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 In 1996, there were dresses and skirts in clashing patterns and muted earth tones that seemed flat and outdated, all worn with chunky high wedge sandals.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.
$143Sale Price|35% Off
ALEXANDER WANG clear PVC black strappy slingback mule sandal EU38.5
By Alexander Wang
Located in Hong Kong, NT
ALEXANDER WANG clear PVC black strappy slingback mule sandal EU38.5 Reference: KEDG/A00209 Brand: Alexander Wang Designer: Alexander Wang Material: PVC...
Prada S/S 2013 Black Patent Leather Platform Sandals – Size 39
By Prada, Miuccia Prada
Located in Berlin, DE
A sleek and sculptural pair from Prada’s Spring/Summer 2013 collection, these black patent leather sandals reflect Miuccia Prada’s mastery of refined minimalism with a twist. Featuri...
$240Sale Price|40% Off
PRADA black satin crystal embellished strappy high heel sandals EU37
By Prada, Miuccia Prada
Located in Hong Kong, NT
PRADA black satin crystal embellished strappy high heel sandals EU37 Reference: TGAS/B00639 Brand: Prada Designer: Miuccia Prada Material: Silk Color: Black Pattern: Solid Closure: B...
Prada black leather BLOCK HEEL PLATFORM ANKLE STRAP Slingabcks Shoes 39
By Prada
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Prada slingbacks in black leather. Crafted in a refined, sculpted silhouette with a sleek, modern line, these elegant heels feature sharp pointed toes, leather-covered...
PRADA black silk 2013 BOW SATIN PLATFORM Sandals Shoes 39
By Prada
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Prada sandals in elegant black satin, designed with rounded toes and a refined T-strap silhouette finished with a delicate bow. Set on a subtle platform with sculptura...
$784Sale Price|40% Off
Prada Women's 2010s Crystal Disco Ball Heel Sandals, Size 36, New
By Prada, Miuccia Prada
Located in London, GB
Stunning, sold out Prada crystal sandals - bought for £1200 and new with box and dustbags. Have black leather, triangle crystal studded straps an...
PRADA white patent leather T-BAR BLOCK HEEL Slingbacks Shoes 39
By Prada
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Prada slingbacks in white patent leather. Designed in a refined, sculpted silhouette with a clean, modern line, these elegant heels feature structured square toes, a d...
Prada SS 2012 Flames Hotrod Patent Leather Slingback Sandals 36.5
By Prada
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Prada Flames Hotrod Spring Summer 2012 Patent Leather Sandals 36.5 Color Multi Size 36.5EU Heel Height 3.5in Patent leather upper Leather sole Slingback ...
Prada FW 2019 Crystal Block Heel Peep Toe Sandals
By Miuccia Prada, Prada
Located in San Jose, CA
Authentic Prada crystal sandals that instantly elevate a simple outfit. Black designer heels, crystal sandals, and statement heels are consistently searched—and this pair stands out. Covered in crystal embellishment with a bold block heel, these give that dressed-up, high-impact look without sacrificing stability. The ankle strap keeps them secure, making them wearable for events, nights out, or styled casually with denim. This is the kind of shoe that becomes the focus of your outfit. Details • Black upper with crystal embellishment • Block heel • Ankle strap closure • Made in Italy Size • EU 37 Condition Preowned condition • Wear to soles • Crystals intact and eye-catching • Structure is solid A statement Prada heel that adds impact without overthinking styling. Keywords: prada crystal heels...
CELINE black leather & PVC Slingback Peep-Toe Sandals Shoes 39.5
By Celine
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Céline peep toe sandals in clear PVC and black smooth calfskin. Brand new. Measurements Imprinted Size 39.5 Shoe Size 39.5 Inside Sole 25.5cm (9.9in) Width 8cm (3.1i...
