Okay, so I’ve been wanting to remake a bag for a while now, specifically the Small Prada Galleria Saffiano Special Edition Bag. It’s just so classy, you know? So, I finally decided to do it.
First, I got all the materials. I searched for the leather, needed it to be Saffiano, of course. It’s genuine leather that is treated and embossed, which gives it that signature textured look. Not like full-grain leather. Full-grain leather can be either chrome-tanned or vegetable-tanned and also develops a patina over time. But Saffiano, this is different. It should be perfect for the Galleria. I also found the right color, I went with a turquoise ’cause it’s just so pretty. The thickness of the leather can vary depending on its use, so I made sure to get the right one for this project. I carefully compared different types.
Then, I started with the pattern. I studied a bunch of pictures of the original bag online, and I even went to a store to see it in person. This bag was launched in 2007 and is still a go-to for many people, which really impressed me. I wanted to make sure I got every detail right. I measured everything a bunch of times because, like, measure twice, cut once, right? I made a paper pattern first.
Cutting and Sewing
Next, I cut the leather. This was kinda scary ’cause I didn’t want to mess it up. I slowly and carefully cut each piece according to my pattern. After cutting, I started sewing. I used my trusty old sewing machine, and it took a while to sew all the pieces together. It can be tricky to work with Saffiano, to be honest. I also added the lining and the hardware. I chose a silky fabric for the lining. I carefully checked every stitch, making sure they are neat and secure. Then I carefully installed the zipper and metal feet. I wanted it to look as close to the original as possible.
Finishing Touches
Finally, I added the handles and the Prada logo. The handles were a bit tricky, but I managed to get them on. I carefully attached each handle to the bag, making sure they were secure. And for the logo, I wanted something that looked authentic, so I found a really good replica online. After attaching the logo, my bag is finally finished!
I’m pretty happy with how it turned out. It’s not perfect, but it definitely looks like a Galleria. I might not be able to shop for the real thing from those fancy retailers, but hey, I made my own! It took me a few weeks to complete the whole thing, working on it during my free time. I’m just so excited to start using it. It is a luxurious staple piece. And I think I’ll try making a mini version next, maybe using some Re-Nylon or something. What do you guys think?
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