Okay, so picture this: I got it into my head that I was gonna remake a Prada bag. Not just any Prada bag, mind you. I’m talking about the Large Prada Galleria Saffiano Leather Bag. Yeah, that classic, iconic one that screams “I have my life together” even when I really, really don’t. I saw someone online calling it the “Saffiano Lux Large Double-Zip Tote” on Saks, but it is just the Galleria in a bigger size, I guess.
First off, let me tell you, this wasn’t some spur-of-the-moment decision. I’ve been eyeing this beauty for what feels like forever. It’s one of those bags that just oozes sophistication, you know? And the large size? Perfect for someone like me who carries their whole life around, not to mention I had my eyes on the 14W size to fit my 13-inch Mac.
So, I started doing my research. I learned this baby is made of something called “Saffiano leather,” which, apparently, is a big deal. It’s supposed to be super durable and scratch-resistant, which is great because I’m kind of a klutz. I also found out that the real Prada Galleria bag is made up of a whopping 83 pieces! 83! Can you believe that? It reflects Prada’s commitment to quality and style.
Now, I didn’t have the official pattern or anything, but I found some good pictures online and started sketching. I decided to go with white color. Let me tell you, figuring out all those compartments and zippers was a real challenge. But I was determined. I got myself some leather that I thought was a pretty good match for Saffiano, some heavy-duty thread, and a whole bunch of tools that I had no idea how to use.
The cutting was the first hurdle. I think I messed up at least three times before I got the main pieces right. And then came the sewing. Oh, the sewing. Let’s just say my fingers were not happy with me by the end of it. I tried using a sewing machine for some parts, but honestly, I think I did more damage than good. Most of it was hand-stitched, which took forever.
- First, cut that leather, messed it up a bunch, but got it done.
- Then stitch, stitch, stitch, my fingers hurt just thinking about it.
- Machine sewing was a disaster, so I did most by hand, which took years, I swear.
But you know what? After weeks of work, countless mistakes, and a few near meltdowns, I actually did it. I made a bag. It wasn’t perfect, not by a long shot. It definitely didn’t look exactly like the real Prada Galleria. The stitching was a bit wonky in places, and the shape wasn’t quite right. Some people asked me if I had the “Papier A5”, haha. But hey, it was a bag, and I made it with my own two hands. And you know what? I was pretty darn proud of myself.
Was It Worth It?
Honestly, it was a ton of work. A real test of patience. Would I do it again? Probably not. But I learned a lot, and I have a whole new appreciation for the craftsmanship that goes into those designer bags. Plus, I have a unique, one-of-a-kind bag that’s got a pretty good story behind it. And every time I look at it, I remember that I can do anything I set my mind to, even if it’s a little wonky and imperfect.
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