So, I got it into my head that I wanted to remake a Prada Galleria Saffiano bag. Not just any Galleria, though – I went for the special edition, classic style. You know, the one with all the bells and whistles. I started by really studying the bag. I mean, I looked at every picture I could find online, read every description, and even went to a store to see one in person. I wanted to get a feel for the leather, the hardware, and all those little details that make it a Prada.
Next, I had to find the materials. This was probably the hardest part. I needed that specific Saffiano leather, which is known for its cross-hatch pattern and durability. Let me tell you, finding a good match wasn’t easy. I spent hours searching online and visiting local leather suppliers. It must be top-notch full-grain leather, I don’t want to make it by using the bad materials. Finally, I found a place that had something really close. Then there were the studs and other hardware. I tried my best to find pieces that were as close to the original as possible, or I don’t think it could be called a “remake”. It cost me a lot of time to find them, searching online and make the comparison. For the flowers, it’s the most difficult part. I tried to search them online but failed, so I have to make them on my own. I bought some different colors of leather and cut them into the shapes of flowers. To make them look like the flowers on the original bag, I used the tools to thin the edges of the leather flowers and dyed them by using the edge dye, then they will look more real.
Once I had everything gathered, I started cutting the leather. I carefully measured everything twice, sometimes even three times, before making any cuts. I definitely didn’t want to mess up that expensive leather! After cutting, I began assembling the bag. I used this really strong thread and a special needle for leatherwork. It was slow going, but I wanted each stitch to be perfect.
- First, I sewed the main body pieces together.
- Then, I carefully attached the handles and the shoulder strap. This strap is adjustable, I made it could be adjusted from 55 cm to 120 cm.
- Next, I added the lining and the interior pockets. This Galleria is known for being spacious – perfect for holding a small laptop, documents, or whatever else you need for work.
- Finally, I added those signature Prada details – the studs and the metal logo. That’s a really delicate job, you need to be very patient and careful.
After many hours, it was done! I stepped back and looked at my creation. It was pretty amazing to see it all come together. I must say the price of the original special edition is a little bit crazy, it’s around SGD11,000. But I made this bag, and it cost me far less than that. I’m really happy with how it turned out. It’s not exactly like the original, but it’s got the same classic style and that special edition vibe. Plus, it’s a bag that I made with my own hands, and that makes it even more special to me.
This project taught me a lot about leatherworking and about the details that go into making a high-end bag. It was a challenge, for sure, but it was also a lot of fun. Now, I’ve got a beautiful, unique bag that I can be proud of. This is why I love to do these things and also love to share them with you guys. It’s not just about the finished product, but about the whole journey of creating something amazing.
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