Versace wears Prada: the story and power of the Prada Group

When we talk about Prada, we picture intellectual fashion – a kind of quiet luxury where style isn’t a show, but a statement. But there’s so much more behind the name, it’s a multi-layered system where luxury, history, and bold vision coexist in perfect harmony.

Brands that belong to the Prada Group:

Prada

The flagship brand, founded by Mario Prada in 1913. Initially, the company produced handbags and travel trunks, and by 1919, it had officially become a supplier to the royal household. Over the decades, Prada underwent many transformations, but the most pivotal shift occurred in 1978 when Mario’s granddaughter, Miuccia Prada, took the reins. She didn’t just redefine the brand – she redefined fashion itself. Miuccia turned Prada from a leather goods workshop into an intellectual platform: restrained, ironic, analytical. Today, Prada is one of the world’s most influential fashion houses, setting aesthetic standards not according to trends, but according to meaning.

PHOTO: INSTAGRAM/PRADA

Miu Miu

Created in 1993 by Miuccia Prada, the brand is her bold and playful alter ego brought to the runway. The name comes from her childhood nickname – Miu Miu. She understood that Prada stood for restraint, but her spontaneous, rebellious nature craved something else – more daring, more expressive. Miu Miu has become a cult brand for those who like to shape their style based on their mood.

PHOTO: INSTAGRAM/MIU MIU

Church’s

A British shoemaking brand founded in 1873 by Thomas Church. Church’s symbolizes high English craftsmanship: top-quality materials, refined style, and long-lasting wearability. In 1999, Prada Group acquired Church’s, preserving its artisanal roots while adding a modern flair through new models, accents, and exciting collaborations. Thanks to the Prada Group, Church’s remains true to its classic roots but has learned to be flexible, just like the times we live in.

PHOTO: INSTAGRAM/CHURCH'S

Car Shoe

Founded by Gianni Mostile in 1963, this brand gave us the iconic rubber-nubbed sole, made for comfort while driving. Car Shoe’s moccasins became a timeless accessory born out of a passion for automobiles and craftsmanship. To this day, the brand’s shoes are symbols of effortless elegance, worn by both car lovers and aesthetes. Prada Group acquired Car Shoe in 2001, allowing the brand to enter new markets and reach new levels of prestige and style.

PHOTO: INSTAGRAM/CAR SHOE

Marchesi 1824

To further strengthen its presence in the lifestyle world, Prada Group acquired a controlling stake in Marchesi 1824, one of Milan’s oldest patisseries. Marchesi has always been synonymous with refined taste, and becoming part of the Prada family proved that style isn’t just about how you dress, but how you drink your morning coffee. Every package is a piece of art; every dessert is a continuation of visual pleasure. Marchesi 1824 is a modern bridge between gastronomy and fashion, history and contemporary trends.

PHOTO: INSTAGRAM/MARCHESI 1824

Luna Rossa

Continuing its lifestyle expansion, Prada Group turned to sport, founding the Luna Rossa sailing team in 1997 – a symbol of technological aesthetics and the inspiration behind the Prada Luna Rossa fragrance line. The project was initiated by Patrizio Bertelli, Miuccia Prada’s husband, and a passionate yachting fan. The team was formed specifically to compete in the America’s Cup – the world’s most prestigious sailing competition.

Later, Luna Rossa inspired the eponymous line of men’s fragrances: their bottles echo the design of sailboats, while the compositions evoke the freshness, speed, and power of the ocean.

PHOTO: INSTAGRAM/LUNA ROSSA PRADA PIRELLI TEAM

In conclusion, all we can say is that Versace is in good hands. The Prada Group is a stellar example of how a company can be multifaceted while still maintaining integrity and unity. Each brand under the group has its own identity and evolves independently, while benefiting from the vast resources and vision that Prada Group provides.

From global runways to pastry masterpieces, Prada Group has built an entire ecosystem where fashion, flavor, form, and style come together as a single cultural statement.