Discover our carefully authenticated selection of vintage Prada pieces: Re-Edition, Galleria and Cahier bags, iconic nylon, shoes, eyewear and rare pieces from the Miuccia archives. Every piece is hand-evaluated by our team on avenue Louise and comes with a certificate of authenticity. Because Prada is not just a brand — it is an intellectual philosophy of fashion.
The history of Prada, from the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele to the world
Founded in 1913 by Mario Prada in Milan, beneath the arcades of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the house began as a luxury leather goods purveyor, earning the Royal Warrant of the Italian Royal House in 1919. His granddaughter Miuccia Prada took over in 1978. A political science PhD and feminist activist, she launched the black nylon bag in 1985 — deliberately anti-glamour, with a small enamelled triangular plaque — and it became an instant icon. This founding gesture — elevating an industrial material to the status of luxury — defined Prada's intellectual DNA for decades to come. In the 1990s, Prada became the most intellectually stimulating house in fashion. Since 2020, Miuccia co-directs creative vision with Raf Simons. Prada remains one of the few major luxury houses independent of any conglomerate.
Iconic Prada pieces
The nylon bag (Re-Edition and originals)
Launched in 1985 in technical waterproof nylon with an enamelled triangular plaque. Original pieces from 1985–2000 are highly collected. The Re-Edition line (2019) reignited demand for the originals, whose value has appreciated significantly.
The Galleria bag
Created in 2007, Prada's structured response to the Birkin and Kelly: double handles, padlock closure, rigid Saffiano leather structure (diagonally grained, virtually scratch-proof). Available in sizes Mini, Small, Medium and Large. Highly sought-after in black or camel Saffiano.
The Cahier bag
Launched in 2016, shaped like a school notebook with a rigid cover, in embroidered velvet, leather and canvas. Already considered a collector's piece from the 2016–2018 collections.
Miuccia ready-to-wear
Prada ready-to-wear from the 1990s–2010s is among the most collected in contemporary fashion: technical nylon dresses, deliberately "ugly" coloured coats, geometric-print skirts. Long misunderstood, these pieces are now studied in fashion schools and collected accordingly.
Shoes
Prada shoes — rubber-soled Derbys, block-heel pumps — are recognisable for their quality and deliberately anti-trend design. The Prada America's Cup sneaker (1997) is one of the first luxury sneakers and a major collector's object.
Eyewear and accessories
Vintage Prada eyewear from the 1990s–2010s (square frames, cat-eye shapes) is highly collectible. Wallets and small accessories in nylon or Saffiano leather offer an accessible entry into the Prada world.
How to authenticate a Prada piece
Authenticating a Prada piece requires the examination of several combined criteria. Here are the 7 checkpoints we systematically verify in our atelier on avenue Louise.
1. The triangular plaque
The enamel plaque reads "PRADA / MILANO / Made in Italy" in three lines, with precise, regular typography. It is fixed with two visible screws on the interior, has significant weight and a perfectly flat surface.
2. The serial number
Prada bags since the 1990s carry a serial number on a sewn interior leather tag. A white authenticity card with the same number accompanies each bag sold in boutique since the 2000s.
3. The Pocone nylon
Authentic Prada nylon (Pocone) has a distinctive texture: slightly rigid, with a slight sheen, waterproof to the touch. Neutral scent — never chemical. Never too supple, too shiny or too thin.
4. The Saffiano leather
Authentic Saffiano presents a regular, tight diagonal grain, a slightly waxy surface and remarkable scratch resistance. Never too shiny or too smooth.
5. Stitching and construction
Stitching is regular, tight and in a matched thread colour. On nylon pieces, particularly clean with waxed thread. Corners and edges are perfectly finished.
6. Hardware
Closures, rings and clasps are in solid metal, engraved "Prada" on the hidden face. Zips are signed Lampo or YKK Gold and slide perfectly.
7. Typography and labels
The "PRADA" logo uses a specific serif font recognisable by its characteristic serifs. Typography must be identical and perfectly clean across all elements. Any variation in letter spacing or proportions is a red flag.
Our method: at Les Enfants d'Édouard, every piece undergoes a three-stage examination — visual inspection, technical verification (plaque, serial number, nylon/Saffiano, hardware) and cross-referencing against our reference database. Every authenticated piece comes with our certificate of authenticity.
Prada size guide
| Model | Dimensions | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Mini | 18 × 12 × 9 cm | Evening / light outings |
| Small | 28 × 19 × 12 cm | Light day bag |
| Medium | 36 × 26 × 14 cm | The most versatile |
| Large | 44 × 30 × 16 cm | Full day / work |
Prada ready-to-wear: sizing
Prada uses Italian sizing: 36 (XS), 38 (S), 40 (M), 42 (L), 44 (XL). 1990s collections often run slim. Deliberately oversized pieces must be assessed by actual measurements.
Why invest in a vintage Prada piece
Prada vintage is one of the fastest-growing secondhand markets since 2019. The 1985–2000 nylon bag now trades at between €300 and €1,200 depending on the model. The Galleria in Saffiano maintains stable and growing value thanks to its virtually indestructible leather.
For those wishing to sell a Prada piece, we offer an expert consignment service.
Our Prada selection in Brussels, avenue Louise
Our boutique Les Enfants d'Édouard, 175 avenue Louise, 1050 Brussels, carries an authenticated selection of vintage Prada. We welcome you Tuesday to Saturday and offer private appointments.
Care and maintenance of your Prada pieces
For nylon bags, clean with a slightly damp cloth. Sensitive to chemical products and excessive heat. Store in the original cotton dust bag.
For Saffiano bags, clean with a slightly damp soft cloth. A light colourless cream once a year is sufficient. Virtually scratch-proof and highly resilient.
For ready-to-wear, follow care label instructions. Silk and technical fabrics must be dry-cleaned.
Frequently asked questions about vintage Prada
How do I recognise an authentic Prada bag?
Triangular plaque "PRADA / MILANO / Made in Italy" fixed by two screws, serial number on sewn interior leather tag, quality of Pocone nylon or Saffiano leather, solid metal hardware engraved "Prada", clean stitching, well-finished lining, consistent typography across all elements.
Do vintage Prada pieces appreciate in value?
Yes, particularly the original nylon bags from 1985–2000 and Miuccia ready-to-wear from the 1990s–2010s. The Galleria in Saffiano maintains stable and growing value.
Which Prada models are most sought-after?
Nylon bags from the 1990s–2000s, the Galleria in black or camel Saffiano, the America's Cup sneaker (1997), Miuccia ready-to-wear from landmark collections, and first-season Re-Edition 2000 and 2005 (2019–2020).
What warranty do you offer on Prada pieces?
Every piece is guaranteed 100% authentic, with a certificate of authenticity and 14 days to return.
Discover also
- Chanel vintage: timeless elegance
- Gucci vintage: Italian exuberance
- Balenciaga vintage: the avant-garde of luxury
- Yves Saint Laurent vintage: Parisian chic
- All our luxury bags: our full selection
- Journal: our guides and advice
Looking for an authentic Prada piece?
Browse our full Prada selection or book an appointment with our team for a private viewing on avenue Louise.
- ✓ Guaranteed authentication: every piece certified
- ✓ Secure delivery: Belgium, France, Europe
- ✓ 14-day returns: satisfaction guaranteed
- ✓ Boutique at 175 Avenue Louise: 1050 Brussels