Every Bag Through the Founder's Hands

“Patrizio Bertelli from Arezzo is clearly one of them, "a serial entrepreneur," is how one who has worked closely with him charitably describes him. He is one of those who are not afraid to take risks, with a volcanic character far from the politically correct, ready for gut decisions and instant choices, much to the peace of mind of collaborators, accustomed to outbursts and strokes of genius. Even today, every single bag or shoe from Prada goes through his hands at the bright Tuscan headquarters in Valvigna: he designs it, touches it, smells it, checks every detail and, after going over it with the Lady, if he is convinced, he approves it. From that moment, in no time, it goes into production, as I will discover by visiting the labs where craftsmen in ice-white lab coats with the Prada logo invent new products.”

“He has taken the concept of vertical integration to the extreme, raised the excellence of industrial quality production, and transformed his passion into a team capable of competing for the oldest trophy in the world of sports.”