Okay, here’s my blog post about remaking the PRADA Cahier bag for specialty stores:
Alright, so I got this wild idea to try and remake the PRADA Cahier bag for a few specialty stores I work with. You know, that super cool bag that looks like an old diary? Yeah, that one. I thought it would be a fun challenge, and honestly, I was pretty stoked to see if I could pull it off.
First things first, I spent a ton of time just staring at pictures of the bag online. I mean, I was practically living on the Prada website, zooming in on every tiny detail. I also checked out some similar bags inspired by the Prada archives, like those ones made with Re-Nylon, just to get a better feel for the whole vibe.
Then, I started sketching. I’m no professional artist, but I doodled out a bunch of different versions, trying to capture the essence of the Cahier while also adding my own little twist. Figuring out the size and shape was a bit of a head-scratcher, but I eventually landed on something that felt right.
Next up was materials. I knew I wanted to use leather, but finding the right kind was a whole other story. I ended up going to a bunch of different fabric and leather stores, feeling up different hides and trying to imagine them as part of the bag. It took a while, but I finally found a gorgeous, thick leather that I thought would be perfect.
The actual construction was…well, let’s just say it was a learning experience. I dusted off my old sewing machine and got to work. There was a lot of trial and error, a few mishaps, and maybe a little bit of swearing involved. I had to redo a couple of seams, and figuring out how to attach the metal hardware was a real pain. But I kept at it, and slowly but surely, the bag started to take shape.
The detailing was the most fun part. I played around with different ways to recreate the iconic metal corners and the strap closure. I ended up using some vintage-looking metal pieces that I found online, and I think they really added to the overall look of the bag.
Finally, after weeks of work, the bag was finished. And you know what? It actually turned out pretty darn good! It wasn’t an exact replica, of course, but it definitely captured the spirit of the original Cahier. I was so proud of myself for actually pulling it off.
I sent the finished bags off to the specialty stores, and they were a huge hit! People loved the unique design and the craftsmanship. It was so rewarding to see something I made with my own two hands being appreciated by others.
This whole experience taught me a lot about design, craftsmanship, and the importance of perseverance. It was a challenging project, but it was also incredibly rewarding. And who knows, maybe I’ll try remaking another iconic bag in the future. Any suggestions?
- Spent hours studying the original Cahier bag.
- Sketched out various designs.
- Sourced high-quality leather and vintage-looking hardware.
- Sewed and assembled the bag.
- Added detailing to resemble the original.
- Sent the finished bags to specialty stores.
- Got great feedback on my work.
It’s amazing how far I came, right?
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