10 Styles to Know If You’re Buying Prada Bags

different prada bags grouped together included the Prada symbole tote, the Prada Cahier bag, and the Prada Galleria tote by FASHIONPHILE

This one is for all the Prada lovers out there.

 

Leave it to Prada to create a portfolio of some of the best luxury bags fashion has ever seen. But there are arguably a few Prada bag styles that really stand out, especially if you’re looking to buy a new Prada bag that will stand the test of time. From the perennial classics to the avant-garde creations, every Prada bag is a testament to Prada’s commitment to sustainability and upholding its reputation as a global leader in luxury. Among these curated handbags are renowned re-editions that Prada has bestowed upon the fashion scene (and our wishlists). 

10 Iconic Prada Bags

Prada Tessuto Nylon Backpack (1984) 

The “Vela” is what the first Prada backpack became known as, using revolutionary nylon fabric created by Miuccia Prada. The Prada nylon backpack was imagined in the 1970s and then later officially introduced in 1984. It changed the luxury world, bringing in a new material that challenged the definitions of ultra-luxury. Nylon was the complete opposite of what was already out there, which was mainly leather. The creation of the Prada backpack elevated the perception of nylon and made Tessuto nylon synonymous with Prada. In 2019, Prada introduced the sustainable Re-Nylon range, a collection of iconic bags that employs Econyl, which is a sustainable fabric that Prada claims can be recycled indefinitely and is wholly made from wastes such as old fishing nets, fabric scraps, carpet flooring, and industrial plastics. For anyone who is a fan of wearing backpacks, we have a guide to ultra-luxury backpacks, here

Prada Bowler (2000)

The introduction of the Prada Bowler bag became an instant hit. Upon release in the early 2000s, it nearly sold out. Now, almost twenty years later, the bowling bag style is still sought after; in fact, many newer Prada styles are imitating the elongated rectangular dome shape characteristic of the Bowler. This bag from Prada is a sensation and a nostalgic dream. Check out these throwback bags that are making a fashionable comeback

Prada Tessuto Nylon Shoulder Bags (2000 + 2005)

Around the early 2000s, Prada also introduced smaller shoulder bags using their iconic Tessuto Nylon fabric. These became iconic almost immediately because of their perfect shape and durability. These styles were brought back to us as Re-Editions almost twenty years later, known as the Prada 2000 Re-Edition and the Prada 2005 Re-Edition. The difference between the 2000 version and the 2005 version is that the Prada 2000 shoulder bag has a fabric strap, whereas the 2005 Prada shoulder bag has a leather strap using the iconic Saffiano leather. If you want to learn how to spot a fake Prada bag, we have an authenticity lesson that takes you up close to the Prada Mini Re-Edition 2000.  

front view image of a PRADA Tessuto Nylon Mini Re-Edition 2000 Bag in the color Rosa by FASHIONPHILE
Re-Edition 2000
front view image of a PRADA Tessuto Nylon Saffiano Mini Re-Edition 2005 Bag in the color Cammeo by FASHIONPHILE
Re-Edition 2005
Prada Galleria Tote (2007)

Speaking of Saffiano leather, Prada introduced the gorgeous Galleria tote, rendered in the house’s iconic Saffiano leather. The design is inspired by medicine bags or bags that doctors and nurses in the mid-century often carried with them containing important tools and paperwork. This explains why the Prada Galleria tote is so thoughtfully designed with compartments and a structured silhouette. The Galleria tote is assembled from 83 separate pieces. The name stems from the street where Prada’s first flagship was located back in 1913 which was Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Today, the Prada Galleria tote remains a core style coming in various materials, sizes, and colors season after season. The Galleria is a great durable investment whether you’re looking for bags that can carry all your books and more or a bag for your mom. Pst, we have some great designer totes for new moms

Prada Cahier Bag (2016)

The Prada Cahier bag is probably one of Prada’s most unique bags. Not much closely resembles this bag from other brands other than maybe the Petite Malle styles from Louis Vuitton. The Cahier bag has a unique boxy silhouette with a buckle at the front. The trunk-like design transforms the Prada Cahier into an effortlessly cool bag you can wear all year round. For more trunk bag styles, here’s a great guide to Louis Vuitton trunk bags and accessories

Prada Dynamique Hobo (2020)

A no-fuss, practical and stunning bag all in one? The Prada Dynamique Hobo. This bag has a soft and lightweight silhouette with a magnetic top closure and comes in many colors. As our Site Merchandising Manager, Kim Bickle, states, “The sleek leather and simple silhouette make it (the Daino Dynamique Hobo) easy to dress up or down for any occasion.” Trust her, as she owns this bag and wears it religiously.  Another “It” hobo style, and one created under Prada’s sister company, is the Miu Miu Wander Hobo bag. Learn more about this style here. 

Prada Cleo

The Prada Cleo bag is a special bag inspired by the traditional lines of the ’90s. The Cleo’s timeless silhouette is suitable for any look thanks to its sleek structure, exuding classicism and futurism. The Prada Cleo comes in the regular size and the mini size, which has a small flap closure. For more shapely accessories, you can check out these geometric-shaped bag styles

Prada Logo Tote (2021)

Who wouldn’t love to have a Prada tote with a fancy logo? This raffia-made style is a must, not just for summer vacations but also for casual trips to the local farmer’s market, relaxing by the pool, or when you want to pack light for your next adventure. It’s adorable and available in various colors. If you love the raffia textile, here’s more about the raffia material and how to best care for raffia bags

Prada Symbole Tote (2022)

A recent release from the house of Prada, the Symbole tote is gorgeous and comes in Large, Medium, Small, and Mini sizes. It also comes in a few different design iterations, such as the more vertical tote and a camera-style bag. The bag applauds the triangle, which was first introduced on trunks designed by Mario Prada. The bags are also lined with the house’s iconic Re-Nylon fabric. If you’re in the market for a new tote, you have to read this comparison of the Prada Symbole Tote and the Dior Book Tote. Which one would you pick? 

There are so many iconic Prada bags to shop for, all with an amazing history and unique characteristics. Learn more about Prada’s sister brand, Miu Miu. Shop all Prada luxury bags and accessories at FASHIONPHILE.