Time 2005 list of the Most Influential People of the 20th Century: Miuccia Prada

Every year (starting from 1999), Time magazine produces a speical edition called "The Most Influential People of the 20th Century." Within this list of 100 people, 20 of them are categorised as "Artists & Entertainers." I was very excited to read that in the 2005 issue, one of my favourite designers, Miuccia Prada, has made it on the list!!

The magazine says Miuccia:

• "...provoked and influenced colleagues for years with her eccentric and highly personal sensibility."
• "Three seasons ago she launched the frumpy Fifties housewife look, which would rule other designers' runways for several seasons..."
• "In February she stunned the colour-happy fashion industry with an all black collection. Which means that, for now at least, black is the new black."

I'm so glad that Miuccia is finally getting the global regonistion she deserves. Many times, esp to people who are not familiar to the fashion world, people love to throw around big names such as "Oooh, you know, like Gucci and Prada." Admit it, that phrase must have occured in a conversation at some point of your life. Even the authors of this blog admit we have shamelessly said it, (before actually learning about the fashion world that is.) What people generally don't realise is that, a brand such as Prada is important not just because it is expensive, but also because the designers behind the brand like Miuccia & team, have the ability to continuously bring the fashion world foward. To put out new artistic standards for thousands of other fashion companies to follow.

Creative Director of Prada and founder of Miu Miu, Miuccia Prada had a very unfashion-related youth. She rebelled from family tradition to study Political Sciences, and was a member of the Communist Party, and campaigned for women's rights in the Seventies Milan. In 1985, she designed the classical black nylon Prada bags, which we all now know Prada by. Together with her husband, Patrizio Bertelli, who is responsible for the business aspect, have lead Prada to become an international conglomerate.

Read more about Miuccia's life here.