Collection: Prada

Our Prada selection: Galleria bags, Re-Edition nylon pieces, Saffiano leather accessories, Cleo bags and small leather goods, each piece rigorously authenticated by our experts before being offered for sale in our boutique on Avenue Louise, Brussels.

The History of Prada, from Milan to the World

Prada was founded in 1913 by Mario Prada and his brother Martino, who opened a leather goods and luggage shop in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan, one of the most prestigious commercial addresses in Europe. Mario Prada sold fine trunks, bags, travel accessories and jewellery, sourcing leather from English and central European suppliers. In 1919, Prada was awarded the title of Official Supplier to the Italian Royal Household, allowing the house to display the House of Savoy coat of arms on its logo, a distinction it retains to this day in the triangle emblem reading "Prada, Milano, Dal 1913".

Mario Prada famously declared that women had no place in business, an irony that would define the house's twentieth-century trajectory. On his death, the business passed to his daughter Luisa Prada, who managed it for nearly twenty years. In 1978, his granddaughter Miuccia Prada took over in partnership with businessman Patrizio Bertelli, whom she later married. The house was struggling and had little international profile. Miuccia studied political science at the University of Milan and trained in mime at the Piccolo Teatro: her intellectual, contrarian approach would transform Prada into one of the defining luxury brands of the late twentieth century.

The turning point came in 1984 when Miuccia introduced a black nylon backpack made from the industrial waterproof fabric used for Prada's luggage linings (Pocone nylon). The choice of an "ugly", industrial material presented with impeccable construction and the brand's triangular logo was a deliberate provocation: it became a cult object overnight. In 1989, Prada presented its first ready-to-wear collection. The 1990s saw Prada become synonymous with a particular form of intellectual minimalism: the "ugly chic" or "Prada ugly" aesthetic, celebrated in fashion criticism and worn by a generation of art-world and fashion insiders.

The 2000s saw Prada expand into the Miu Miu label (named after Miuccia's own nickname), into fine jewellery, eyewear, fragrance and the acquisition of Church's shoes. Prada Group listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange in 2011. In 2023, Miuccia Prada officially announced Raf Simons as co-creative director, a partnership that has continued to produce some of the house's most discussed and collectible contemporary work. The house reported revenues of approximately €4.7 billion in 2023, with double-digit growth across all categories.

Iconic Prada Pieces

The Nylon Backpack and Re-Edition: A Revolution in Materials (1984)

The original Prada nylon backpack of 1984 was made from Pocone, a dense, waterproof nylon used for Prada's trunk linings. Presented with the triangular metal logo, it subverted luxury conventions by celebrating functionality and industrial materials. The design was reissued in 2019 as the Re-Edition and has become one of the most recognisable and imitated luxury accessories of the past decade. Vintage original nylon backpacks from the 1990s in good condition are now firmly established as collector's pieces.

The Galleria: The House's Masterpiece (2007)

Launched in 2007 by Miuccia Prada, the Galleria is named after the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II where the house was founded. Assembled from 83 separate pieces, it features a clean rectilinear silhouette, a central zip and two zippered side compartments. Most commonly produced in Saffiano leather, it has a uniquely structured, architectural quality that does not soften or distort with age. The Galleria has been described as Prada's most iconic bag and remains in continuous production in hundreds of colourways and materials.

Saffiano Leather: An Unmistakable Texture

Saffiano leather is one of Prada's most distinctive materials: a calf leather treated with a heat-stamping process that creates a fine, cross-hatched texture and a protective waxy finish. Developed by Mario Prada in the early twentieth century, it is highly resistant to water, stains and scratches, making it one of the most practical luxury leathers available. Virtually all Prada bags made in Saffiano retain their shape and finish exceptionally well, making vintage Saffiano pieces particularly attractive to buyers seeking functionality alongside heritage.

The Cleo: A Sculptural Modern Icon (2020)

Introduced in 2020, the Cleo is a sleek, crescent-shaped brushed leather bag with a distinctive curved profile and a flap closure. Its graphic, architectural silhouette echoes the minimalist tradition of the Miuccia Prada aesthetic and has been widely adopted as a defining bag of the early 2020s. The Cleo is available in brushed leather and Saffiano versions across a range of colourways.

Vintage 1990s Minimalist Bags

The 1990s Prada collections represent the purest expression of Miuccia's minimalist vision: clean-lined bags in neutral leathers or nylon, with small metal plates as the only branding. Pieces from this decade, particularly structured leather bags with Saffiano trim and early nylon totes, are increasingly sought after by collectors who prize their understatement, quality and direct connection to one of the most intellectually charged decades in fashion history.

The Triangle Logo Plaque: A Mark of Provenance

The Prada triangle, featuring the House of Savoy coat of arms and knotted rope design with the inscription "Prada, Milano, Dal 1913", is among the most distinctive hardware elements in luxury fashion. Applied to bags either as an enamel-coated metal plaque (on leather bags) or a leather patch (on nylon), it is a primary authentication marker and a design element of genuine historical significance.

How to Authenticate a Prada Bag

1. The Triangle Plaque

The triangular enamel or metal plaque must read "Prada, Milano, Dal 1913" in the house's specific typeface, with even letter spacing and clean edges. The plaque should be firmly attached, with no movement or gap at the edges. The colour of the plaque must match the hardware of the rest of the bag (gold-tone, silver-tone or ruthenium). On leather bags, the plaque is enamel-backed; on nylon bags, it is a metal plate riveted to a leather patch.

2. The Interior Logo Plate

Inside the bag, a logo plate reads "Prada Made in Italy" (the background matches the interior lining colour on leather bags). On nylon bags, a leather patch carries the brand name. The font is sans-serif, clean and consistent. Any blurring, incorrect capitalisation or inconsistent background colour is a red flag.

3. The Authenticity Card and Serial Number

Modern Prada bags come with a white authenticity card featuring the serial number and style information. The serial number is also heat-stamped on a leather tab inside the bag. The format varies by era but typically consists of a series of numbers. Pre-owned bags legitimately lose their cards over time; the absence of a card alone does not indicate a fake, but the interior serial number must still be present and in the correct format for the period.

4. The Saffiano Leather Texture

Authentic Prada Saffiano leather has a very precise, uniform cross-hatched texture that feels firm and slightly waxy to the touch. The pattern is applied by a hot-pressing process and should be perfectly consistent across all panels, including the base and the sides. Counterfeit Saffiano often has an irregular or overly sharp texture, or a pattern that appears stamped rather than pressed into the leather.

5. The Nylon Quality

Authentic Prada Pocone nylon has a specific dense, slightly rough texture and a matte sheen. It is heavier than most synthetic fabrics and holds its structure well. Counterfeit nylon is often lighter, thinner, more shiny or softer, and may show visible weave irregularities.

6. The Hardware and Zippers

All hardware on authentic Prada bags is uniformly coloured with no mix of tones, and must not show any peeling, discolouration or imprecise casting. Zippers operate smoothly and are typically marked with the Prada name or a proprietary logo. On the Galleria, the two side zip pulls should be identical and firm.

7. The Stitching

Prada stitching is even, tight and precisely executed with no loose threads. The thread colour is calibrated to complement (rather than exactly match) the leather or nylon. Any irregularity in stitch spacing, thread tension or finishing is a sign of inauthenticity.

8. The Galleria Structure

The Prada Galleria's rectilinear silhouette should hold its shape without sagging. The base has four solid feet. The three zippers, two side compartments and centre main zip should all operate smoothly and firmly. Any structural softness, uneven base or poorly-aligned zip tracks should raise concern.

Our method: at Les Enfants d'Édouard, every piece undergoes a three-stage examination: visual inspection, verification of technical markers (triangle plaque precision, Saffiano texture, interior plate typography and serial number format), and cross-referencing against our reference archive. Where any doubt arises, we consult a specialist partner in Paris. Every authenticated piece is delivered with our certificate of authenticity.

Size Guide and Prada References

Dimensions of key Prada bag models

Model	Size	Approx. Dimensions	Use
Galleria	Small	26 × 18 × 12 cm	Daily, compact
Galleria	Medium	31 × 22 × 13 cm	Daily, most iconic size
Galleria	Large	36 × 26 × 14 cm	Work, large capacity
Re-Edition 2000	Mini	18 × 12 × 6 cm	Evening, compact
Re-Edition 2005	Standard	22 × 16 × 8 cm	Daily, casual
Cleo	Small	23 × 17 × 5 cm	Daily, sculptural
Cleo	Large	30 × 20 × 6.5 cm	Daily, generous capacity
Nylon backpack	Standard	30 × 42 × 17 cm	Travel, casual daily

For Prada ready-to-wear sizing, please refer to our general luxury size guide.

Why Invest in a Vintage Prada Piece

Prada occupies a unique position in luxury resale: its most iconic vintage pieces are not the most expensive or most monogrammed, but the most intellectually radical. The original 1990s nylon bags and minimalist leather goods represent a moment in fashion when Prada was quite literally changing what luxury meant. These pieces now attract serious collectors who prize concept and craft equally. The Galleria in Saffiano leather is among the most durable luxury bags ever produced: its structural integrity means vintage pieces from 2007-2015 are practically indistinguishable from new, making them exceptional value on the secondary market.

Re-Edition nylon pieces from 2019-2022 are already showing premiums in discontinued colourways. If you are looking to value or sell a piece from your collection, we offer an expert consignment service with a complimentary valuation.

Our Prada Selection in Brussels, on Avenue Louise

Les Enfants d'Édouard is located at 175 Avenue Louise, 1050 Brussels. We receive new Prada pieces each month: bags, shoes, accessories and ready-to-wear, each selected for condition and authenticity. Every piece is examined by our experts before display.

Our team is available Tuesday through Saturday. Private appointments are available on request.

Care and Maintenance of Your Prada Pieces

Saffiano leather: one of the most care-free luxury leathers. Wipe with a dry or very slightly damp cloth. The protective wax finish resists most stains; for anything more stubborn, use a product specifically formulated for Saffiano. Avoid immersion in water and prolonged exposure to sunlight.

Nylon bags: wipe with a damp cloth and allow to dry naturally. Pocone nylon is water-resistant but not waterproof. Avoid prolonged immersion. Store in the dust bag away from direct sunlight, which can fade the colour over time.

Smooth leather bags: store stuffed with tissue paper in the dust bag. Protect from moisture and oils. Condition periodically with a product designed for smooth calf leather. For stains or deep cleaning, consult a specialist in luxury leather goods.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vintage Prada

How do I authenticate a Prada bag?

Examine the triangle plaque inscription and attachment, the interior logo plate typography, the serial number or authenticity card, the Saffiano or nylon material quality, and the hardware uniformity. All elements must be consistent with the specific model and era. At Les Enfants d'Édouard, every piece is verified before sale.

Which Prada pieces are most collectible?

1990s minimalist leather bags and early nylon pieces are the most prized by serious collectors. The original nylon backpack from the 1990s, early Galleria bags (2007-2012), and limited-edition Re-Edition pieces are consistently strong on the secondary market.

What is Saffiano leather?

Saffiano is a calf leather treated with a hot-pressing process that creates a uniform cross-hatched texture and a protective wax finish. It is highly resistant to water, stains and scratches, and holds its shape exceptionally well over time. Developed by Mario Prada and now a defining Prada material.

Is the Galleria bag still in production?

Yes, the Galleria has been in continuous production since 2007 and remains one of Prada's core bag styles. It is produced in Saffiano leather, smooth leather, and various special materials across multiple colourways each season.

Where can I buy authenticated vintage Prada in Brussels?

Les Enfants d'Édouard, at 175 Avenue Louise, offers a rigorously authenticated selection of vintage Prada. Every item is verified before sale and delivered with a certificate of authenticity.

What is the average resale price for a Prada Galleria?

A Prada Galleria in Saffiano leather in good condition typically sells for €600 to €1,400 on the secondary market, depending on size, colourway and era. The Galleria's structural durability means condition grades are generally high even on older pieces.

Is there a guarantee on purchases from Les Enfants d'Édouard?

Every piece comes with our certificate of authenticity and a 14-day return window from the date of receipt, provided the item is returned in its original condition.

Who is the current creative director of Prada?

Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons have been co-creative directors since April 2020. They have continued this collaboration since, with Simons bringing a conceptual rigour that complements Miuccia's intellectualism.

Can I try pieces in the boutique?

Yes, our boutique at 175 Avenue Louise is open Tuesday through Saturday. Private appointments for access to unlisted inventory are available on request.

What is Miu Miu and how does it relate to Prada?

Miu Miu is a second luxury label created by Miuccia Prada in 1993, named after her own childhood nickname. It operates as a distinct creative line within the Prada Group, with its own aesthetic and product range. Vintage Miu Miu pieces are also collected and authenticated separately.

Does Prada have a date code system?

Prada does not use a date code system like Louis Vuitton or Hermès. Instead, bags carry a serial number on a leather tab inside, and modern pieces come with an authenticity card containing the style number and serial information. The format of the serial number has evolved across eras.

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