Gimme the facts...

Even the most fashion shy among us have heard of the global fashion house, Prada. The label\'s come a long way since it was a mini leather goods shop in 1913, that\'s for sure. Now, no one could argue that it\'s one of the most influential clothing companies today and a serious status symbol.

Miuccia Prada (see left) joined the company in 1970 but didn\'t launch the first ready-to-wear collection until 1989. Prior to that it was solely an accessories label owned by her father in-law who thought women shouldn\'t be allowed in the work place. Boy, did she show him.

The \'90s saw the mass expansion of Prada, including a sister label called Miu Miu in 1992 and men\'s wear, eye wear and beauty ranges.

Left: Miuccia Prada after the Prada a/w09 show

What\'s all the fuss about?

Prada is perceived to be a style predicting pioneer, with every fashion journalist looking to it to see which trends we\'ll be wearing.  We will all be wearing galoshes this winter... Prada says so!  (See left)

In the \'90s, Prada became the uniform for high-octane working women, thanks to its clean lines, opulent fabrics and basic colours. Sighs of relief came from women everywhere who could no longer stand the site of the \'80s power suit!

Prada is renowned for its practice of casting new models to walk exclusively in their runway shows. An opening spot at Prada is one of the most coveted bookings in the modelling world and has bagsyed many models\' future success in the campaign and editorial world.  The kiss of approval from big fashion hitters Prada can do wonders thanks to their highly esteemed position in the industry.

Left:  Prada a/w09

Who wears it?

E.v.e.r.y.o.n.e. Really, we\'d be here all day if we tried to list the countless celebrities that adore Prada, but fans of Miuccia\'s designs include Tilda Swinton, Helena Christensen, Nicole Kidman, and Reese Witherspoon (see left).  

Left: Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon wearing Prada