Okay, so, I’ve been wanting to get my hands on a really nice bag for a while now, and I finally decided to just go for it and try to remake one myself. I went with the Yves Saint Laurent YSL LE CARRé SATCHEL BAG, ’cause I saw it on their online store and thought, “Yeah, that’s the one.” It just looked so classy and timeless, you know?
First thing I did was to hit up the internet to learn more about this bag. Turns out, this thing is all about that “box” leather, which I learned is pretty fancy and expensive. And of course, it’s got that iconic YSL logo on it. I learned that the original bag is made in their fancy workshops and all that jazz. Also, I noticed that the real one has these precise stitches and the edges are all smooth and perfect. So, I knew I had a challenge ahead of me.
Next, I started looking for materials. I couldn’t find the exact “box” leather they use, but I found some good quality leather that looked pretty similar. I also needed to get some sturdy thread, a nice lining material, and, of course, the hardware. I spent hours comparing different types of gold-toned hardware until I found something that I thought was a good match for that YSL look. Finding some similar hardware is not easy. I need to visit some shops and compare them. Finally I found one!
Then came the actual making part. Now, I’m not a professional bag maker or anything, but I’ve done some leatherwork before, so I wasn’t starting from scratch. I carefully studied the pictures of the bag online, trying to figure out the construction. Then the pattern part is tough. I started with a basic satchel pattern and modified it to match the shape and size of the LE CARRé. This took a lot of trial and error, let me tell you.
- Cutting the leather: This was nerve-wracking! I used a rotary cutter and a metal ruler to get those clean, straight lines.
- Sewing: I used my trusty sewing machine for the main seams and hand-stitched some of the trickier parts, like around the flap and the buckle. I made sure every stitch is very clean and neat.
- Edging: This was a new one for me. I had to learn how to bevel and burnish the edges of the leather to give it that professional finish.
- Attaching the hardware: This was probably the most satisfying part, seeing those shiny pieces come together.
After many many hours of work, I finally finished it! And you know what? It actually turned out pretty darn good! It’s not a perfect replica, of course, but it definitely captures the essence of the YSL bag. I’m really proud of how it came out, and it’s so much more special knowing that I made it with my own two hands.
It is a great experience for me to remake this bag. I learned a lot, from sourcing materials to mastering new techniques. And I have my unique YSL bag now!
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