Miuccia Prada

Miuccia's grandfather Mario founded the Prada brand in 1913, and in 1978 Miuccia took over the company after finishing her PhD in Political Science. Miuccia was also a trained mime, so it was a bit unlikely that she would be a fashion success, but she proved otherwise in 1985 when she designed a line of black nylon handbags. Those bags were a hit, and nylon handbags have been synonymous with the Prada label ever since. Miuccia launched a Prada clothing line in 1989, and in 1992 she debuted the more affordable Miu Miu label, which is her nickname. Although she's one of the world's biggest designers, Miuccia knows that clothing isn't everything, saying: "I love fashion, but I think it should stay in its place, not rule your life."