What began in 1913 as a small leather goods shop in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan has blossomed into one of the most influential forces in the world of luxury.
Under the visionary leadership of Miuccia Prada—head designer of Prada and founder of Miu Miu—the brand was redefined in the 1970s, securing its place as a trailblazer in modern fashion.
Today, the Prada Group boasts a portfolio of world-renowned brands: Prada, Miu Miu, Church’s, Car Shoe, and Marchesi 1824. Beyond fashion and leather goods, the group extends its influence into eyewear and fragrances through strategic licensing agreements.
The Prada Group champions timeless luxury while prioritizing social and environmental responsibility. The company, which is headquartered in Milan, is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (1913:HKG).
- Founded in: 1913
- Owner: Patrizio Bertelli and Miuccia Prada
- Type: Public
- Headquarters: Milan, Italy
- Group CEO: Andrea Guerra
- Employees: 14,000+
- Website: pradagroup.com
The Prada Group’s prestigious portfolio
Let’s explore the brands that make up the prestigious Milanese group.
Prada
Founded in 1913 by Mario Prada and his brother Martino as Fratelli Prada, a leather goods boutique in Milan, the Italian brand has evolved into a global fashion powerhouse. In the 1970s, under Miuccia Prada, Mario’s granddaughter, the brand gained its avant-garde edge. Her groundbreaking designs, like the iconic Prada Nylon Bag, rewrote the rules of luxury fashion. Now, the mere mention of Prada brings to mind images of luxury and a devil-may-care attitude—much like its trademark, upside-down triangle logo, which graces the brand’s creations.
- Founded in: 1913
- Country: Italy
- Year Acquired by Prada Group: Founding brand
- Website: www.prada.com
Miu Miu
Launched in 1993 by Miuccia Prada, Miu Miu offers a playful, rebellious alternative to Prada’s elegance. Miu Miu’s edgy, experimental styles and youthful spirit appeal to the daring and fashion-forward.
- Founded in: 1993
- Country: Italy
- Year Acquired by Prada Group: Founding brand
- Website: miumiu.com
Church’s
Since 1873, Church’s has specialized in luxury English footwear. This British heritage brand delivers high-quality shoes that blend traditional craftsmanship with modern styles. The Prada Group acquired Church’s in 1999, ushering its artisanal excellence into the modern luxury arena.
- Founded in: 1873
- Country: United Kingdom
- Year Acquired by Prada Group: 1999
- Website: church-footwear.com
Car Shoe
Car Shoe, founded in 1963 by Italian artisan Gianni Mostile, revolutionized footwear with its driving moccasins. Known for its artisanal quality and exceptional comfort, Car Shoe remains a go-to for casual footwear. It became part of the Prada Group in 2001.
- Founded in: 1963
- Country: Italy
- Year Acquired by Prada Group: 2001
- Website: carshoe.com
Marchesi 1824
A slice of Milanese history, Marchesi 1824 is a historic Italian patisserie brand – which, yes, you’ve guessed it – was founded in 1824 by Angelo Marchesi in Milan. Renowned for its artisanal pastries, chocolates, and confectionery, Marchesi 1824 was acquired by Prada Group in 2014.
- Founded in: 1824
- Country: Italy
- Year Acquired by Prada Group: 2014
- Website: pasticceriamarchesi.com