Okay, so, a while back, I got this wild hair to try and remake that Prada Small Galleria Saffiano Leather Bag. You know, the “Specialty Stores” one? Yeah, that one. I saw it once at the store, and man, it looked good! But the price tag? Not so much. So I thought, “Why not give it a shot myself?”
First off, I had to figure out what this “Saffiano” leather even was. Turns out, it’s just regular leather that they put through a machine to give it that cross-hatch pattern. They make a big fuss about it, but whatever. I found some decent leather scraps at a local shop – full-grain, which is supposed to be good. It wasn’t Saffiano, but it had a nice feel to it. And they say Saffiano doesn’t change its look over time, unlike full-grain. But I like how full-grain looks worn-in after using it a while.
Next, I needed a pattern. I spent hours looking online, not trying to find exact measurements or anything, just the general shape and how the pieces fit together. This Galleria bag, they call it a “classic” and an “archetype.” Fancy words for a simple design, really. Came out in 2007, and they just keep making new versions of it. I sketched out my own version, did some rough calculations to get the size right.
Cutting the leather was a bit tricky. I used a rotary cutter and a metal ruler, but my lines weren’t always straight. Let’s just say it added to the “handmade charm.” Sewing it all together was another adventure. I don’t have one of those fancy industrial sewing machines, just my grandma’s old one. It took forever, and I definitely broke a few needles, but I did it!
Details, Details
- Handles: I braided some leather strips for the handles. It was time-consuming, but I liked the look better than just plain straps.
- Lining: I used some fabric I had lying around. It’s not the same as the original, but it does the job. It is a Prada, after all.
- Hardware: This was the hardest part. I couldn’t find exact replicas of the Prada hardware, so I just used some generic buckles and rings. I tried to find ones that looked similar in shape, at least.
The final result? Well, it’s not exactly like the original Prada bag, but I’m pretty proud of it! It’s got that same general shape and vibe, and it’s definitely unique. Plus, I saved a ton of money! People say these bags don’t hold their value, but they’re made well. I’ve got a Prada nylon tote I’ve used a lot with my other work bags, and it still looks great. So, I guess this one will last a while, too. It was a fun project, and I learned a lot about working with leather. Maybe I’ll try to remake another designer bag sometime. Who knows!
I saw an ad online once – “Remake PRADA Small Prada Galleria Saffiano Leather Bag: Discover How to Get the Designer Look Without Breaking the Bank!” – and I guess that’s exactly what I did. It might not be perfect, but it’s mine, and that’s what counts, right? And hey, if you ever see a “Brand new, Includes paper bag, dust bag, cards, Negotiable” listing for one of these online, it might just be someone else who tried the same thing I did! Or maybe it’s the real deal. But where’s the fun in that?
Some people look for sales, you know, “Sale All sale Clothing Coats Dresses Tops Shoes Boots Trainers Bags Accessories Previous Season New in to sale Best of sale Sale for you 20% off All 20% off 20% off clothing 20% off.” But for me, I get a kick out of making things myself. It’s more rewarding that way.
So, yeah, that’s the story of how I remade the Prada Galleria Saffiano bag. It was a wild ride, but I’d do it again in a heartbeat.
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