So, I saw this Prada Cleo bag, the one that was all the rage in 2022, and I thought, “Why not try to make one myself?” It all started when I was watching the Prada Multiple Views Spring/Summer 2021 show. I saw this bag and it just caught my eye. I think the Cleo shoulder bag first showed up in the Spring 2021 collection.
I did some digging and saw that Prada likes to bring back some of their old designs. I guess this Cleo bag is one of those. It looks like it’s made using traditional methods and from custom molds from some place in Italy. Sounds fancy, right?
First, I went online and found a bunch of pictures of the bag. I looked at it from every angle, trying to figure out how it was put together. The original was selling for like $2,400 at one point. Yeah, that’s way out of my budget!
Then, I started gathering materials. I found some leather scraps that looked pretty close to the real deal. I didn’t have any fancy tools, just some basic stuff I picked up from the local craft store. I even used some old tools my grandpa left behind, felt kind of cool to use them.
The hardest part was getting the shape right. The Cleo has this curved bottom that was a real pain to recreate. I spent hours cutting, sewing, and cursing at the leather. I messed up a few times, had to start over more than once. My hands were sore, and my apartment was a mess of leather bits and thread. My cat was covered in little leather pieces from playing on the floor.
- I cut the leather into the main pieces, the front, back, and sides.
- I sewed the sides to the front and back panels. This is where I really struggled with that curved bottom.
- I made the shoulder strap, which was actually easier than I thought it would be.
- I attached the strap and the hardware I managed to find, it was all from random stuff in my house.
After many late nights and a lot of trial and error, I finally finished it! It wasn’t perfect, definitely not Prada quality. The seams were a bit wonky, and the shape wasn’t quite right, but you know what? I made it myself. And it actually looked pretty decent, if I do say so myself. I might not be walking the runway in Milan anytime soon, but I’m pretty proud of my little DIY project. It was a fun challenge, and now I have a new bag that’s kind of unique. Plus, I saved a ton of money! Next time I’m thinking of trying a more difficult one!
Click to consult