.5 d cm Colour: Black & Grey Material: Saffiano Leather Hardware: Silver Tone Condition: Pristine: The product is in...
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...
Prada Saffiano Leather Beige Color Gold Hardware Mini Wallet Bag
By Prada
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Prada Gender: Ladies Length: 8.00 inches Height: 4.50 inches Width: 1.00 inches Weight: 220.00 grams PRADA saffiano Mini bag. Engraved with "Made in Italy". The "P...
PRADA Marea blue Saffiano Shine leather SMALL Wallet 1MV204
By Prada
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Prada small bifold wallet is crafted from Marea blue Saffiano Shine leather, known for its signature crosshatch texture and glossy finish. It features a tonal ena...
