So, I finally decided to do something I’ve been thinking about for a long time, and that’s remaking the PRADA Small Prada Galleria Saffiano Leather Bag. This bag, it’s a beauty, but the price tag, oh boy, it makes you think twice. I figured, why not try making one myself? How hard could it be, right?
First thing I did was look up everything I could about this bag. I mean everything. The size, the materials, the whole shebang. I found out it’s made of something called Saffiano leather, which is like real leather but treated and embossed so it doesn’t change much over time. This bag is supposed to be tough.
Next, I started gathering materials. Getting that Saffiano leather was a bit of a task, but I managed. I also needed those metal parts, the zippers, and the famous enamel triangle logo. I tried to find similar stuff, or at least something that looked close enough. I even tried to make some parts myself, which was, let’s say, an interesting experience.
I started cutting the leather, following the measurements I found. I have to admit, it was tougher than I thought. Cutting leather isn’t like cutting paper. I messed up a few times, but hey, that’s part of learning, isn’t it?
Then came the sewing part. Oh boy, sewing leather is a whole different ball game. It’s tough, and my fingers definitely felt it. I tried using a regular sewing machine, but it wasn’t strong enough. So, I had to do a lot of it by hand. It was slow, and honestly, pretty painful, but I kept going.
Putting the bag together was like solving a puzzle. I had all these pieces, and I had to figure out how they fit together. I looked at pictures of the real bag, trying to copy how it was assembled. There were moments when I thought I had bitten off more than I could chew, but I just kept at it.
The hardest part was probably trying to replicate that enamel triangle logo. I tried a few different things, but nothing looked quite right. I ended up settling for something that was kind of close, but not really. It was a bit disappointing, but I guess that’s what makes the real PRADA bag so special, right?
After a lot of work, a lot of sweat, and maybe a few tears, I finally finished. The bag was done. It wasn’t perfect, not by a long shot. It didn’t really look like the real PRADA Galleria bag, but it was a bag, and I made it. It was my own version of the Galleria.
- Learned a lot about leatherworking
- Realized how much work goes into making a high-end bag
- Got a new appreciation for craftsmanship
- Ended up with a unique bag that’s kind of special in its own way
Would I do it again? Maybe not. But it was definitely an experience, and I learned a lot. Plus, now I have this bag that’s one of a kind. It’s not a PRADA, but it’s mine, and there’s something to be said for that.
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