Prada profit jumps 74 percent on Asia sales

Italian luxury fashion house Prada says first-half profit surged on stron sales of leather goods such as bags and wallets to Chinese and other Asian customers.

Prada said net income jumped 74 percent to 179.5 million euros ($244 million) in the six months to July 31.

Revenue rose 21 percent to 1.13 billion euros. It was Prada's first earnings report since the company listed on Hong Kong's stock exchange in June.

The company said Asia-Pacific sales grew an "outstanding" 35.4 percent in the first half, with the Greater China region making the biggest contribution.

Prada said leather goods played a big role in boosting sales in Asia.