Okay, so, I’ve been wanting to remake this Prada Galleria Saffiano leather bag for a while now, the medium-sized one. It’s a classic, you know? But the price tag? Ouch. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I found this online store that sells “original order” quality, which basically means it’s supposed to be a really good copy, using the same materials and everything.
First thing I did was I made a simple sketch of the bag’s design. I spent some time looking at pictures of the real Prada Galleria online, trying to get all the details right. The shape, the size, the stitching, the way the handles attach, you know. You know that part where it says “PRADA” on the front? Most fakes mess up the “R”, it doesn’t have that little curve. I paid a lot of attention to that. It’s the little things that count, right?
Next, I got on finding the right materials. Finding good Saffiano leather was a real pain, let me tell you. I found one seller who claims they have it. They even gave me a factory code to prove it, just like those real Prada bags! Also bought some zippers, buckles and other metal parts. I ordered some samples first, just to be sure of the quality. You can’t be too careful, especially when you’re trying to make something look high-end.
Once I got all my materials, I start to make the bag. Cutting the leather was nerve-wracking, I didn’t want to mess it up. I made a paper pattern first, just to be safe. I started by sewing the main panels of the bag together. Then I did the lining and the interior pockets. It took ages, but it was worth it.
The hardest part was probably attaching the handles. I wanted them to be super sturdy, so I did extra stitching, and I made sure the hardware was attached really securely, with those little “purse feet” on the bottom too. I also made a detachable shoulder strap, just like the original. It’s all about those details.
Here’s a little summary of what I did:
- Sketched the design: I got the details from the real bag.
- Sourced the materials: Found the Saffiano leather and all the hardware.
- Cut and sewed: I made a pattern, cut the leather, and sewed it all together.
- Attached the handles and strap: Made sure they were sturdy and looked right.
- Checked and finished: I compared the bag to pictures of the original.
Finally, I got it done. I stepped back and looked at it. Not bad, not bad at all! It looks pretty darn close to the real Prada Galleria, if I do say so myself. Of course, it’s not perfect. There are a few tiny things that I know aren’t quite right, but you’d have to be a real expert to spot them. And I paid a fraction of the price. Plus, I learned a ton about bag making, and I have a one-of-a-kind bag that I made myself. Pretty cool, huh?
I’m thinking of doing a Re-Nylon Prada tote bag next, the padded one. Wish me luck!
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