Alright, so I’ve been messing around with this project for a while now, trying to remake that Prada Galleria Saffiano Leather Bag, the small one. Yeah, you heard it, the “original order” type. It’s been a ride, let me tell you.
First off, I got my hands on some of that Saffiano leather. They say it’s made from calfskin, and man, it feels tough. I went down to a few places in Ann Arbor. I checked out Wilson Suede & Leather, Shinola, even Ragstock. Ended up finding just what I needed. It wasn’t easy, though.
Then, I started looking at the design. This bag, it’s got a classic look. Simple, but real nice. I studied pictures, watched some videos, trying to get every detail right. It’s got these two rolled top handles, and an adjustable handle wrap. I practiced making those, over and over. Took me a while to get them to look just right.
Next up, the shoulder strap. It’s adjustable and detachable. I wanted to make sure mine was just like the real deal. So I made a few prototypes, testing out different lengths and ways to attach it. It was a lot of trial and error, but I finally got it.
- I also had to figure out the two zip-fastening compartments. That was a bit tricky. Zippers can be a pain, you know? But I managed to get them in there, working smooth.
- And of course, I couldn’t forget that little enamel triangle logo. That’s the Prada sign, you see. I tried a few different ways to make it, but finally, I found a method that looked pretty good.
Putting it all together
After I had all the pieces, it was time to put it all together. That was the most nerve-wracking part. I sewed and glued, and prayed it would all hold. And you know what? It did! It actually came together, and it looked like a real Prada Galleria Saffiano bag!
I’m not saying it’s perfect. There’s probably a few things only a real Prada expert would notice. But I’m proud of it. It was a lot of work, but I learned a ton about working with leather, and about how these fancy bags are made. If you ever thought about trying to make your own bag, I say go for it! It’s a real challenge, but it’s worth it in the end.
Now, I’m not gonna lie, if you got the cash and want a brand-new, perfect one, just go buy it. But if you’re like me, and you like making things with your hands, this was a fun project. I might even try to make another one, maybe a different color next time. Who knows!
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