Okay, so, I saw this super chic Small Prada Galleria Saffiano Special Edition Bag the other day and thought, “I gotta have that!” But, you know, the price tag? Ouch. So, I decided to get crafty and try to remake it myself. I’m not a professional or anything, but I’m pretty handy, and I love a good DIY challenge.
First things first, I did some digging around online. I wanted to get a good look at the bag from all angles, check out the materials, and see if anyone else had attempted something similar. Found some close-up photos and videos, which was a huge help. It’s that classic Saffiano leather, which has this cool cross-hatch texture. And the bag itself is pretty structured, not slouchy at all. I also noticed that it should be sold around $7500.00. I realized that this one is special edition and it is worth collecting.
Next, I hit up some fabric and craft stores. I was on the hunt for a good faux leather that could mimic the Saffiano look. It wasn’t easy, but I finally found something that was pretty close. It had that same kind of textured finish, and the color was spot on. I also grabbed some sturdy interfacing to give the bag its shape, and some lining fabric for the inside.
Then came the fun part – putting it all together. I sketched out a rough pattern based on the photos I found. I measured everything out, cut the faux leather, the interfacing, and the lining. I started by sewing the lining together, creating little pockets and compartments just like the real deal.
Then, I tackled the outer shell. I ironed the interfacing onto the back of the faux leather pieces to give them that stiffness. Sewing the faux leather was a bit tricky, it’s definitely thicker than regular fabric, but I took it slow, and my sewing machine handled it like a champ. I stitched the pieces together, carefully matching up the edges and corners.
- The handles were the most challenging part. I wanted them to be just as sturdy and well-made as the ones on the original bag. I ended up using multiple layers of faux leather, reinforced with some extra interfacing, and I topstitched them for that polished look.
Finally, I added the hardware. I found some similar-looking metal pieces online – the logo, the zipper, the little feet for the bottom of the bag. Attaching them was a bit fiddly, but with a bit of patience, I managed to get them all in place. And just like the real one, I also use a small lock to lock my bag.
When I was all done, I stepped back to admire my handiwork. It wasn’t a perfect replica, of course, but I was pretty darn proud of it! It had that same classy, structured look as the Small Prada Galleria Saffiano Special Edition Bag, and it felt really well-made. Plus, I saved myself a ton of money, which is always a win.
It was a fun little project, and it definitely satisfied my craving for that gorgeous bag. It just goes to show that you don’t always have to break the bank to get the look you want. Sometimes, a little creativity and elbow grease are all you need!