Prada

Since the mid 1990s there have been few status symbols as potent as the Prada-embossed silver triangle. Prada began life as a family-run leather goods business in Milan but enjoyed the patronage of a growing number of celebrities.

The Prada empire has been run since 1978 by Patrizio Bertelli and his wife Miuccia Prada, the grand-daughter of the founder. In 1992, a youth-targeted 'Miu Miu' line was introduced as well as a 'Granello' and 'Prada Sport' range.

Miuccia Prada has won critical praise for her innovative experiments in both fabric design and use of colour and her businessman husband equal praise for his shrewd purchasing of large share-holdings of rival operations such as Gucci, Lang, Alaia and Sander.