Prada acquires Versace for Rs 118960209000: who is Miuccia Prada, a woman who transformed fashion world and built iconic fashion brand?

The Prada Group announced the purchase of the Versace fashion house from the U.S. luxury group Capri Holding in a cash deal valued at 1.25 billion euros ($1.4 billion.) Versace has been owned since 2018 by Capri Holding, which includes Michael Kors and Jimmy Choo.

In a fashion industry, this merger is a big collaboration as Versace’s dramatic style will meer Prada’s intellectual minimalism. Two iconic brands will work together itself is big news for fashion lovers.

Who Miuccia Prada?

Miuccia Prada was born in Milan in 1949, she adopted her mother’s surname. She was a trained mime, a political activist, and a member of the Italian Communist Party.

She also holds a PhD in political science and have a passion for women’s rights. Her life took an unexpected turn in 1978 when she took control of her grandfather’s leather goods business.

Rebuilding Prada

Miuccia Prada revolutionized the brand with her innovative ideas. Her first major product which caught attention was black nylon handbag in 1985. She launched Prada’s first women’s ready-to-wear collection in 1989 and followed it with the edgy, youthful Miu Miu line in 1992. Her designs represent cultural statements and intellect and also a forward-thinking aesthetic.

Built Fashion Empire

Together with her husband, Patrizio Bertelli,  she acquired brands like Jil Sander, Helmut Lang, and Church & Co. The couple resigned as co-CEOs in 2023 and handed over leadership to Andrea Guerra. Still Miuccia gives her contribution to the fashion world in different forms.

She has a net worth of $5.2 billion (as of April 2025, per Forbes).

Miuccia Prada also has an interest in art, she has established a cultural institution  Fondazione Prada in 2002 in Milan. She also likes costume designing, including work for the Metropolitan Opera’s production of Attila.

Miuccia still lives in her childhood Milanese apartment. Her son, Lorenzo Bertelli, a former rally car driver, now handles marketing and corporate social responsibility at Prada. Miuccia is also the godmother to nine Luna Rossa sailing yachts.

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