Hey everyone, I just finished remaking the PRADA Medium Prada Galleria Saffiano Leather Bag, and I wanted to share my experience with you all. I’ve always loved the look of this bag, but let’s be real, it’s pretty expensive. So, I decided, why not try to make one myself? Here’s how it went down.
First things first, I spent a lot of time looking at pictures of the bag online. I found some good ones on fashion websites, and even some close-ups on resale sites. I really wanted to understand every detail, you know? The stitching, the hardware, the way the leather folds, everything. I had a picture open on my laptop and I kept coming back to it.
Next, I went on a hunt for materials. I needed Saffiano leather, which is this textured leather that Prada is famous for. I looked around online but ended up finding a decent piece at a local leather shop. It wasn’t cheap, but definitely cheaper than buying the actual bag! Then, there was the hardware. I needed gold-toned buckles, a zipper, and a little keyring thing. I found those online. It was a bit of a hassle, but I managed to find pieces that looked pretty close to the real deal.
Once I had all my materials, it was time to get to work. I started by making a pattern. I used some thick paper and sketched out the shape of the bag, using the pictures as a guide. This took some trial and error, I’m not going to lie. I messed up a few times, but eventually, I got it right. Then, I carefully cut out the leather pieces using my pattern. This was nerve-wracking! I didn’t want to mess up the leather, so I took my time and double-checked everything.
After cutting the leather, I started sewing. I used a heavy-duty needle and some strong thread. I sewed the main pieces of the bag together, making sure to follow the lines I had drawn on the leather. I’m not a pro at sewing, but I’ve done some projects before, so I knew the basics. It was slow going, but I wanted to make sure every stitch was neat and secure. To be honest, I messed up the sewing a bit and had to redo one of the panels. Luckily I had bought extra leather.
Next, I attached the handles and the detachable shoulder strap. This was a bit tricky because I had to make sure they were really secure. I used some extra-strong glue and some rivets to make sure they wouldn’t come off. I saw in one of the pictures I was using as a guide that there’s a removable leather keyring, so I made one of those, too. It’s just a small detail, but I think it makes a big difference.
Finally, I added the lining. I found a nice fabric that was close to the original, but it was tricky to make it. I sewed it in by hand, which took forever. But I wanted it to look nice and clean on the inside, just like the real bag.
The Result
- Look: It looks pretty darn close to the original, if I do say so myself! The Saffiano leather looks great, and the gold-toned hardware really pops.
- Feel: It feels sturdy and well-made. I’m confident that it will hold up well over time.
- Cost: I spent way less than I would have on the real bag. Sure, it took a lot of time and effort, but it was worth it.
Overall, I’m really happy with how my remake turned out. It was a challenging project, but I learned a lot, and now I have a beautiful bag that I’m proud to carry. It’s not perfect, of course. There are a few little imperfections here and there, but that’s part of the charm of a handmade item, right? This was a fun project, and I’m so glad I decided to give it a try. If you’re thinking about remaking a designer bag, I say go for it! It’s a great way to get the look you want without breaking the bank, and you might just surprise yourself with what you can create.
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