Okay, so I’ve been obsessed with the whole vintage revival thing, and Prada’s been killing it lately with their Re-Edition bags. I finally decided to take the plunge and try my hand at remaking the 1995 Chaine Re-Nylon tote. It’s such a classic shape, but the quilted Re-Nylon material just gives it this cool, modern edge. And yes, I saw it all over TikTok – even Kendall and Bella have been carrying it. It must be a classic in the future, right?
First off, I had to track down the materials. Re-Nylon is this recycled nylon thing Prada’s doing, so I wanted to get as close as possible. And I had to have good materials. I spent hours searching online for a similar fabric. I finally found this amazing black quilted nylon that had a really similar texture and sheen. Score! The original has gold hardware, so I ordered some chains and D-rings online, making sure they were a good quality and had that nice, weighty feel.
Then came the pattern. I couldn’t find an exact replica, but I managed to piece together a pattern based on photos and measurements from online listings. I’m pretty decent at sewing, but figuring out the dimensions and how it all went together took some trial and error. I made a few mock-ups in some scrap fabric until I was happy with the size and shape. This is a tough step, be patient with yourself!
- Cutting the fabric was the next big hurdle. I had to be super precise, especially with the quilted parts, to make sure the pattern lined up nicely.
- Sewing the bag together was probably the most time-consuming part. I used a heavy-duty needle on my machine to handle the thick fabric and multiple layers. The top-stitching was a real pain, but it’s what gives the bag that polished, structured look. I had to go really slow and steady to keep the lines straight.
- Once the main body of the bag was done, I attached the chain straps. This was a bit tricky because I wanted to make sure they were securely anchored. I ended up using a combination of hand-stitching and machine stitching to get them really locked in.
The finishing touches were the leather details. I found some black leather scraps and carefully cut and sewed them to mimic the original’s trim. It’s these little details that really elevate the whole thing, you know? I’m still not happy with the leather, I will try to remake it with better leather later.
Finally, I finished!
Honestly, the whole process took me a couple of weeks of on-and-off work, but I’m so thrilled with how it turned out! It’s not an exact replica, but it definitely captures the spirit of the original. Plus, it was way more affordable than buying a brand-new one, which, let’s be real, can be a serious investment. This remake is not that expensive. And I learned a ton about bag construction and working with different materials. Would I do it again? Maybe! But for now, I’m just going to enjoy carrying my very own “Prada” Re-Edition tote. If you also have interest, you can try it! It is an amazing experience.
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