| In the designer handbag industry of today Prada, Gucci, | | | | allowed Miuccia to focus on perfecting the designs of |
| Louis Vuitton and Coach purses are the epitome of | | | | the new Prada image and look. The Pocone handbag |
| luxury and style. The House of Prada has been in | | | | that was introduced in 1985 became an overnight |
| existence for almost one hundred years and is a | | | | success and launched the Prada name deeper into the |
| pioneer in elegant, simple high-fashion purses and | | | | spotlight. Although the Pocone was practical and |
| handbags. The Prada label was founded in 1913 by | | | | well-made, it was also very high fashion and was a bit |
| Mario Prada. He first began by selling shoes, trunks, | | | | on the pricey side. The industry of fashion replicas took |
| and leather handbags and almost instantly was widely | | | | off, and more and more women wanted to own an |
| recognized with success in the United States and in | | | | authentic Prada purse. |
| Europe. Later, Prada opened two boutiques in Milan, | | | | Prada has now become a worldwide empire and is |
| Italy. | | | | regarded as the first name in designer handbags. |
| The very early suitcases that were made by Prada | | | | There are Prada stores in just about every country |
| were composed of heavy walrus skin and did not do | | | | here in the western world. What better way to get |
| well for air travel. Therefore, Prada began | | | | free advertising than to have celebrities carry around |
| concentrating on fine leather handbags as well as | | | | Prada handbags? The Prada look has evolved and |
| accessories. New materials were incorporated such | | | | diversified through the years and it is with profound |
| as tortoise shell, crystal and wood. In the U.S. markets, | | | | thanks to Miuccia that she has steered Prada in the |
| waterproof garments were sold as well. No matter | | | | right direction while all the while maintaining the highest |
| how successful Prada was, the company began to | | | | quality. |
| decline in the 1970's. There would soon be a new age | | | | If you are looking to find an authentic Prada purse or |
| in the history of Prada. | | | | handbag, there are several sites on the Internet that |
| The granddaughter of Mario Prada, Miuccia Prada, | | | | you may want to try. However, you must realize that |
| took the company over in 1978. She had spent five | | | | Prada purses do not come cheap. I hope you have |
| years studying in Milan at the Teatro Piccolo where | | | | allowed room in your budget if you really have to have |
| she earned a doctorate in political science. Miuccia had | | | | one. q The leather handbags begin with a price tag of |
| an inborn ability to recognize good fashion and she | | | | just above $1,000 and can balloon all the way past |
| steered the Prada name into the world of the elite | | | | $2,000. Some of the nylon handbags are a little more |
| fashion designers. Miuccia began to make backpacks | | | | reasonably priced and begin at around $700. They can |
| and luxury tote bags out of sleek black nylon material. | | | | easily run up to $1,500. Just remember, you are buying |
| At about the same time she married Patrizio Bertelli | | | | quality and the Prada name. |
| who took over the role of business manager. This | | | | |