AMBITION: Miuccia Prada

Ambition can be defined in many ways.

Its literal definition states it is a strong desire to do or achieve something. I, however, prefer to define this term with an example, a woman; Miuccia Prada.

Her path to becoming the Chief Executive Officer of Prada is rather unique.  As the youngest granddaughter of  Mario Prada, who created Prada making high-end luxury luggage in 1913,  Miuccia was never predicted to continue the family business. She studied at the University of Milan where she completed a Ph.D. in Political Science. As a feminist and member of the Communist Party, Miuccia spent the next 5 years training as a mime at Piccolo Teatro in Milan.

At the age of 29 in 1978,  she decided to enter the world of fashion by joining the family business. Soon she released her first designs as a line of black, lightweight backpacks in 1985. Instantly gaining popularity and recognition, she created her debut collection of womenswear in 1988. Introducing a more affordable line called Miu Miu in 1992, Miuccia rapidly gained success as well as the Council of Fashion Designers of America International Award in 1993.

Today the fashion empire is worth $11.1 billion,  placing Miuccia at number 139 on the Forbes Billionaire list.

Ambition is her second name. To achieve a Ph.D, train as a mime, and create an empire that influences much of the fashion world today, must take ambition, passion and hard work. Yet the most intriguing belief behind Prada as a brand, is her disregard of trends and drive to stand out; to do things differently. Prada is devoted to fearlessness , and Miuccia constantly reinvents her identity as a feminist and an advocate for change through her collections. She says , “Fashion is an incredible tool for understanding people, for understanding the world.”