Alright, so I’ve been eyeing the Prada Cleo bag for a while now. It’s such a classic, you know? I saw it first during their Spring/Summer 2021 show, “The Show That Never Happened.” Chic, stylish, and just screams sophistication. But the price tag? Oof, not so friendly. So, I thought, why not try to remake it myself? I mean, how hard could it be, right?
First things first, I needed to get a good look at the bag. I spent hours online, just staring at pictures of the Cleo, especially the flap bag version. It’s perfect for dressing up or down. I love how polished it looks, and I got this idea to do a similar look for my version. I also noticed it took some inspiration from a ’90s design, which is pretty cool.
Then came the fun part – gathering materials. I hit up a few local craft stores and even dug through my old fabric stash. I managed to find some pretty decent leather-like material that had a similar texture and sheen to the real Cleo. I also picked up some sturdy lining fabric, a magnetic snap closure, and a few other bits and bobs that I thought I might need.
Next up, the pattern. This was probably the trickiest part. I couldn’t find an exact Cleo pattern online, so I had to get creative. I took measurements from the pictures I found, sketched out a rough design, and then made a mock-up using some scrap fabric. It took a few tries, but I finally got a pattern that looked somewhat like the Cleo.
Cutting the fabric was nerve-wracking. I didn’t want to mess it up, especially since I didn’t have a ton of the leather-like material. But I took a deep breath, double-checked my measurements, and started cutting. Sewing the pieces together was a whole other challenge. I don’t have a fancy sewing machine, just a basic one that I’ve had for years. It took some patience, and a lot of seam ripping, but I slowly started to see my bag come to life.
The most satisfying part was attaching the flap and the magnetic closure. It actually looked like a real bag! I even added a little pocket inside, just like the original Cleo. I spent a good chunk of time working on the strap. I wanted it to be adjustable, so I used some buckles and rivets I found at the craft store. It was a bit fiddly, but I managed to get it to work.
Here’s a quick rundown of the steps I took:
- Scoured the internet for every picture of the Prada Cleo I could find.
- Hit up local stores for materials – found some good leather-like fabric.
- Created a pattern from scratch – lots of trial and error here.
- Cut the fabric carefully – no room for mistakes!
- Sewed the pieces together with my trusty old sewing machine.
- Attached the flap and closure – felt like a real accomplishment.
- Made an adjustable strap with buckles and rivets.
Finally, after what felt like forever, my homemade Cleo was finished. It’s not perfect, of course. There are a few wonky seams, and the stitching isn’t as neat as a professional job. But you know what? I’m pretty darn proud of it. It might not be a real Prada, but it’s got that same classic vibe, and it didn’t cost me an arm and a leg. Plus, I made it myself, which makes it extra special.
So, there you have it. My adventure in remaking the Prada Cleo. It was a fun project, and I learned a lot along the way. Maybe I’ll tackle another designer bag next. Who knows? Any suggestions?
Click to consult