Miu Miu vs Prada: Which Chic Italian Brand Is Best For You?
Miu Miu and Prada are two of the most popular Italian brands, but what’s the difference between them? We’re going to go through everything you need to know in this Miu Miu vs Prada article.
There are many similarities between the Italian fashion houses Miu Miu and Prada, including their beautiful ready-to-wear collections, a wide range of gorgeous bags and accessories, and most importantly, the fact that they are both designed by Miuccia Prada! With these similarities, it can be difficult to decide which of these brands is right for you – but that’s where we come in to help!
This Miu Miu vs Prada article will explore the history of each of these brands, the key differences between them, and some of their best-selling pieces, before coming to a conclusion on Miu Miu vs Prada! Keep reading to find a new brand to add to your wardrobe, and a few new luxury items to add to your wishlist!
Miu Miu vs Prada
the history of Prada
Prada is a top Italian luxury brand in the fashion world that is a staple of Milan Fashion Week. The fashion house was founded by Mario Prada and his brother Martino in 1913, beginning as a leather goods shop called Fratelli Prada.
In the 1950s, the brand was taken over by Mario’s daughter Luisa, but it wasn’t until Miuccia Prada, the granddaughter of Mario Prada, took over in 1978 that the brand became the household name it is today. Miuccia added the iconic nylon backpacks to the brand, which are still super popular today, as well as more women’s handbags and leather goods.
In 1988, a ready-to-wear collection was added to the brand, featuring classic designs, basic neutral colors, and plush fabrics. These womenswear collections proved popular throughout the 1990s and in 1994 a menswear range was launched.
Now Prada is one of the best luxury fashion brands, with celebrities such as Scarlett Johannsson, Gigi Hadid, Tom Holland, and Letitia Wright featuring in ad campaigns.
The history of Miu Miu
In 1993, Miuccia Prada established the Miu Miu brand in Milan and made it a part of the Prada group. The brand is inspired by Miuccia’s personal wardrobe, offering more affordable, youthful pieces than the mainline Prada brand.
The first Miu Miu collection had a cowgirl theme and included fringed suede jeans and patchwork jackets. The brand has shown at New York Fashion Week, where Kate Moss was one of the models, and London Fashion Week, but now is consistently a part of Paris Fashion Week.
There are now Miu Miu boutiques all over the world, with the first store in Milan and then spreading across Europe, the United States, and Asia. Miu Miu advertising campaigns have been much discussed, with Drew Barrymore as the first Miu Miu girl, and then Chloë Sevigny starring in androgynous ad campaigns.
In the past 20 years, celebrities such as Mia Goth, Emma Corrin, Elle Fanning, and Emma Ratajkowski have been featured in the brand’s advertising campaigns.
Differences Between Miu Miu and Prada
There are a few important differences between Miu Miu and Prada that will help you to decide which brand is right for you – so let’s get started!
1. Price range
The price range of each of these brands is going to have an impact on which brand you decide to go for. Let’s begin with Miu Miu – handbags are available for between $895 and $4,100, shoes range between $795 and $2,100, and dresses retail for between $1,150 and $18,000.
At Prada, designer handbags are available for between $795 and $7,500, although there is a crocodile leather bag available for $42,900, shoes are on offer for between $525 and $2150, then dresses retail for between $1,250 and $21,200.
As you can see, on the whole Prada is a little more expensive than Miu Miu, especially in the bags and dresses categories. This means, if you have a tighter budget, it may be best to go for Miu Miu.
2. Brand Aesthetics
The aesthetics of these Italian fashion brands are very different and you may find that one brand aesthetic better suits your personal style.
Miu Miu has earned its reputation as Prada’s little sister brand because it was only founded in 1993 and its youthful brand aesthetic. Miu Miu ready-to-wear collections often have a more relaxed, trend-led look with fashionable silhouettes and fun, playful colors and embellishments – this means Miu Miu usually has a younger audience and consumer.
You may remember seeing the super trendy Miu Miu mini skirt all over social media and the pages of magazines a couple of seasons ago, and this viral skirt perfectly displayed the youthful, fresh aesthetic of the Miu Miu brand.
Prada, on the other hand, has a more sophisticated, timeless aesthetic, with clean lines, chic silhouettes, and neutral colors. There are a few casual pieces offered by the brand, but you will more commonly see elegant, classic ready-to-wear collections from Prada.
The brand, with Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons collaborating as creative directors, has become known for a sleek and minimalist style that has a classic, polished look, appealing to a wide range of luxury shoppers.
3. Resale value
When picking a new designer handbag, you may consider the resale value of the bag and the luxury brand, so we are going to take a look at the resale value of Miu Miu and Prada bags! Miu Miu is not so world-renowned and famous and Prada which has an effect on the resale value of Miu Miu bags.
You will find that Prada handbags hold their value much more than a Miu Miu bag on a resale site such as Fashionphile.
For example, a Miu Miu Nappa Matelasse Crystal Flap Clutch will retail new for $1,590 but can be found on Fashionphile for $715. While the Prada Re-Nylon Re-Edition 2000 mini bag retails for $1,250 and is available on Fashionphile for $860. This shows how Prada’s well-established brand name and sleek, sophisticated style means their bags retain their value well.
Best Seling Items from Miu Miu and Prada
We have brought together some of the best-selling pieces from Miu Miu and Prada so you can see examples of the brand aesthetics and find some new items to add to your wardrobe!
1. Shoulder bags
The Miu Miu Pocket bag has quickly become a top handbag for the Italian brand, with its practical and retro look.
This luxe bag is crafted from supple black nappa leather and has a curved compact shoulder bag silhouette, that has then been covered in zipper pockets. The zip top opens to a main compartment, plus there are five exterior pockets so you can keep everything well organized!
We love the versatility of the Prada Re-Edition 2005 Saffiano leather bag! This black bag comes with a gold chain shoulder strap and black webbing crossbody strap, both of which are detachable so you can style the bag in a whole variety of ways.
This shoulder bag also comes with a handy little pouch – perfect for your AirPods! This bag is available in 9 different colors to suit any personal style.
2. Tote Bags
The textured finish on this Miu Miu Matelassé nappa leather tote has become synonymous with the Miu Miu brand.
This tote has a structured silhouette, is fitted with leather top handles, and is embellished with a gleaming gold Miu Miu brand name. There is also a detachable and adjustable leather shoulder strap and the interior features zipper and patch pockets for a super practical finish.
For more of a sleek and minimalist look, you need this Prada Medium leather Prada Symbole bag in your life!
This structured tote bag is crafted from black leather that has been top stitched with the triangle Symbole pattern and finished with a gold Prada brand name. The interior is spacious enough for your work essentials and there is a zipper pocket to help you stay organized.
3. Shoes
Miu Miu and Prada both have gorgeous sandals on offer that you need in your wardrobe for the summer months.
These chic Miu Miu Padded leather sandals are some of our favorites with a stunning yet simple look that will suit a wide range of summer looks – from floral dresses to jean shorts. Straps cross over the foot and wrap around the ankle, while the Miu Miu brand name sits on the top of the foot in white for a tonal finish.
The statement look of these Prada Padded nappa leather sandals makes them a must-have in your life!
The supple black leather straps, that wrap over the foot and around the back of the heel, have been padded and then quilted with a triangular pattern of a quintessentially Prada look. The sandals are finished with a thick rubber sole and lug tread for a super comfy finish.
Conclusion
There are so many incredible pieces available from Miu Miu and Prada meaning you can’t really go wrong with either brand! To decide between these two fashion houses, you need to take a look at the price range and brand aesthetics as they will be the deciding factors.
If you have a slightly smaller budget and like a fun, playful, youthful style, then Miu Miu is perfect for you – with lots of stunning bags, shoes, and ready-to-wear pieces on offer in bright colors and chic designs.
If you have a little more money to spend and are looking for timeless, minimalist pieces, then Prada is the right brand for you! The polished, refined look of Prada pieces ensures an eternally stylish and sophisticated look – so irresistible!
We hope you found this Miu Miu vs Prada article helpful! For more luxury fashion content, check out the links below.
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