Prada's handbags are always very sexy. There is no doubt about it. All the bags have a sleekness, a modernity and a very feminine touch to them. Prada designers are masters at bringing this out in a handbag. Here's a good example:
Very sleek. Very modern. And tres sexy. This is a great bag for just about any day of the week. The replica is just as good (it's the one pictured above). The replica has both FANTASTIC leather and good workmanship. This is a bag low on it's bling (most (not all) Prada bags are) but what little hardware it does have, it's been done well.
What always worries me about replica Pradas is the workmanship. Prada, the real company, uses the softest, most supple leathers. And these leathers have to be stitched to handles, reinforced, and double sewn often times. This double stitching in soft leather creates a real point of vulnerability. Real Pradas themselves are not strong, durable bags. The Prada people didn't create their bags for functionality, per se. They created them for you to look hot.
Having said that, even a real Prada, slightly over extended will break or rip. It's just not a bag that is made to carry the daily grind of life. The replicas are very much the same. I was a bit perturbed about a year ago when my supplier sent me a replica Prada Gaufrean. As to be expected, I loaded it up and carried it around to test it out. It broke on day 3.
Then, thinking it was the replica's fault, I ordered another Prada and tried that one too. It too broke. I had some discussions with my factory rep and she told me that the Prada's are far too delicate to handle heavy loads.
So being the sleuth I am, I went online and bought a real Prada bag - the Prada tote. I firmly believed that the weakness issue was a replica issue and not a Prada issue. I got the real Prada, loaded it up, and before I took two steps, I could tell that it was going to break on me. It didn't break because I didn't get very far but it definitely had the strained look and feel to it.
My conclusion on the matter (after testing ONE bag and so there can be a lot of scientific error here) is that Pradas are meant for show. They are meant to step out in style and they are meant to make a statement. They are not meant for errands involving kids, lessons, practice, etc.
I know this sounds whiney but to me a handbag, no matter how much the worth needs to have practicality to it. To me I get my money's worth if a high end brand, replica or not, offers me a stylish, awesome look AND let's me function day to day. At this stage of my life, looking fabulous is all fine and dandy, getting my daily tasks done is MANDATORY.
With that in mind, I know that a lot of Pradas don't work for me. That doesn't mean I don't absolutely love the look of them, can't speak fondly of them and offer them to you!
Happy Shopping!
