You scroll through TikTok and see girls in Miu Miu micro-skirts. You check Instagram—Miu Miu again. Red carpet? Same story. This name is literally everywhere right now, and in 2023 the brand shot to the top of the Lyst Index ranking of the hottest luxury brands. And no, that’s not a coincidence.
Where did the name even come from? In short: Miu Miu is the family nickname of Miuccia Prada, the brand’s founder. But hold on—the full, personal story behind this nickname is coming up in a moment, and it’s truly fascinating.
What does the name Miu Miu mean?
For now, all you need to know is that Miu Miu is like Prada’s younger, more rebellious sister. Where Prada is the elegant lady in a black suit, Miu Miu is the girl in a skirt that’s too short and sunglasses that are too big—experimental, a bit chaotic, and definitely more youthful.
Why are we talking about this so much right now? Because Gen Z has absolutely fallen in love with this brand. The reasons are simple:
- These viral micro skirts (you know them, everyone knows them)
- The aesthetics of “accidental” luxury that doesn’t scream money
- Spotted on every celebrity under 30
The name “Miu Miu” has thus become a symbol of something more than fashion —it’s a cultural moment.
The true meaning of the name Miu Miu
Many people still wonder: what does Miu Miu really mean? The truth is simpler than you might think—and at the same time, much more personal. “Miu Miu” is a diminutive of Miuccia Prada’s name (her full name is Maria Miuccia Prada), used by her closest family. Simply “Miu”—a homey, familiar nickname, just like the ones most of us probably have.
But this double “Miu Miu” actually makes sense. It gives the name a playful, slightly childlike feel. A bit ironic, a bit fun—something that was meant from the start to set this brand apart from the more intellectual, serious Prada. And here comes my favorite part: the quote from Miuccia that everyone cites:
“Prada is me, Miu Miu is a dream.”
You can clearly see the relationship here—Prada stands for maturity, control, minimalism. Miu Miu? That’s a space for spontaneity, girlish charm, and a touch of nonchalance.
And here’s a little reveal: the name has no deep etymology. It doesn’t come from Latin, nor is it drawn from Italian folklore. It’s a purely personal gesture—a self-portrait in the form of a nickname.
A few fun facts worth knowing:
- The idea for the name came up during a family dinner—just like that, spontaneously.
- In Korea, “miu miu” is associated with a word meaning “kitten,” which has inadvertently helped the brand in Asian pop culture.
- It’s the only high fashion brand named after a child’s diminutive.
It’s precisely this simplicity and personal touch that make the name work—but more on how this translates into brand image in a moment.
Miu Miu as Prada’s younger sister – from a Prada line to an independent brand
When Miuccia Prada founded Miu Miu in 1993, the fashion industry quickly dubbed the new brand Prada’s “younger sister.” And you know what? The label stuck—and for good reason. The very name, that playful, intimate nickname, already hinted at something more relaxed, less formal.
A brief timeline:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1913 | The founding of Mario Prada in Milan |
| 1978 | Miuccia Prada takes the helm of the company |
| 1992 | The first Miu Miu collection (spring/summer 1993) |
| 1993 | Opening of the first Miu Miu boutique in Milan |
In the beginning, the positioning was quite clear—Miu Miu launched as a more accessible line, with prices about one-third lower than the main Prada collection. It was like a demo version of luxury aimed at younger clients. But over time, this “younger sister” truly came into her own and now operates as a fully independent brand within the Prada Group, with its own identity and its own rules.
Miu Miu style: rebellious energy in action
And this is where the name translates into aesthetics. So what does it mean to be “Miu Miu”? Picture a blend of the ’60s, ’90s grunge, and that distinctive schoolgirl aesthetic—filtered through the sensual, ironic lens of an adult woman. It’s a style that plays with conventions, sometimes provokes, but always with that signature mischievous sparkle in the eye.
Key features:
- Micro-mini skirts (that viral one from SS2022 is legendary)
- Mary Jane ballet flats with a strap
- Nerdy glasses with thick frames
- Matelassé quilting on everything
- Cardigans with pearls
- Shimmering fabrics and patches
Miu Miu has always targeted young, bold women—those who aren’t afraid to be seen. That’s exactly why Gen Z has fallen in love with the brand. Today’s “Miu Miu girls” are Sydney Sweeney, Zendaya, Emma Corrin—ambassadors of this effortless elegance.
But does it work from a business perspective? Oh, absolutely. Online sales are rising year over year, Arcadie and Wander bags are flying off the shelves, and the brand regularly appears in top “most wanted” rankings. It turns out that being the younger sister doesn’t mean staying in the shadows.
How a Single Nickname Changed the Face of Modern Luxury
So it’s kind of funny how it all turned out. That “girlish” name—Miu Miu—sounding like something out of a fairy tale, and today it’s the one showing where the entire world of luxury is heading. Because, you see, in 2025, Miu Miu climbed to the very top of the Lyst Index (the most popular fashion brand in the world!), and revenues surpassed 1.2 billion euros in 2024. That’s no coincidence. A personal, “warm” name became the foundation of a global brand—and that tells us something important about what we’re looking for in luxury today.
The future? It’s already happening. And it looks something like this:
- Gen Z and TikTok don’t just buy – they create an entire aesthetic around a brand (viral trends, their own take on “quiet luxury”)
- Asia – the most dynamic growth is happening there; China, Korea, and Japan are the new Miu Miu hubs
- Rumors about a menswear line – Miuccia is reportedly “considering it” (after all, her husband runs Prada Uomo, so…)
- More collabs – after New Balance, we’re looking forward to more
But—and here’s where it gets interesting—not everything is perfect. Miu Miu is still, above all, about nylon, and the debate around ecology and sustainability is only growing. Plus, there are voices raising concerns about the lack of size inclusivity and a certain “elitism” in the runway silhouettes. The future of luxury will have to address this —or risk losing a generation that truly demands authenticity.
Naida
lifestyle editorial team
High Class Fashion