Have you heard “Mothers wear Prada while daughters wear Miu Miu”? From this popular expression, it’s understood that Prada is set out to be more classic, chic, and intertemporal while Miu Miu is more fun, colorful, and trendy. But how did these sister brands gain attraction on the international stage while being so radically different?
Miu Miu began as an experimental venture for Miuccia Prada, the current head designer and co-CEO of Prada. Initially referred to as “Prada’s little sister,” Miu Miu was designed for a younger audience and offered at a slightly lower price point than Prada. Over time, however, Miu Miu carved out its own identity, becoming a celebrated brand in its own right, independent of its association with Prada.
It might seem surprising that Miuccia Prada, while managing the iconic fashion house Prada, would establish a completely separate brand. To understand the origins of Miu Miu, it’s essential to look at Prada’s history.
Miuccia Prada was born into a legacy of fashion. Her grandfather, Mario Prada, founded the Italian luxury label, which Miuccia took over in 1978. At the time, Prada was a small, family-run business known for crafting leather goods and accessories, often catering to the Italian royal family. Despite its distinguished clientele, the brand had yet to reach its full potential.
Miuccia’s meeting and eventual marriage to Patrizio Bertelli, an expert in leather goods, marked a turning point for Prada. Together, they expanded the brand’s reach, transforming it into the global fashion powerhouse it is today. Key milestones included opening Prada’s second store in Milan’s prime shopping district in 1983, releasing the iconic nylon handbag in 1985, and debuting the first ready-to-wear collection in 1987. By the 1990s, Prada had become synonymous with modern elegance and sophistication, appealing to women who exuded timeless style.
In 1993, Miuccia introduced Miu Miu, named after her nickname. While she enjoyed designing for Prada, Miuccia wanted an outlet for more playful and contemporary designs that captured the spirit of the moment. This marked the beginning of a dynamic contrast between the two brands: Prada as the epitome of classic refinement, and Miu Miu as its bold, fun counterpart.
Miu Miu rapidly gained attention in the fashion industry, thanks to its daring and surprising collections. It embodied a fresh, youthful energy, always reflecting the cultural pulse of its time. The brand’s rise was further bolstered by high-profile supporters; Kate Moss graced Miu Miu’s first runway, and Drew Barrymore headlined its debut campaign. This led to the emergence of the “Miu Miu girl,” a figure who was intriguing, multifaceted, and spirited — a new take on femininity that embraced contradiction and complexity.
Ultimately, the difference between Prada and Miu Miu isn’t about age but about the wearer’s personality and the image they want to project. The Miu Miu girl stays relevant by embracing the trends of the moment, while the Prada woman embodies timeless elegance with a classic wardrobe. The rivalry between the two brands is a thing of the past. Miu Miu, once Prada’s “little sister,” has grown, and the two now coexist harmoniously without competing.
Anna Mazallon
