One of the most influential female billionaires in the world is Maria Bianchi Prada or Miuccia Prada, with an enviable net worth of $2.7 billion. She was born in Milan, Italy on May 10, 1949. Miuccia is the granddaughter of Mario Prada, who is the founder of the Prada international fashion house, founded in 1913. You might be surprised to know that this high fashion heiress earned a Ph.D. in the Political Science Department from the University of Milan. Then, Miuccia began her career in accessories designing, in line with her family business in fashion.
In 1978, Miuccia met her partner in business, Patrizio Bertelli, who at that time got married to her and became a member of Prada Company. After that, Miuccia and Patrizio were pushing Prada to another direction. The first collection, including black nylon handbags, which Miuccia has designed in 1985, was the turning point for getting Prada internationally famous. In 1986, Prada’s first store was opened in New York, where it went far beyond fancy steamer trunks, suitcases and handbags.
Throughout the years, Miuccia showed her collections in New York, London and Milan fashion weeks. After her own nickname, Miuccia produced her offshoot line Miu Mui in 1992. A year later, she was awarded an International Award by The Council of Fashion Designers of America, and she was one of the fifty best-dressed over 50 by the Guardian in 2013. Since then, Prada has expanded by producing leather products, shoes, perfumes and clothes for men and woman. Now, Miuccia and her husband Patrizio are co-CEOs for Prada with $2.7 billion net worth. Today, Prada runs in 250 boutique shops and stores across more than 65 countries and is one of the most recognizable high fashion brand names.
