Prada Handbags and Purses
Prada makes some of the world’s most luxurious handbags. The iconic Italian fashion house’s vintage purses, crossbody bags, shoulder bags and other bags are part of a storied history that reaches back to 1913, when it was founded by Mario Prada.
In 1919, Prada was named Official Supplier to the Italian Royal Household. During the years that followed, the company expanded internationally and, to this day, continues to innovate in the luxury fashion space.
Prada is famous for its Saffiano leather, which is heat-treated for high durability and quality. Elegant and modern, Prada bags are made of leather or nylon. From clutches to tote bags, Prada’s designs tend to be sleek and timeless. The Re-edition Nylon Mini has been a favorite among celebrities, but the Galleria, which is known for its clean lines and sturdy construction, the Cahier and the Nylon tote are also popular designs. Nylon revolutionized the brand’s business, with the first Prada nylon backpack released to universal acclaim in 1984.
Because of the craftsmanship involved in creating Prada bags, they carry a luxury price tag whether they’re vintage, pre-owned or brand-new. And as coveted objects that make bold statements to the outside world, vintage designer handbags generally have appreciated in value more in recent years than houses or cars have. A vintage Prada bag may be a great investment — if it’s the real deal. When you’re trying to tell if a Prada bag is real, perhaps the most obvious tell is a price that’s too good to be true. But not all fake Prada bags are sold at low prices, and it’s not always easy to discern real from counterfeit without a close inspection.
Some inauthentic Prada bags are more obvious than others, rife with telltale signs like poor-quality stitching, tarnished hardware and even misspellings of Prada. A fake may be so evident that you don’t even have to pop it open to know it’s not genuine.
A genuine Prada bag has the inverted triangle logo. The plaque containing the logo on a real bag is the same color as the bag itself, so watch out for even tiny differences in hue. The plaque should be perfectly straight and securely attached — if it’s crooked, it’s a fake. (Read more about how to spot a fake Prada bag here.)
Find a wide variety of vintage Prada handbags, top handle bags, travel bags and other items on 1stDibs.
1980s Italian Prada Handbags and Purses
1980s Italian Prada Handbags and Purses
20th Century Prada Handbags and Purses
2010s American Prada Handbags and Purses
Early 20th Century French Prada Handbags and Purses
Early 2000s Italian Prada Handbags and Purses
Late 20th Century French Prada Handbags and Purses
2010s Italian Prada Handbags and Purses
2010s Italian Prada Handbags and Purses
1920s French Prada Handbags and Purses
20th Century Prada Handbags and Purses
1990s French Prada Handbags and Purses
21st Century and Contemporary French Prada Handbags and Purses
21st Century and Contemporary French Prada Handbags and Purses
1980s Italian Prada Handbags and Purses
1980s Italian Prada Handbags and Purses
1980s Italian Prada Handbags and Purses
1980s Italian Prada Handbags and Purses
1980s Italian Prada Handbags and Purses
1980s Italian Prada Handbags and Purses
1980s Italian Prada Handbags and Purses
1980s Italian Prada Handbags and Purses
1980s Italian Prada Handbags and Purses
Find Rare and Vintage Handbags, Shoulder Bags, Clutches and Other Bags and Purses on 1stDibs
An integral part of fashion, handbags and purses have been indispensable accessories ever since we began to carry around personal items. Level of craftsmanship, style and shape matters — from coin purses in ancient Greece to early 20th-century opera bags and onward, handbags have evolved considerably over the years to meet our needs and desires, whether or not you happen to be prioritizing functionality over a flashy exterior.
Once, a single “It” handbag ruled each fashion season. No more. Today, handbag lovers are savvier and have a wider range of shopping options. Nevertheless, classic bags still rule.
“It is not a fashion bag — it is a statement bag,” says Mightychic's Debra Kent of Hermès's widely beloved accessories. “When you carry an iconic Hermès bag — Birkin, Kelly, Constance — no one knows how long you have been into this culture or if you are a newbie. Your status is validated immediately.”
First released in 1997, Fendi's Baguette rose to fame along with Carrie Bradshaw, the Sex and the City character portrayed by Sarah Jessica Parker. Recently, the design has seen such a resurgence in popularity that Fendi has reissued it.
They are part of design history, so owning a handbag has meaning. As New York–based fashion historian Sarah C. Byrd says, “You have made the choice to invest in this piece because you understand the value of it in the past and in the future to come.”
From a 1980s Chanel black leather quilted mini buckle bag to the rare Hermès Birkin 30cm Himalayan with diamond hardware to a range of 19th century bags, find a rich variety of vintage and designer handbags and purses spanning numerous brands on 1stDibs — seasonal “It” designation no longer needed.
Designers Similar to Prada
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Several telltale signs allow you to authenticate a vintage Prada bag. Look at the logo for consistency — the Prada logo has a distinctive font, particularly the notch taken out of the “R." Fakes will often leave this detail out. All details, including patterns, fonts and stitching, should be neat and even. Prada uses the highest quality luxury leather to craft its bags, and a plastic-like smell or rough texture could indicate the bag is a fake. Find a collection of expertly-vetted Prada bags from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What is Prada Gaufre?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Prada Gaufre is a handbag produced by the Italian luxury fashion house Prada. It is a double-handle bag with distinctive gathered details. Most models come with a detachable shoulder strap. On 1stDibs, you can find a selection of Prada Gaufre bags.
- What is Prada’s signature color?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023Prada’s signature color is a cool light green known as “Prada green.” You will find it on the walls of most Prada boutiques, and the brand sometimes offers bags, apparel, shoes and other pieces in Prada green. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of Prada pieces from some of the world’s top sellers.
- Is Prada from Italy or France?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024Prada is from Italy, not France. Mario Prada founded the luxury fashion house in Milan's Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in 1913. His original shop remains to this day, but the company now operates from its headquarters in a repurposed industrial space between Via Bergamo and Via Fogazzaro in Milan. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of Prada apparel, bags and accessories.
- What kind of brand is Prada?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024Prada is a luxury fashion brand. Mario Prada founded the luxury fashion house in Milan's Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in 1913. Since its establishment, Prada has regularly gone against the grain to elevate styles that have long been out of fashion.
In 1996, Prada offered dresses and skirts in clashing patterns and muted earth tones that some considered flat and outdated, all worn with chunky, high wedge sandals. Fanny packs followed three years later, and elaborate lace in 2008. Each season continues to bring new eye-catching innovations for the historic brand, including enhanced attention to sustainability with Prada Re-Nylon, a new line of bags created from recycled ocean plastic.
Explore a variety of Prada apparel, bags and accessories on 1stDibs. - 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023Yes, some Prada bags do have gold hardware. However, the Italian luxury fashion house also produces handbags with silver hardware. All of the hardware on the brand’s accessories should be either all silver or all gold, including the zippers, clasps, grommets and the feet on the bottom. If you see a bag that has a mix of gold and silver hardware, or hardware that’s neither silver nor gold, there is a chance that it is a fake Prada bag. Shop a collection of Prada from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022While Miu Miu is a subsidiary of Prada, there are a few key differences between the Italian brands. One of the main differences is that Miu Miu has a more approachable design, whereas Prada is more sophisticated. Shop a selection of Miu Miu and Prada garments and accessories on 1stDibs.
- Is Miu Miu made by Prada?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 3, 2024Yes, Miu Miu is made by Prada. Miuccia Prada, the granddaughter of founder Mario Prada, introduced Prada's sister label, Miu Miu, in 1993. Her goal was to provide a more affordable alternative to the Italian fashion house's main collection, aimed at a younger audience. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of Miu Miu apparel and accessories.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023There are several Prada bags that are famous, and each one has a different name. They include the rectangular strap-fastened Cahier, the curvy Nylon, the structured Belle satchel, the minimalist tapered Deux satchel and the boxy Galleria tote. Find a selection of Prada bags on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023To tell if a Prada bag is real, inspect the logo. It should read "Prada" on the top line, "Milano" on the next line and "Dal 1913" on the third line. Some fakes are more obvious than others, rife with telltale signs like poor-quality stitching, tarnished hardware and even misspellings of Prada. Additionally, the iconic Italian luxury house’s plaques are typically ceramic on leather bags and leather on those made of nylon or another fabric. If a plaque is made of fabric or plastic, the bag could be fake. Shop a collection of Prada bags from some of the world's top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- Is Prada made in China or Italy?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 15, 2024Whether Prada is made in China or Italy varies. The Italian luxury fashion house does have 18 company-owned factories in Italy, but it outsources a small percentage of its production to facilities in China. In addition, Prada has workshops in the UK, France and Romania. Shop a diverse assortment of Prada apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022There are a few easy giveaways on fake Prada messenger bags. First, check the logo plaque. It should be crisp and in a font and style consistent with the luxury brand. Next, the topstitching will generally be stitched at an angle. Fake Prada bags will often have horizontal stitching. On 1stDibs, find a collection of expertly vetted Prada bags from some of the world’s top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022There are a few tell-tale signs you can look for to determine whether your Prada nylon bag is real or fake. Check the inner seams to find a small square white tag with a number printed on it that indicates the bag’s factory number. There should also be a quality assurance tag inside. Like all high-end designer handbags, check for pristine craftsmanship, even stitches and printing and additional name stamps on hardware. Shop a collection of authentic Prada purses from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.