Okay, so, I’ve been eyeing the PRADA Arqué Leather Shoulder Bag for a while now. It’s just so sleek and classy! I finally decided to go for it and try to make my own version.
First, I scoured the official PRADA website. I needed to get a good look at all the details of the bag, you know? I spent a good amount of time just zooming in on the pictures, trying to figure out the exact shape and how it’s all put together. The official site says it’s inspired by the PRADA archives, and they have different types like shoulder bags, mini bags, handle bags, and crossbody bags. I saw some pictures online of celebrities like Sofia Richie Grainge and Gigi Hadid rocking this bag. They looked so chic! This made me even more determined to make one myself.
Then, I started sketching. Lots and lots of sketches. I drew it from different angles, tried to get the proportions right, and even made little notes about the hardware and the stitching. It is described as a refined and versatile leather bag with a sleek and compact design, and structured volumes. You can wear it over the shoulder or as a crossbody. I wanted mine to look just as good as the real deal, so I paid extra attention to all these little things.
Next up, I had to find the right materials. I went to a few different leather shops, feeling all the different types of leather until I found one that felt just right – soft but still sturdy enough to hold its shape. It was not an easy task. I wanted to make sure it had that same luxurious feel as the original PRADA bag. I also picked up some matching thread and the necessary hardware, like the buckles and the zipper. Finding the right hardware was a bit of a pain, but I eventually found some that looked pretty close to the ones on the original bag.
After that, it was time to start cutting and sewing. This was the most time-consuming part, of course. I carefully cut out the leather pieces based on my sketches and began sewing them together.
- Cut leather pieces.
- Sew the main body of the bag.
- Attach the lining.
- Add the strap and hardware.
Let me tell you, sewing leather is no joke! It’s tough stuff. I definitely pricked my fingers a few times with the needle. But I kept at it, slowly but surely. Seeing the bag take shape was so satisfying! I spent several evenings hunched over my sewing machine, but it was totally worth it.
The Result
And finally, after all that hard work, it was finished! I added the finishing touches, like the little PRADA logo that I had ordered online. I was so proud of how it turned out. It’s not exactly like the original, but it’s pretty darn close! And it definitely has that same stylish vibe. I’ve been using it for a few weeks now, and I’ve gotten so many compliments on it. It feels great to carry something that I made with my own two hands. Now I can walk around feeling like a celebrity myself! It’s a great feeling knowing I made something so cool.
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