Miuccia Prada
 |
Miuccia Prada | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 10, 1949 |
| Nationality | Italian |
| Education | Ph.D. in Political Science[1] |
| Label(s) | Prada Miu Miu |
| Spouse | Patrizio Bertelli |
| Awards | Council of Fashion Designers of America International Award (1993) |
Miuccia Prada Italian pronunciation: [ˌmjuʧːa ˈpɾaːda] (born Miuccia Prada Bianchi;[2] 10 May 1949) is an Italian fashion designer (Prada, Miu Miu) and entrepreneur. She also has a Ph.D. in Political Science.[1]
Life and career
Prada was born in Milan, the youngest granddaughter of Mario Prada, founder of the company. According to: Forbes.com's The World's Richest People 2001: "She and her husband, Patrizio Bertelli, took over the family-owned luxury goods manufacturer in 1978. Since then, they've turned it into a fashion powerhouse, acquiring Jil Sander, Helmut Lang and shoemaker Church & Co." Prada is a collector of contemporary art and owns several artworks by Young British Artists (YBAs) including Damien Hirst. In 2002, she opened a contemporary art space, Fondazione Prada, which exhibits work by various international artists. Prada announced the winner of the 2010 Turner Prize.[3]
Miuccia Prada was born on May 10, 1949 in Milan, Italy. After graduating with a PhD in Political Science,[1] Miuccia attended Teatro Piccolo to study and perform as a mime for five years. She was known to be a member of the Communist party and a champion for women’s rights during the seventies in Milan. In 1978 she entered into her family’s business of manufacturing luxury leather bags, a company established by her grandfather in 1913. Around the same time Miuccia met her now husband and business partner, Patrizio Bertelli. In 1985, Miuccia had her first hit when she designed a line of black, finely woven nylon handbags that instantly became a hit. By 1989, Miuccia designed and introduced her first women’s ready-to-wear collection that was critically acclaimed; men’s wear followed in 1995. Miu Miu was introduced in 1992 as a less expensive women’s wear line that was inspired by Miuccia’s personal wardrobe and nickname. Miuccia was honored with the prestigious Council of Fashion Designers of American International Award in 1993. The following year she showed her collections in both New York’s and London’s fashion week, although she had already become a staple of Milan’s fashion week. Muiccia’s husband, Patrizio Bertelli, is still the predominant business force in the company who is responsible for the commercial side of products and Prada’s retail strategy. The design house has grown into an international conglomerate that added labels such as Fendi, Helmut Lang, Jill Sander, and Azzedine Alaia to its portfolio of brands. Muiccia Prada is known for her understated, minimalist, classic, cool, and comfortable luxury. The company has expanded into leather goods, shoes, fragrances, and apparel for both men and women. Prada currently has about 250 stores in 65 countries.
References
- ^ a b c Craven, Jo. "Miuccia Prada - Biography". Vogue. Retrieved 1 October 2011.
- ^ Dana Thomas, Deluxe, New York: Penguin Press, 2007
- ^ Hillary Alexamder, "Miuccia Prada to present the Turner Prize," The Daily Telegraph, October 15, 2010. Retrieved 22-11-10.