If you are buying a designer bag, the wise thing to do is do your findings because those things are expensive. Prada and Gucci are two top-rated fashion brands in the industry, two of the most prestigious brands ever. They are both Italian brands, and both brands’ products have been ruling the fashion world for many years. Gucci and Prada are undoubtedly world-leading and pace-setting fashion houses with their high-quality, exclusive, high-fashion items.
Although they are both Italian brands highly recognized in the fashion world and outside it, these two brands are many shades different. Their styles, demography, and even quality levels are not the same; each brand is unique in its way. If you are weighing your options between these two brands, here is a comparison guide you can use to choose. What are the major differences between Prada and Gucci? Which one is more expensive, and which has better quality?
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Prada vs. Gucci: Their Rise to Fame
First off, Prada is older than Gucci as it was founded in 1913; Gucci was founded eight years later. Mario Prada started the Prada brand; it specializes in the same items Gucci specializes in. Both brands deal in leather handbags, ready-to-wear fashion, accessories, footwear, and perfume; both items are quite expensive. Prada started with the creation of good-quality leather handbags and travel luggage; it became popular with the “The Devil Wears Prada” collection.
On the other hand, Gucci was founded in 1921 by Guccio Gucci in Florence, Italy, where it is still based today. The brand is known for its handbags, clothing, footwear, accessories, makeup, perfume, and a high-end home décor line. The brand has always been for the wealthy, even from the start; it majorly served the wealthy Italian people at its inception. Gucci started with high-quality clothing and equestrian equipment; it has managed to maintain this class through the years.
Gucci or Prada: Which Is More Expensive?
Gucci and Prada have similar price listings in that it will be hard to find a bag below $1,000 on their shelves. However, Gucci items tend to cost higher than Prada’s, mostly because its target audience made it more popular. Two good examples of this scenario are the Gucci Marmont shoulder bag which costs $2,350, and Prada’s Re-Edition current bestseller bag, which costs $950. Additionally, the Gucci Diana and Gucci Jackie, the brand’s bestselling tote bags, cost $3,980 and $2,980, respectively.
Meanwhile, a similar bestselling bag from Prada will cost around $2,950. For the shoes, Prada and Gucci have almost the same pricing policy, with their prices falling between $700 and $1,500.
As for the range of items, they offer a similar range, although Gucci’s is larger. Prada deals in bags, jewels, small accessories, wallets, footwear, and sunglasses, among other things. On the other hand, Gucci produces handbags, shoes, scarves, fragrances, formal wear, suits, ready-to-wear fashion, sunglasses, and wallets.
Prada vs. Gucci: Design and Material Quality
One aspect where Gucci and Prada are different is in their design; both brands have distinctly different styles. Gucci started and was reputed for leather goods, but it branched into canvas designs in recent years, featuring the double G monogram. The brand’s clothes are often bright and colorful with bohemian undertones; the fabrics feature unique shapes and whimsical lines running through them. Gucci especially loves using colorful, bold, and seemingly experimental patterns in canvas fabrics.
On the other hand, Prada uses more neutral tones, including white, beige, and matte black, across their fabric designs. The brand is easily recognizable with its bags featuring elegant black designs and uniquely-shaped sunglasses. Prada’s clothes have a characteristic simplicity that makes them stand out on the market and from Gucci’s clothes. Despite their simplicity, they have a sleek, gorgeous, and timeless silhouette, featuring a rare addition of bold accessories.
Prada vs. Gucci: Differences and Similarities
Gucci and Prada are so similar and yet so different; one major difference is their brand name use. Their use of color and monograms are also significantly different. On the one hand, Gucci uses the infamous double G monogram on most of its canvas handbags. The gold double G monogram is often displayed on the locking mechanism of the handbags.
Conversely, Prada’s branding and logo use are so subtle that they’re hardly recognizable; the logo isn’t visible. You can find Prada’s subtle minimalist branding approach traditionally in high-fashion products, which high-society social groups often purchase.
Meanwhile, both brands are similar in that they started as family businesses, although Prada is the only one still run by the family. The current head designer of the Prada brand is Mario Prada’s granddaughter, Miuccia Prada, who took over from her mother, Mario’s daughter. However, an investment group took over Gucci in the 90s due to the indecision and infighting that existed then. Also, both brands started as leather goods companies, producing handbags and luggage, among other leather products.
Even today, both brands remain a leader in the leather goods production industry with their exquisite, exotic leather products. Also, both brands, though different in style, are world-renowned for the timelessness of their leather designs.
Gucci vs. Prada: Which Brand Is Best for You?
Deciding which brand will suit you best between Gucci and Prada will not be easy, but it is doable. Simply understand their styles, pricing, quality level, and other features you want in the designer product you’re interested in. Then, bring those styles up to your preferences and personal lifestyle to choose which fits best. We can only provide an objective review of both brands; the choice belongs to you at the end of the day.
Regarding pricing, both brands are not too different; their items fall within the same price range. However, if you’re a logo-centric fashion enthusiast, you may prefer Gucci’s bolder use of its brand name and logo. If you prefer subtler branding with more neutral colors, Prada may be your go-to brand.
Conclusion
Prada and Gucci are two world-leading, trendsetting fashion brands with a reputation for high quality and exceptional designs. Their main difference is their branding; Prada uses a more subtle branding approach, while Gucci is louder. If you prefer bolder, more colorful designs, think Gucci, but if you prefer neutral colors, think Prada.