UPDATE: Prada Shoulder Straps are now available for purchase on Prada.com. Prices range from $800 to $1,355 via Prada.com.
When it comes to the most iconic bag brands, Prada is easily one of the most recognizable and most widely loved. Prada launched me into my love of designer bags; I lusted after a one of the brand’s iconic Tessuto nylon messenger bags during much of high school, and I received it was a gift when I began college. I remember feeling so enamored of my Prada bag, and even at that young age, I could tell how much higher quality it was from other brands in my collection at the time. Prada is distinguished by meticulous attention to craftsmanship and detail, and that’s still very much the case today.
Though Prada has evolved over time by embracing new techniques and ideas, the brand stays committed to the enduring quality of its pieces. Like many long-standing brands, the methods Prada employs have been passed down by craftsmen over the course of years, and they’re so vital and specific to the brand that they could easily be called trade secrets. Just like those crucial rules of craftsmanship, some of the brand’s designs are equally long-standing; two of the most highly sought-after Prada pieces remain the Prada Galleria and Prada Double Bags.
The Galleria and Double are classic Prada styles, and they’re very well-loved by the brand’s fans and shoppers. I certainly count myself among that group; if I had it my way, I’d own a rainbow of these bags in every size offered.
Below, we have an intimate look at two of the most iconic bags of Prada’s lineup. In addition to that, I have the pleasure of being among the first to tell you all about the new Prada shoulder straps!
Prada Galleria Bag
Founded in 1913 by Mario Prada (Miuccia Prada’s grandfather) in Milan, Prada opened its first store in the prestigious Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. The Prada Galleria Bag was named after the store that started it all, and the bag holds a similarly foundational spot in the brand’s handbag array.
This bag is immediately recognizable as Prada, and although some people confuse it with the Prada Double Bag, it has been around far longer. The Galleria shape is clean and sleek, typically using Saffiano leather, which is hot pressed to achieve the crosshatch texture you see and feel. Because of the longevity of Saffiano leather, Prada has used this water-repellant, scratch-resistant material for decades, and the finish style is often associated with Prada because the brand’s artisans perfected it. While the bags we photographed (as well as many of the Galleria bags on the market) are made of Saffiano leather, there is also City Calf version, which is luscious and slightly softer, which gives this bag a more laid-back vibe.
The Galleria bag holds its shape nicely and is ideal daily use, including in the office. The shape quickly turned into a brand essential for Prada, and many flock to it because of its highly functional interior structure: one large opening, flanked by two zipper-closed pockets at the front and back, all of which run the full length of the bag. The main interior compartment features three inside pockets, one with a zipper, and the body of the bag can be snapped on either side to pinch the top of the bag together to further secure the interior.
Every season, Prada reintroduces this bag in a variety of colors and styles based on that season’s theme. This allows countless options and reinterpretations, which makes this bag a classic, iconic wardrobe staple.
Prada Double Bag
Introduced in 2013, the Prada Double Bag quickly became a favorite. Much like the Galleria Bag, the Double is reinterpreted every season in colors and fabrications based on the style of the season.
While the Galleria Bag offers a bit more structure, especially because of the full body pockets on the front and back of the bag, the Double is more minimal and lightweight. The Saffiano leather on the exterior is paired with smooth Nappa leather inside, and Prada has made the potential color combinations one of the most fun aspects of the design. While many Double Bags do offer tone-on-tone leathers on the exterior and interior, there are plenty of contrasting combinations that blend the inside and out in an unexpected way. It’s one of my favorite aspects of this bag, and I love seeing what Prada comes up with to make each design stand out a bit more than the last.
The Double Bag offers an internal divider with a flap pocket, which allows for easier organization and helps separate the bag into two main interior compartments. I love this design; the divider peeks out when you’re carrying the bag, and if you have a contrasting interior color, you can see it pop.
While the Galleria and Double Bags have their similarities that make them both unmistakably Prada, there are differences that could easily make one or the other better for your life. If you’re trying to decide between the two, I’m happy to help point you in the right direction in the comments below!
Prada Shoulder Straps
I’m really excited we get to be among the first to break the news of the new Prada Shoulder Straps. Though both of the above bags offer optional shoulder straps in matching Saffiano leather, the brand now offers a way to customize your bag and show your personality with a shoulder strap that speaks to you and stands apart from the rest of the bag.
I’ve seen many add-on shoulder straps over the past few years and I can tell you that these Prada straps are some of the most beautiful in appearance and quality I’ve seen. I loved dressing up each bag differently with a strap, and each one transformed the bag. While a strap with oversized leather floral appliqués feels playful, the strap with Swarovski crystal embellishments makes an eye-catching statement. The new collection of shoulder straps allows you to instantly add a personal touch to your bag.
The straps are sold separately and come in Calfskin, Saffiano, and Nastro leather with all featuring floral patterns with a 3D effect designed from crystals, plexiglass, resin or leather. The straps are now exclusively available at the Prada Broadway and Prada 5th Avenue boutiques in New York and will be available online by the end of the month.
For further inquires, don’t hesitate to email Prada client service at [email protected]. Visit the Prada e-Boutique to shop for all Prada bags online.
