Okay, so, I’ve been wanting a PRADA Cahier bag for a while now. I mean, who hasn’t? It’s gorgeous! But the price tag… well, let’s just say it’s a bit steep. So, I thought, why not try to remake one myself?
First, I spent hours looking at pictures of the bag online. I mean, I really studied every detail, every stitch, every piece of hardware. I checked out some blog which publishes daily articles about handbag, trying to find out what kind of leather they use, the dimensions, everything. There is even a pre-owned bag reseller online, which I also checked out. Turns out, getting the exact same materials is pretty much impossible unless I want to rob a bank.
Start Looking for Materials
- Leather: I went to a few local leather shops. One guy tried to sell me some “genuine leather” that looked like it came from a plastic cow. No thanks. Finally, I found a place that had some decent black leather. It’s not the same as the PRADA one, of course, but it’s soft and has a nice texture.
- Hardware: This was tricky. The Cahier bag has these unique metal details that are, like, its signature. I searched online and found some similar-looking pieces, but they weren’t cheap! I ended up ordering a few different options, hoping one of them would work.
- Lining: I figured I could use a simpler fabric for the inside. I found some black satin that felt nice and luxurious, so I grabbed a few yards of that.
Next, I needed to make a pattern. I took measurements from the pictures I found and sketched out a rough design. It wasn’t perfect, but it was a starting point. Then I grabbed a few sheets of cardboard and started cutting and taping until I had a rough 3D model of the bag. It looked… well, it looked like a cardboard box, but it was a start!
I cut the leather. My hands were shaking, I won’t lie. Cutting into that beautiful leather was nerve-wracking! But I measured everything twice (or maybe ten times) and cut carefully. Then came the sewing. I’ve used a sewing machine before, but this was a whole different level. Sewing thick leather is tough! I broke a few needles, and my fingers were sore, but I kept at it.
The hardware was the biggest challenge. Attaching those metal pieces to the leather was a real pain. I tried a few different methods, including hand-stitching and using rivets, before I found a way that worked. It’s not perfect, but it’s pretty close to the original.
After what felt like forever, I finally finished! It took me several weekends and countless hours, but I did it. I remade a PRADA Cahier bag! It’s not an exact replica, but it looks pretty darn good if I do say so myself. It’s got that same boxy shape, the black leather, and the metal details. I’m actually really proud of it. Plus, I saved a ton of money! Maybe now I can finally buy that tote bag that captivates me with its minimalist silhouette and ample volume.
I even put it on and walked around the house feeling like a million bucks. Now, I just need to find somewhere fancy to show it off! Or maybe I’ll just wear it to the grocery store. Who cares? I made it, and it’s awesome!
One thing I know for sure I won’t do is to ship the bag I made to the address that mentioned on the official website: “Please ship the product to the following address. Please note that shipping costs and customs duties are the responsibility of the customer. Adress 157-0064 104.” Because I spent so much time making it!
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