Okay, so I recently decided to take on this little project. I’ve been eyeing the Small Prada Galleria Saffiano Leather Bag from their official flagship store for a while now, and I thought, “Why not try to remake it?” I mean, Prada’s known for their luxury stuff and cool designs, right? I figured it’d be a fun challenge, plus I could use a nice bag for work or going out.
First, I spent a lot of time just looking at the bag on their website. Zooming in on every detail, you know? I wanted to get a good feel for the size, the shape, the hardware, everything. Then I started researching the materials. Turns out, it’s made of Saffiano leather. It’s this genuine leather that’s been treated and embossed. It’s not like full-grain leather that gets all soft and develops a patina over time. I found out it’s genuine leather, but it can be either chrome-tanned or vegetable-tanned, and the thickness depends on what it’s used for. This Saffiano stuff is tough and kinda scratch-resistant, which is great.
Next, I had to figure out the pattern. I sketched out the basic shape of the bag, making sure to get the dimensions right. It’s a pretty structured bag, so I knew I’d need some stiff interfacing to help it hold its shape. The bag also has these signature Prada details, like the triangle logo and the metal feet on the bottom. I spent ages trying to find similar hardware online. I found some, but they weren’t exactly the same. But hey, it’s a remake, not a replica, right?
- Gathered all my materials: Saffiano leather, lining fabric, interfacing, thread, hardware.
- Cut out all the pieces according to my pattern.
- Sewed the lining together first, then the outer pieces.
- Added the interfacing to give the bag its structure.
- Attached the hardware, which was a bit tricky, to be honest.
I took my sweet time putting the bag together. I wanted to make sure everything was lined up perfectly and that the stitching was neat. Let me tell you, sewing with Saffiano leather is no joke! It’s pretty thick, so I had to use a heavy-duty needle and go slow. But, it’s also really satisfying to work with. It feels so luxurious, even though it’s tough as nails.
The hardest part was probably attaching the handles. They’re these rolled leather handles, and they have to be attached just so to look right. I messed it up a couple of times and had to rip out the stitches and start over. But eventually, I got it. I have to say they are pretty similar to the New-Season designs by Daniel Lee.
The Result
After a few weeks of work, I finally finished my Small Prada Galleria Saffiano Leather Bag remake! And you know what? I’m pretty darn proud of it. It’s not perfect, but it definitely captures the essence of the original. It’s got that same sophisticated vibe, and it’s the perfect size for carrying my essentials. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter. I love telling people that I made it myself. It’s not just a bag; it’s a testament to my patience, my attention to detail, and my love for a good challenge.
Click to consult