100 Most Influential People in Fashion

Fashion Influential #40: Miuccia Prada

Miuccia Prada in the Sunday Times and a model on the runway at the Prada Resort 2009 Runway. Photos via Vogue.com and Style.com.

MIUCCIA PRADA
Born:
May 10, 1949 in Milan, Italy
Labels:
Prada, Miu Miu, Prada for Men
Models:
Daria Werbowy, Gemma Ward, Suvi Koponen, Sasha Pivovarova
Celebrity fans:
Anna Wintour, Uma Thurman, Nicole Kidman, Mischa Barton, Chloe Sevigny, Kate Bosworth Beginnings.
Before she was a fashion mogul, Miuccia Prada got a Ph.D. in political science, became a member of the Communist Party and studied mime. In 1978 she took over her grandfather's luxury leather goods company in Milan, revamping it into a fashion powerhouse and conglomerate that took charge of Fendi, Helmut Lang, Jil Sander and Azzedine Alaia.

Career Highs.
Prada's iconic style was first demonstrated by the black nylon backpacks worn by everyone who was anyone in the '90s. The cult following that the bag achieved expanded in later years, as Prada opened stores across Europe and became an Oscar gown designer for stars like Uma Thurman. In 1992, she debuted a new line called Miu Miu, which was less expensive than Prada and inspired by her own wardrobe. Now, the line has reached such a high status that it is practically a competitor with Prada itself.
The collection has a girly edge - but in the end it is nasty.
- Miuccia Prada, on a 2005 collection.

A model on the Spring 2009 Prada runway.
Career Lows.
In the 1990s, Prada wanted to become a luxury goods company on par with LVMH and the Gucci group, so the house acquired shares of Helmut Lang, Jil Sander, Church & Company and Fendi. Despite this growth, the Prada company was in $850 million of debt by 2000, so Patrizio Bertelli, Prada's husband and business partner, sold many of the labels he had bought previously.

Legacy.
Prada is always considered one of the most important female figures in the fashion world to date. She never designs with an eye toward trends, and she has a blatant disregard for what everyone else is creating. Her collections are feminine but always intelligent and strong, and she has set a new standard for ladylike but still powerful designs.

A Prada model and Vogue editor Anna Wintour, both in the same Prada dress.
Get the Look.
Prada is known for lowered waistlines, thin belts, and knee-grazing skirts with a proper, girlish appeal. Colors are neutral or basic, heels are sky-high, and handbags are classic. Ignore trends, and instead look for items that flatter your shape and look demure while still maintaining a utilitarian detail. Choose pieces that will endure but aren't boring.

- Olivia