Prada is a luxury Italian brand synonymous with that desirable ‘made in Italy’ label that adorns most of its products. Prada is most famous for its bags. In fact, Prada can be considered a forerunner of sorts, being one of the first luxury companies to successfully platform into the mainstream with its women’s bags: Oh-so-serious but chic nylon black bags in the late nineties with the famous inverted triangle logo that became a pre-internet sensation.
But it’s easy to forget that bags – despite being what has made and sustains the Prada name – are not solely what they are all about. Neither is Prada in the running for the ‘most Italian’ medal. Not by a long shot.
Yes, the penchant for single lux fabrics and heavier moods points to the Gucci label. Yes, authentic Prada bags are high quality with some of their newer styles in Nappa Leather as rich and lux as anything Moschino produces.
But symmetrically, Prada is northern-Eurocentric; those tightly aligned triangles pop up everywhere and there’s a determination to push the style envelope and force the fashion future with silhouettes that have always anticipated the likes of Off-White and Balenciaga. A Prada item, whether dress, bag or one of the brands’ signature Prada purses is like a piece of modernist architecture with work, sport, and study equally valid pursuits for the Prada ‘type’.
Where are Prada Bags Made?
Anticipate Made in Italy on a Prada bag. Most of its production sites are in Italy, although some may also be in other European countries like the UK and Romania. Expect to see an increase in Chinese produced goods or parts in the future. Is this reason to be alarmed? Not necessarily, while the ‘made in Italy’ stamp has traditionally been a mark of authentication and quality [and still is] an increase in sales to the East, and the practicalities of supply and demand [and yes, cheaper labour] mean that overseas production is becoming a reality for some of the bigger European companies.
How are they Made?
Expect machine cutting of the leather components, in keeping with Prada’s technological and futuristic mandate and designs that always have a precise, angular comportment. There’ll be a high number of separate pieces to make up the finished model, with most components [leather or nylon] being stitched together to make the whole bag. Outsourced manufacturing [outside of Italy] will still meet strict production guidelines. These are closely monitored by Prada centrally according to stringent criteria that allow for speedy but accurate production.
Materials they use
Prada is – almost unique amongst luxury fashion manufacturers – a lover of Nylon. It’s an association that remains today, and which has been taken up by more functional business-bag manufacturers such as Porter, but that [perhaps surprisingly] accounts for a relatively small amount of the bags that Prada produces.
Most Prada bags use the finest Nappa leather, some with the crosshatch Saffiano [overt or more subverted] pattern that was made famous by Prada itself. Generally, whether buying leather or Nylon, the Prada look edges towards the synthetic and clean silhouette that quality manmade textures offer.
In terms of spotting authentic from fake Prada bags, a real Prada bag stands out in terms of its crisp symmetrical lines. The colour of the bag will be strong and uniform, and items will be well-stitched and to-the-tee in terms of uniformity.
Of course, these days the saturation of the market of super-plush fakes mean more than a quick check is needed if you’re buying away from official stores and sites.
Pay close attention to the metal feet, serial numbers, the ‘Prada Milano Made in Italy’ label, a dust bag [that should come as standard], an authenticity card, and the famous logo plaque to make spotting a fake easier.
It’s generally wiser to shop at a genuine Prada store [physical or online] or from retailers with solid reputations and – ideally – positive reviews. If you’re shopping off the mall or via sites like eBay, you’re taking a risk no matter how savvy you might think you are. Check numerous YouTube channels dedicated to showing you how to spot fakes – things like the stitching and alignment of the capitalized letters can be quick giveaways.
Of course, some may be tempted to stray away from real Prada bags with the idea that you’re only paying for the label anyway. See if you feel the same way in six months when the lining and thread are starting to come apart on your now not-so-trendy knock-off.
How long does it take to make a Prada Bag?
Artisan craftmanship means many hours are assigned to the joining and stitching of the various components of Prada bags, but this does not take into account the cutting of the material beforehand and the lengthy treatment of the leather before that. Prada – being a more technologically minded brand with an architectural image and [sometime] out of Italy production process – has mastered the art of combining artisan skill with automated technology. Still, compared to the lightning speed that fake manufacturers work at, the production of a Prada bag is very much a timely process.
Prada is worth the investment because it offers the very best quality construction, as well as practical and forward-fashion thinking style. Always go authentic to ensure the looks stays fresh. Do your homework to ensure you’re getting the genuine article, especially when you’re buying from locations or sites you’re not sure about.