So I saw this PRADA Re-Edition 1995 Chaine Re-Nylon Mini-Bag online, and it just screamed “classic” to me. I’ve been on a bit of a DIY kick lately, figured why not try to remake one myself?
First off, I spent days just staring at pictures of this bag. Front, back, sides, inside – I wanted to soak up every detail. The shape is pretty simple, but that chain strap and the Re-Nylon material, that’s what makes it special. Then, I started thinking about what I could use.
Finding the right material was a big hurdle. Re-Nylon is this recycled nylon thing PRADA does, and it’s got this specific look and feel. I rummaged through my fabric stash, and eventually settled on a water-resistant nylon that was decent enough. Not perfect, but I thought I could make it work.
Next up, the pattern. I sketched it out on some paper, basing it roughly on the dimensions I found online. Then, I cut a test version out of some scrap fabric, just to make sure the shape was right. It took a few tries. I’m no tailor, but I got there eventually. A bit of tweaking here, a little adjustment there, and the shape started to look like the real deal.
Once I was happy with the test version, I moved on to the actual fabric. Cutting it out was nerve-wracking! One wrong snip and I’d have to start over. But I took my time, double-checked everything, and managed to get all the pieces cut out without any major disasters.
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Sewing it together was probably the trickiest part. I used my trusty old sewing machine. It is not fancy, but it is good enough. I had to go slow, especially around the corners, to make sure everything lined up properly. My hands were sweating, but I was determined.
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Then there’s the chain strap. I found a pretty good match at a local craft store. I was surprised by how close it was. It’s not the same weight, but it is still ok. Attaching it to the bag was another challenge. I used some heavy-duty thread and made sure to reinforce the stitches so it wouldn’t come loose.
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Finally, I added a zipper to the top. It’s not perfect, I know. The stitching is a little wonky in places, and it’s definitely not as polished as the original. But hey, it’s a handmade bag. And that’s all it’s going to be.
I also added a little pocket on the inside, just for my keys and phone. It is not as refined as the original, but it is a personal touch. And it has my own style!
The Result
It’s not a perfect replica, not even close. But I’m still pretty proud of it. It’s got that same classic vibe, and it’s definitely unique. Plus, I learned a ton in the process. And that’s always a good thing. This was a fun project, and who knows, maybe I’ll try my hand at another designer bag remake in the future. We’ll see!
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