Okay, so I’ve been totally obsessed with the PRADA Arqué Leather Shoulder Bag lately. It’s just so sleek and stylish, and I figured, “Why not try to make one myself?” So, I started this little project, and let me tell you, it’s been quite the adventure!
First things first, I did a ton of research online. I found that some famous people like Sofia Richie Grainge and Gigi Hadid have this bag. I wanted to get a feel for what makes this bag so special, what kinds of materials are used, how the stitching looks, the whole nine yards. I read that the original one used a special type of leather called Saffiano, which is known for being super durable and water-resistant. I also found out some similar bags from Longchamp.
I started to gather my materials. I knew I needed some really good leather, and I managed to find a decent piece that had a similar texture to the Saffiano. It wasn’t the real deal, but it was close enough for my first try. Then came the hardware – the buckles, the zipper, the little metal feet. I ordered those online, and thankfully, they arrived pretty quickly.
Next up was the actual construction. This was definitely the hardest part. I started by cutting out the leather pieces according to the pattern I’d drafted. Then, I started to find the patterns, some people said that the bag was introduced in 2007. I started sewing everything together, which was a lot harder than I expected. I used the sewing machine for the long seams, and did other parts by hand. That took forever, but I wanted to make sure everything was secure.
After I saw that the bag had structured volumes and could be worn over the shoulder or as a crossbody, I added the straps and the lining, and finally, I attached all the hardware. There were definitely a few moments where I messed up and had to redo some parts. But, you know, that’s all part of the learning process.
Finally, after many hours of work, it was done! My very own homemade version of the PRADA Arqué. It’s not perfect, of course. There are a few imperfections here and there, but overall, I’m pretty proud of it. It looks great, it’s functional, and it definitely has that chic vibe I was going for.
This whole experience taught me a lot about bag making. It’s definitely not as easy as it looks, but it’s incredibly rewarding. Plus, now I have a unique bag that I made myself, and that’s pretty cool. I’m already thinking about my next project. Maybe a tote bag? Or perhaps I’ll try to tackle another designer bag. Who knows! I just hope my sharing can help someone.
- What I learned:
- Leatherworking is tough but rewarding.
- Patience is key.
- It’s okay to make mistakes.
- Having a handmade bag is awesome!
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