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 In 1996, there were dresses and skirts in clashing patterns and muted earth tones that seemed flat and outdated, all worn with chunky high wedge sandals.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.
Gianfranco Ferre Baroque Revival Crystal Jeweled Clip Earrings
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Atlanta, GA
Crafted by iconic Italian designer Gianfranco Ferré, these rare couture clip-on earrings command attention with their bold, sculptural silhouette. Resembling elegant doorknockers cas...
Base Metal
Richard Kerr Silver Crystal Jeweled Dangle Clip Earrings
By Richard Kerr
Located in Atlanta, GA
Richard Kerr designed these gorgeous statement clip-on earrings in the 1980s. They are composed of his emblematic pavé rhinestones and feature dangling geometric shapes, all covered ...
Faceted Crystal Drops Chandelier Silver Plate Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning oversized chandelier clip-on earrings boast a romantic design with a dangle shape and a large silver plate metal carved stylized branch framing, complemented with crys...
Silver Plate
Emilio Pucci Extra-Long Gilded Metal and Murano Art Glass Dangle Clip Earrings
By Emilio Pucci
Located in Atlanta, GA
Emilio Pucci designed these spectacular baroque shoulder duster clip-on earrings. The chandelier design is built with high-gloss gilded metal fastenings and hardware, embellished wit...
Gilt Metal
Richard Kerr Topaz, Silver and Gray Crystal Jeweled Dangle Clip Earrings
By Richard Kerr
Located in Atlanta, GA
Richard Kerr designed these sumptuous statement clip-on earrings in the 1980s. They are made up of his signature pave rhinestones. The extra-long dangling design with a twisted patte...
Carlo Zini Milano Floral Crystal Emerald Jeweled Dangle Clip-on Earrings
By Carlo Zini
Located in Atlanta, GA
These sophisticated Carlo Zini dangling clip-on earrings feature a floral shape with gunmetal framing, adorned with crystal rhinestones and emerald green cabochons. A giant faceted g...
Metal
Tiffany Inspired Crystal & Chandelier Clip-On Earrings circa 1970s
By Ciner
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Ciner Crystal & Chandelier Clip-On Earrings from the circa 1970s are a stunning example of vintage glamour and exquisite craftsmanship. These earrings feature a cascading design of sparkling crystals arranged in a chandelier style, creating a dramatic and eye-catching effect. The intricate detailing and high-quality crystal stones reflect the luxurious aesthetic typical of the 1970s jewelry scene. They are perfect for adding a touch of vintage elegance to any outfit, whether for a formal event or a stylish night out. These earrings can be beautifully styled with other designer accessories such as a Judith Leiber crystal clutch...
Mid 20th Century Panetta Faux Diamond Crystal Clip on Two Dangle Drop Earrings
By Panetta
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Panetta is truly one of the best of the great pretenders. His costume pieces are finely made to give you the look of real at the price of costume. In these mid 20th century clip on earrings Panetta uses clear crystals to create a fake diamond drop dangle earring. He finishes them off by rhodium plating the base metal. Perfect for an evening on the town. Signed on back. They are signed Panetta on the back. Panetta History from Nasvete Benedetto Panetta, another Italian, wrote his name in the history of jewelry. Born in Italy, he moved to America in 1901. Being a jeweler, he first worked in small companies, but then there was a fateful meeting with a fellow countryman, and Benedetto became a designer at Trifari. In those days, Trifary was already a large and very prestigious manufactory. Having received invaluable experience, in 1945, Benedetto opens his own company “Panetta”. From the very beginning, Benedetto set a goal, to erase the line between precious jewelry and costume jewelry. According to Panetta, ornaments should look real. And I must say Benedetto succeeded in it. PANETTA jewelry...
Crystal, Base Metal
Vintage Kramer of NYC Crystal Chandelier Earrings 1950s
By Kramer of New York
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A spectacular pair of Vintage Kramer Chandelier Earrings from the 1950s. Featuring oodles of gorgeous fancy cut stones including pear, marquise, chatons...
CHRISTIAN DIOR Vintage Jewelled Dangling Earrings
By Christian Dior
Located in Nice, FR
CHRISTIAN DIOR vintage oxidized gun patina dangling earrings (clip-on) embellished with clear crystals. Marked CHR. DIOR Germany. Indicative measurements : height approx. 6.9 cm (2...
Vintage 1950s Rhodium Plated Crystal Chandelier Earrings, Clip-On
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A Pair of Vintage Statement Crystal Chandelier Earrings dating to the 1950s. From the sparkling glamour of Hollywood's golden age to the bold, oversized silhouettes of the 1980s and ...
29.34 Carat Diamond and Mix Stones Chandelier Earrings
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
An extraordinary blend of artistry and elegance, the 29.34 Carat Diamond and Mixed Stones Chandelier Earrings bring together an intricate array of precious gemstones to create a desi...
Diamond, Silver
