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 In 1996, there were dresses and skirts in clashing patterns and muted earth tones that seemed flat and outdated, all worn with chunky high wedge sandals.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 1990s Silver Tone Shield Sunglasses
By Prada
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Step into the epitome of 1990s chic with the Prada 1990s Silver Tone Shield Sunglasses. These classic shield-style sunglasses boast thin silver-tone rims, sleek black arms adorned with silver-tone Prada logos, and stylish blue-grey lenses. The timeless design exudes a sense of elegance and style, capturing the essence of a bygone era. As dead stock from a dealer in Manhattan...
Prada Semi Wrap-Around Silver Hardware with Lucite Glasses
By Prada
Located in New York, NY
Prada semi-wrap-around glasses is combined with silver hardware and lucite. The front measures 5 3/4", arms are 4 3/4", height is 1 1/2". The semi-wrap front measures 7 1/8" from cor...
Prada 1990s Silver Tone Green Rectangular Sunglasses
By Prada
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Step into a timeless era of fashion with the Prada 1990s Silver Tone Green Rectangular Sunglasses, a classic accessory that combines sophistication with a touch of vintage charm. These sunglasses feature thin silver-tone rims, paired with green arms adorned with silver-tone Prada logos, creating an elegant and chic look. The green/grey gradient lenses add a subtle and stylish finishing touch. As dead stock from a dealer in Manhattan...
Prada Steel-Gray Accented with Italian-Red 'Loop' Lucite Mirrored Sunglasses
By Prada
Located in New York, NY
Prada Lightweight Steel-Gray accented with Italian-Red 'Loop' lucite Mirrored sunglasses measures 5 3/4 inches across the front, height measures 2 inches, and the arms are 5 3/4...
Prada 1990s Silver Tone Aviator Sunglasses
By Prada
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Step into timeless elegance with the Prada 1990s Silver Tone Aviator Sunglasses, a classic aviator style that seamlessly blends sophistication with enduring style. These sunglasses feature thin silver-tone rims, black arms with striking red Prada logos, and silver-tone detailing, creating a look that is both chic and versatile. The grey lenses add a touch of understated elegance, making these sunglasses a stylish accessory for any occasion. As dead stock from a dealer in Manhattan...
Prada 1990s Silver Tone Aviator Sunglasses
By Prada
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Step into retro elegance with the Prada 1990s Silver Tone Aviator Sunglasses, a timeless accessory that perfectly blends classic style and contemporary flair. These sunglasses boast ...
Prada Brown Gradient Aviator Sunglasses
By Prada
Located in Amman, JO
Prada Brown Gradient Aviator Sunglasses Classic and effortless, these Prada aviator sunglasses feature a sleek metal frame paired with brown gradient lenses for a timeless look. Des...
Prada 1990s Black Silver Tone Aviator Sunglasses
By Prada
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Step into timeless sophistication with the Prada 1990s Black Silver Tone Aviator Sunglasses, a classic aviator style that effortlessly combines elegance with enduring style. These su...
Prada 1990s Black & Blue Tortoise Aviator Sunglasses
By Prada
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Enter the realm of timeless chic with the Prada 1990s Black & Blue Tortoise Aviator Sunglasses, a classic aviator style that effortlessly combines sophistication with a touch of cont...
Vintage PRADA Sleek Silver & Metallic Beige SPR 50 Sunglasses 2000'S Y2K
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Vintage 2000'S Prada Y2K Sunglasses. Sleek Silver & Metallic Please Consider That This Item Is Nearly 40 Years Old So It Could Show Minor Sign Of Wear Due To Storage. Made In F...
