About the same time as she took the helm of the Prada label, Miuccia married Patrizio Bertelli. Bertelli took on the role of business manager, allowing Miuccia to focus on designing and perfecting the new Prada look.

Miuccia had been making black waterproof backpacks since 1970, out of a nylon fabric called "Pocone". She unveiled the classic Prada handbag which was simple, sleek, black nylon, and in 1985 it became an overnight sensation. The bag was functional and sturdy, practical and fashionable. The high price tag that accompanied the handbags caused an onslaught of designer knock-offs, which only helped to make the genuine Prada articles more in demand.

Prada hit the runway in 1989 with its pret-a-porter collection, with elegant, simple pieces featuring clean lines, luxurious fabrics, and basic colors. The fashion world took notice, and Prada's popularity skyrocketed. By the 1990's, Prada was a leading force in fashion. The garments and accessories were smart, sophisticated, and extremely high quality. Luxurious fabrics and simple styles, mostly in blacks, browns, grays, greens, and creams, became the signature Prada look. The apparel was sexy and spoke of confidence without revealing too much skin. Accessories included skinny leather belts, elegant high heeled shoes, and of course, the classic handbag.

The Prada look has certainly evolved over the years, and Miuccia is credited with many innovations in fabric and design. She has added everything from mirror fragments to beaded latex to her garments, and experimented with new and unique fabric blends. Even with all of this experimentation however, the caliber of the finished product has never wavered.

Since then, Prada has gone on to open boutiques in dozens of cities and countries across the globe. Their shoes for men and women have become a staple for fashion enthusiasts and celebrities alike, and those extraordinary handbags are still wildly popular. The distinct silver Prada triangle is a status symbol all over Europe and North America.