Okay, here’s my post about remaking that PRADA bag, check it out:
So, I saw this PRADA Re-Edition 1995 Chaine Re-Nylon Tote Bag online, and I was like, “I gotta have it.” But, you know, it’s PRADA, and my wallet was screaming “no way!” So, I decided to take matters into my own hands and try to make one myself. It’s a bold move, I know, but what’s life without a little DIY adventure, right?
First things first, I spent hours staring at pictures of the bag online. I mean, I studied every angle, every stitch, every little detail. I had to, there was no patterns available anywhere. My phone’s photo gallery was basically a shrine to this PRADA bag at this point. I even tried to find some tips about the Re-Edition collection, only got some shopping guides like “Timeless icons and new leather bags showcasing a modern attitude” or “This is an authentic PRADA Re-Nylon Impuntu Quilted Re-Edition 1995 Chaine Medium Tote.” Well, I need to figure out how to remake it by myself.
Next up, materials. I needed that signature Re-Nylon fabric, but let me tell you, finding a good dupe wasn’t easy. I hit up every fabric store in town and then some. Finally, I found a black, durable nylon that was pretty close to the real deal, in a local fabric shop, what a relief. It even had a similar sheen to it, which was a huge win. And for the chain detail, I managed to find a pretty good match at a craft store, it’s a bit heavier and thicker. The lining was just some simple black fabric I already had lying around.
Now for the hard part – actually putting the thing together. I started by sketching out the basic shape of the bag, based on all those pictures I’d been hoarding. Then I did a rough draft using some scrap fabric to get the sizing right. This was definitely the most time-consuming part, with lots of trial and error. I ripped so many seams I almost gave up!
After what felt like forever, I finally had a pattern I was happy with. I carefully cut out the pieces from my precious nylon fabric and started sewing. My sewing machine was definitely my best friend during this whole process. Slowly but surely, the bag started to take shape.
Putting It All Together
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Sewing the main body: I used a straight stitch for most of the bag, making sure to reinforce the seams for extra durability. This bag’s gotta last, you know? And I’m not gentle with my bags, I need them to be tough.
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Adding the lining: This was a bit tricky, but I managed to get it in there nice and neat. A clean inside is just as important as a good-looking outside, right?
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Attaching the handles: I used a thicker thread for this part, because those handles need to be able to hold some weight. And I double-stitched them just to be extra safe, and made some adjustments to make them more comfortable to carry.
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The chain detail: This was the most fun part! I carefully attached the chain to the bag, making sure it was evenly spaced and secure. This really gave it that PRADA vibe I was going for.
And finally, after many, many hours of work, my PRADA Re-Edition 1995 Chaine Re-Nylon Tote Bag remake was complete! It’s not perfect, of course, there are a few wonky stitches here and there, and the material isn’t exactly the same. But you know what? I’m pretty darn proud of it. It looks surprisingly close to the real thing, and it definitely satisfies my craving for that designer look without the designer price tag. Plus, I can say I made it myself, which is pretty cool if I do say so myself. And most importantly, it’s functional and I can actually use it every day.
Would I do it again? Maybe. It was a lot of work, but it was also a fun challenge. And hey, now I have a unique bag that no one else has. Who knows, maybe this will inspire someone else to try their hand at remaking a designer piece. If you do, let me know how it goes!
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