Alright, so, I’ve been obsessed with this PRADA Medium Prada Galleria Saffiano Leather Bag for like, ever. It’s just so classy and timeless, you know? But the price tag? Ouch. It’s definitely not something you just buy on a whim. I started to look into it, just to see what’s out there, and I found a few posts talking about remaking one.
I mean I started to think about it, how hard can it be to remake this iconic bag? This is such a classic design, so many brands have something similar, I should be able to create something similar, and use it as an exercise.
- First thing I did was to really look at a bunch of pictures of the bag. Like, a ton. From every angle, inside and out, close-ups of the hardware, everything. I needed to get a feel for the dimensions, the materials, the construction, all that stuff.
- Then came the fun part – sketching! I grabbed my notebook and started drawing out the bag, trying to break it down into simpler shapes. This helped me figure out what kind of pattern pieces I’d need to make later.
- Next, I had to decide on materials. The original is made of Saffiano leather, which is pretty unique. But I couldn’t get my hands on that where I live, so I went with a similar-looking textured leather that I thought would work well. I grabbed some nice, sturdy lining fabric and some gold-colored hardware to match the original.
- Making the pattern was probably the trickiest part. I used some thick paper to create the different pieces, based on my sketches and measurements. I ended up making a few test versions out of scrap fabric, just to make sure everything fit together correctly. There was a lot of trial and error, let me tell you!
- Once I was happy with the pattern, I carefully cut out the leather and lining pieces. Then came the sewing. I used my trusty sewing machine and took my time, making sure each seam was straight and strong. It’s not a race, right? Especially when you’re dealing with leather, you gotta be extra careful.
- The handles were a bit of a challenge. I had to figure out how to attach them securely and make sure they were comfortable to hold. I ended up hand-stitching them for extra strength, and I think they turned out pretty good.
- Finally, I added the hardware – the zipper, the logo, the little feet on the bottom. Those little details really make a difference. This step actually took me a whole day, which is understandable, it’s a lot of details!
After all that work, I have to say, it’s not perfect, but it’s mine. It’s got that classic Galleria vibe, and it’s a pretty decent size for everyday use. And it’s such a fun project!
From Zero to Hero!
It was a real learning experience, making this bag. I definitely improved my sewing skills, and I learned a lot about pattern making and working with leather. Plus, it’s just so satisfying to create something with your own two hands. I don’t have the real PRADA bag, but I have one of the most unique ones, and it’s the most special one, at least to me.
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