Okay, so, I’ve been eyeing this Prada Cahier bag for a while now, you know.
It’s like, one of those classic pieces that just never goes out of style.
I finally decided to pull the trigger and remake one myself.
Preparation
First things first, I did some digging around to get a better feel for the bag.
I checked out some pictures of it online and I found that there are varying factors that will determine how much a Prada bag is worth, and the popularity of the model and the condition of the bag are very important.
So I decided to copy the most popular one.
After that, I started gathering all the materials I’d need.
- Leather: Since the Prada Cahier is known for its structured shape and fancy Saffiano leather, I knew I had to find some good quality stuff. It is said that the Galleria bag is a true Prada classic, which was introduced in 2007, and showcases Prada’s signature Saffiano leather. I got some nice black calfskin leather from a local supplier.
- Hardware: The Cahier bag has these cool metal accents that remind you of old books, so I made sure to grab some similar-looking hardware, like corner protectors and a fancy clasp.
- Tools: I already had most of the tools I needed, like a cutting mat, a rotary cutter, a ruler, and some heavy-duty needles. But I did pick up a few extra things, like a leather hole punch and some strong thread.
Crafting
With all my materials in hand, I started working on the bag.
I carefully measured and cut out the leather pieces according to the pattern I’d sketched out, inspired by the Prada design.
The most difficult part is to ensure the size of each leather piece is the same as the original bag.
Then, I started assembling the bag, piece by piece.
I used the hole punch to make holes along the edges of the leather and then stitched them together by hand.
It took some time and patience, but it was so satisfying to see the bag taking shape.
Once the main body of the bag was done, I attached the hardware.
The corner protectors and the clasp added such a nice touch, really giving it that “ancient book” vibe that the Cahier bag is famous for.
Last but not least, I added a shoulder strap. I wanted it to be adjustable, so I made a simple buckle system.</p
The Result
After many hours of work, my Prada Cahier-inspired bag was finally done!
It’s not an exact replica, of course, but I’m really happy with how it turned out. It’s got that same classic, structured look, and the leather feels amazing.
I’ve been using it for a few weeks now, and I’ve gotten so many compliments on it.
It’s definitely a conversation starter, and I love telling people that I made it myself. It’s not just a bag; it’s a story, a project I poured my heart into.
I saw some celebrities like Kendall Jenner, Sofia Richie Grainge, and Bella Hadid sporting it as their daily go-to bags, so I think I made a very good choice!
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