Some bags feel as if the handbag world never existed without them. The Prada Galleria is one of these bags. In true cornerstone design fashion, the Galleria quickly became an icon within the Prada family after being introduced in 2007.
The Galleria is the type of bag that can fit every necessity. Usability and functionality are essential in this design, along with a stunning aesthetic deep-rooted in brand history. Named after the brand’s historic flagship boutique, opened by Mario Prada in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in 1913, the Galleria has often been reinterpreted to allow the bag to stay current to the moment, while remaining a staple in any wardrobe.
For 2024, the Prada Galleria is reimagined through intricate embellishments and materials, giving new life to an already beloved style.
One way to show the new take on these bags is by presenting them in an environment that matches their aesthetic – one that feels like a natural extension of the bags themselves. Nestled in Miami, right near downtown, is Vizcaya Gardens and Museum, a prime location to bring these bags to life and show off their intrinsic design and beauty.
The body of the bag is crafted from supple calfskin, offering a welcome tactile feel and luxe appeal. While the bag still holds its shape, the thick calfskin also allows some give, which elicits a fluid feel. This new material brings forward a fresh new element and adds a lightness to the bag.
All in the Details
The other additions that sit front and center are the embellishments. There is the offering of a more low-key but high impact micro-stud all-over application, made from metal hardware that is gold-plated. These transform the surface of the bag and tie back to Prada’s fascination with studs as decoration within its collections. Each bag has 3,108 studs, comprised of 0.30 microns thick gold.
The new extra-large size offered is especially ideal as a work or travel bag. It is available in both the studded and smooth calfskin variations and measures in at 28 x 40 x 17 cm.
As a tie in with the garden backdrop, there is a focus on the intricate leather working of the House, as seen in the three-dimensional floral blooms applied to other renditions of the bag. Each floral addition is hand worked, one by one, from fine leather and gives dimension to the bags. There is an offering of coiled rosebuds or varying sizes of anemones, my favorite being the white with yellow and green accents.
Prada Artisanship
The detail that goes into the floral renditions needs to be fully appreciated, and that can only happen by knowing the painstaking work that goes into each.
Depending on the size, either 5 petals or 6 petals create the anemone flower. Each bag combines 2 large flowers, 3 medium flowers, and 7 small flowers. It takes 40 minutes to build each flower and 7-8 hours to finish each embroidered frontal panel.
The techniques used to create these intricate designs are deeply rooted in the heritage and history of the brand’s artisans. Each flower is entirely handmade, and the petals are created inside out with a central seam, which is then turned over and offers further volume and dimensionality. The leaves further amplify the creation. After the central section is placed, the finished flower is applied by hand to the bag.
The anemone flowers have a leaf base, and atop that is the central portion of the flower, which is composed of leather strip that has been folded in half, cut out, and then rolled to add the tridimensionality you can see.
The artisanry of these special bags is what defines them most and seeing them up close has furthered my appreciation for every single minute that went into creating them.
Speaking of upscale materials, the bag’s interior is lined with nappa leather. A notable design element of the Galleria is the full zip front and back pockets on either side of the bag, allowing for optimum separation and organization. There is also an additional zip, open pocket, and removable and adjustable leather shoulder strap.
While the shape of the bag remains consistent, these styles are completely unique. The new variations evoke a strong sense of quality and dedication to craftsmanship, which define the Prada brand.
What I can’t get over is that these bags are priced at $8100 to $8500! That price point is non-quota bag Hermes and Chanel. I’m sorry, I just don’t see Prada in that league.
Truth! I went to look at the red and black floral painted or printed one (limited Edition) I probably should have bought it off it was $2000 but … it was 1,750 kd which is equal to about $5700 and sorry… but I’ll buy any Hermès bag any day over that and when and if i don’t want it anymore I’ll sell it for the same or more.. plus.. honestly, all the bags they have out now at Prada are literally based on Hermès and other bags anyway… except for their classic hand tote, and priced higher… please.. I’ll just go get an actual Picotin.
Are you kidding? Sounds like you’re not up on your luxury brands. You may want to do some homework
They’re making more sense than your unsubstantiated snarky comment. 😂
Good point and frankly, this bag would be equivalent to my garden party, which was much less and IS the most functional Fun bag I carry. I would prefer more Garden parties to this bag
A lot of luxury brands are pivoting to selling less bags but at a higher price tag so that they can both declutter the market and maintain the illusion of selling a premium product. It’s just part of marketing.
I noticed this yesterday at my local LV boutique. No monogram canvas bags on display in the windows, just leather, and mostly leather bags in the store.
They tend to keep the monogram bags in drawers… they sell well without being on display.
The designs are lovely but seems contemporary brands like Kate Spade and Michael Kors have done them in the past
They’ll be on resell sites for 30% of that price in five years.
No thanks. The floral ones look like something I could get at Target. Nothing wrong with Target- but I’d only pay Target prices for these bags!
The one thing I always enjoyed about Prada was their prices were somewhat affordable in the high-end designer market. And buying a previously owned Prada bag was achievable. I always suggest to friends wanting to break into the designer bag market to start with a previously owned Prada as it carries name recognition and affordability at the same time. But a bag that starts at $8500 plus tax, I’m not sure I’m ready to pay over $9000 USD for Prada.
All of the elements are beautiful but together they just look cheap in my opinion
These are STUNNING! I can’t get over the florals!
I really love the white with flowers one!! I wish it was more like $5,000, this price even with all the details is really high. But wow is it stunning! Beautiful pictures as always team!
Not sure what audience Prada is going after with these bags anymore.
I treasure my old camel leather tote and gunmetal valise from Prada as they are versatile enough – the first casual enough as a day and work bag and the second for evenings and going out—but this boxy number on display feels like it was made for another era of woman: the kind who needs to look reliable in an office setting.
Yes, return to office is a thing, but imo Prada has a better shot on dominating at a higher price point with its other styles. This style is a super snooze in a sea full of innovative neoclassical silhouettes and materials.
The great thing about the Prada Galleria is it’s dressy and elegant but plain enough for any situation. The other great thing is that whilst it’s a conservative, timeless style it is easy to dress up.
I’m more into fun, edgy bags but I have a plain black one. I make it more “me” with a gold leather cross body strap and a large gold key charm (both Prada). Or I wear it with a Prada robot charm. They look great with scarves as well. All the compartments are handy as well.
I have loved the Galleria / DZT for well over a decade and, as a result, own several. I haven’t bought one in a while so I would have been front of the line for a fresh, innovative take.
But, I would never pay these prices for these bags. These new designs manage to look tacky rather than elevated – especially the floral ones which are pure etsy level horrible. So, I wouldn’t even buy them at the old prices. This is a hard pass.
I love the Prada floral bags: classic & whimsical. But at that price I could get a gently used Hermes Birkin at a high end consignment store, which are plentiful in the Palm Beach Fla area where I live. Or the elusive and gorgeous Prada Fairy bag
This designs are Classy. I love That Yellow Bag