This work, which blends historical fiction, the evolution of fashion, and a love story set against the backdrop of the looming First World War, resonated with me directly and even inspired me to seek out additional sources. The author’s prose is vivid and heartfelt; I will certainly continue to read more of her books. @elaine

I particularly loved the book’s lively depiction of historical Milan, as well as its portrayal of the social divides between the rich and the poor, and between the aristocracy and the common people. The novel reads with remarkable fluidity, gripping me from the very first page—I practically devoured it in one sitting. @Anna Lysis

This was my first encounter with this author’s work, and from the outset I was completely immersed in the story. The characters are rendered with extraordinary vividness, their images vividly taking shape in my mind. At the same time, the author does an excellent job of bringing the emerging world of Milanese fashion to life, making it feel right here before me. @Lange.Weile

“Absolutely brilliant: the atmosphere is superb, the narrative thrilling, and deeply moving.” — Stefanie Wels

★ Rights sold to Hungary, Slovenia, Portugal, Estonia, the Czech Republic, and Poland! Numerous international publishers have recognized the strong commercial appeal of this emotionally rich novel—perfect for readers who love strong female characters, fashion, and Italian flair.
★ A fusion of history, fashion, and romance: Set in Milan in 1918, it recreates the legendary origins of the Prada brand, weaving together the roots of "old money" style, the backdrop of World War I, and a heartfelt love story—offering both historical depth and the tension of fashion aesthetics.
★ Prada: one woman, one dream, the beginning of a legend. This is a deeply moving historical novel about courage, love, and the rise of the world’s most dazzling fashion dynasty.

Milan, Italy, 1918: Sofia, a young, penniless seamstress, has come to Milan from a small mountain village. Her dream is to become a fashion designer. In the famed Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, she happens to step into a leather goods shop and is immediately captivated by the quality of its wares and the superb craftsmanship. Looking up, she finds herself meeting the gaze of the young shopkeeper… and soon secures a job at that unassuming establishment called “Fratelli Prada.”
The Prada brand and its stores are run by the ambitious brothers Mario and Martino Prada. With the opening of their boutique in the Galleria, Mario’s dream is realized. He is the creative force behind the Prada name, while his brother Martino handles the finances. After formally becoming engaged to his childhood friend Paola D’Angelo, Mario obtains a generous line of credit from his future father-in-law to open their boutique.
After exchanging just a few words with Sofia, Mario recognizes her as a true expert in materials, with a deep understanding of quality and innovation. He persuades her to join his studio. There, the two inspire each other with their ideas—while a subtle spark begins to kindle between them. Thanks to Sofia’s extraordinary designs, the shop quickly gains renown throughout Italy. Meanwhile, Sofia and Mario grow ever closer, and the young woman feels utterly blissful. Yet before long, Sofia discovers that Mario has not been entirely honest with her. Her dreams of fashion and love begin to slip away…
This leaves the pragmatic Martino deeply worried, for the boutique’s survival is tied to Mario’s engagement to Paola. Soon after, Mario receives the shocking news of Paola’s suicide. Her tragedy, coupled with her parents’ imminent decision to withdraw the loan, plunges the Prada brothers into grave turmoil.
But Mario and Sofia—his creative soulmate—stand side by side, and together they manage to turn the tide. Mario and Sofia give birth to a new material that will revolutionize the fashion world: Saffiano—a signature cross‑grain leather at Prada, rendered here in its original name, transliterated as “Saffiano.”

Susanna von Berg
Susanna von Berg is the pen name of author Andreas Schmidt, who is renowned for his numerous crime novels and historical fiction. He currently lives in his hometown of Wuppertal, working as a freelance writer and journalist.
He was born in Wuppertal in 1969. As a teenager, he discovered his passion for writing and thus embarked on his literary career, contributing to well-known popular-fiction series, including those published by Bastei Lübbe. He infuses his love for Germany’s coastlines into his crime novels, which are set in “the land between two seas.” Under the name Susanna von Berg, he writes meticulously researched, atmospherically rich historical novels for Aufbau Verlag in Berlin.
His works include the “Everyday Miracle Saga” trilogy—“The Age of Women: A Great Invention,” “The Age of Women: Hope for the Future,” and “The Age of Women: Years of Awakening”—as well as the “Department Store Saga” series, among others.