When Miuccia Prada inherited the Prada fashion house from her mother, Luisa Prada in 1978, she knew the success -- or failure -- of the company fell squarely on her shoulders. When she released her first set of backpacks and totes in 1979 made of military spec black nylon, the world at large did not quite tremble. Over time, though, the line became an international smash hit for the house of Prada.