MIUCCIA PRADA: I WEAR CLOTHES BY OTHER DESIGNERS ONLY IF THEY ARE DEAD OR POOR!

Miuccia Prada was born in 1950. By her mid-20's she had a doctorate in political science. In 1979 she took over the Prada family business. Since sales were down, she expanded into luxury tote bags and backpacks in black with flat classic lines, made from nylon. In 1985 Miuccia launched a line of footwear for women and her first pret-a-porter clothing line, using high quality fabrics. Her clean lines gave her fame, and she came to be known for under-stated elegant garments. In 1995 She won "Designer of the Year" award.

Is fashion art?
It can be if it is approached by an artist as an artist, but a fashion designer creating a collection is not art as such. It has artistic elements, of course, but the process is different.

What is then fashion for you?
I love fashion, but I think it should stay in its place, not rule our life. It's a very nice part of our life, but I think it should be fun.

What do you look for in a model?
It is unnatural for me to choose the girls and I don't enjoy it. I hate the idea of judging a human being in that way, I find it very embarrassing. The moment they enter the room I decide whether they are right for the show because it is their personality that has to strike me first. I'm looking for the woman who can represent my idea better than any other.

Why are accessories so important to fashion?
Prada has started its way in the world of fashion with accessories. Everyone then predicted that we never be successful with clothes because we started that way. Now it has reversed and you cannot be a fashion designer unless you do shoes and bags. I think dressing is a very complicated process if you are interested in fashion and you want to express yourself through it. A bag or a pair of shoes is a good way to identify yourself stylistically without having to be stressed with the entire outfit.

Which other designers do you admire?
I can never answer that question because whenever my peers are asked the same they either mention names of dead designers or designers who haven't made one single penny.

Do you wear clothes by any other designers?
Only if they are dead or poor!