Alright, so I saw this Prada Cleo Bag at their official flagship store and thought, “Hey, I bet I can make one of these.” It looked pretty straightforward, you know? A rectangle with some rounded corners and that shiny “Prada Milano” logo. Seemed like a fun weekend project.
First, I started to sketch out the basic shape. I measured out a rectangle, just eyeballing it to match the photos I found online. I rounded the corners off, making sure they looked smooth and symmetrical. I noticed it was featured in many colors and sizes. I chose a classic white because it seemed versatile. I also found out that it’s usually made of spazzolato leather, which has a smooth, polished finish. I chose patent leather. I figured it would be easier to work with and give it that nice sheen.
Then, I got down to cutting the leather. I made sure to cut two pieces for the front and back, then a couple more for the sides. I used a rotary cutter and a ruler to get those lines as straight as possible. Once everything was cut, I started working on the logo. I just went ahead and hand-stitched it, figuring it would add a more “handmade” touch. I mean, who needs a machine when you’ve got a needle and thread, right?
- Cut the main rectangular pieces
- Shape and smooth the rounded corners
- Cut the side pieces
- Make a pattern for the “Prada Milano” logo
- Stitch the logo onto the front piece
Next, I attached the sides to the front and back. I used a heavy-duty thread, going over each seam twice just to make sure it was extra secure. This part was a bit tricky, especially getting those rounded corners to line up just right. But after a few tries and some minor adjustments, I got it looking pretty good. I also attached a single adjustable shoulder strap I had lying around from another old bag. The hardware was silver-toned, which matched the ones I saw in the photos.
Final Touch
Finally, I stitched the whole thing together. I made sure to check every seam and trim any loose threads. I added a little “Made in Italy” tag inside, just for fun. And there you have it! My very own “Prada Cleo” bag. It might not be the real deal, but I’m pretty proud of how it turned out. Plus, it was way cheaper than buying one from the official flagship store!
It’s not perfect, of course. There are a few wonky stitches here and there, and the leather isn’t exactly top-notch. But hey, it’s got character, right? And it’s a good reminder that sometimes, you don’t need to spend a fortune to get the look you want. Sometimes, all you need is a little creativity and a whole lot of patience. Hope you guys enjoyed this little DIY adventure of mine. See you on the next one!
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