Massaccesi Handbags

[Kylacove]

Good. Someone mentioned using it as a small carry on and it made me question the size.

 

[Devyn Danielle]

Good. Someone mentioned using it as a small carry on and it made me question the size.

It’s actually a tad bit smaller then the black muse midi I posted last week, because the Muse Midi is 14.4 inches at it’s widest, and nearly 11 inches tall.

 

[southernbelle43]

Little Muse in Everose glitter Pompei has arrived, and she's a stunner! I got her with silver hardware and red lining (from the free upgraded lining promo), and the contrast works out really well!
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She is also surprisingly spacious, thanks to that added depth and the sides that are wider than the base. I wasn't sure from the dimensions, and even all the pics both here and on MM's blog, whether my long continental wallet would fit comfortably, but I'm happy to report that it does! My wallet has to sit along either the front or back half of the interior, as the folds of the Muse shape take up space in the middle, but it's a comfortable fit regardless.
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Despite the lack of a zipper closure, the opening also feels pretty secure to me, primarily because of the Little Muse's small size, and the sides that fold in. I've taken another picture from the top when the magnetic closure is secured but the side buttons left unsnapped -- this is how I imagine I'll carry it most of the time. It's easy enough to open up the bag and reach in for stuff once you unsnap the magnetic closure, but when the magnetic closure is secured, the stiffness of the Pompei leather sides doesn't let you (or stray hands!) reach in too easily.
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I also got the strap shortened, by the way -- it measures 45" to 49" (115cm to 125cm), instead of the standard 51.2" to 55.2" (130cm to 140cm) (according to the website). At the longest setting, the strap length is perfect for crossbody carrying on me, hitting just below the waist or at the hip (I'm around 5' 5", or 1.65m tall). The shortest setting feels nicest for carrying the bag on the shoulder, though the longest setting still works for this too.

Strangely, and unlike the pictures on MM's blog, I realised that the feet I got on my Little Muse don't have the "M" stamp/engraving in it -- is this typical? Just wondering, because this is my first MM bag with feet!
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There was also a mistake made with the interior, as I had requested for one interior open slip pocket instead of the standard two, like how Colette's Little Muse had come, in her blog post. It's not a big issue, but a bit disappointing as I had wanted a single slip pocket so that it could fit my cardholder comfortably. Mine is one of those flat cardholders that fits 3 cards on each side, so it's slightly taller than other variants of this style. Unfortunately, it's too large to fit into the standard interior slip pockets in the Little Muse, since they're really pretty narrow -- I'd either have to remove my cards from the cardholder to keep them separately in the slip pockets, or find another spot for the cardholder.

Some additional pics below, comparing the Little Muse to the Zhoe Legend -- Zhoe Legend is probably still more spacious, but Little Muse will give it a run for its money, I think! The side-by-side pic is almost deceptive because of how Little Muse's top and bottom taper in, but at its widest point, Little Muse is only half an inch smaller than Zhoe Legend (10.5" vs. 11", by my measurements).
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Will post these to the reference thread too! All pics are taken under a mix of indirect natural lighting and white fluorescent lighting.

I am truly amazed at how much that little thing holds. Wow. That is one that you will enjoy for years.

 

[Coastal jewel]

Any updates on how Pompei leathers “wear”? Any scratches?

 

[bellebellebelle19]

Now, I also got a Dark Amethyst Verona Penelope Messenger (with silver hardware, lilac lining, and an added zipper closure for the main compartment) in the same order as my Little Muse, but... I'm not too sure what to make of it.

The specs should've all worked out great, since this is a style I've ordered before, in a leather I've ordered / seen in person before, and with a lining (lilac) that I've also ordered / seen in person before, so that I could compare the lining colour with the leather to know if it worked well together. But when I opened up the dustbag and wrappings, I was kind of bewildered to see it come with much lighter stitching and zipper tape/fabric than I had gotten in my Dark Amethyst Verona Zhoe Legend:

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The above pics were all taken under a mix of natural lighting and white fluorescent lighting. The leather therefore appears brighter in some parts of the pictures where the lighting on it was stronger, but the second pic shows the contrasting stitching quite true-to-life, as does the right-hand side of the third pic comparing the stitching with the Zhoe Legend's stitching (the natural lighting hits stronger on the left side in that pic).

Has anyone had this happen before? Getting contrasting stitching and zipper tape/fabric without having asked for it?

I'm still not sure how I feel about it, so I haven't contacted Marco about this yet. Part of me is wondering whether I can get used to it enough (and mindful also that MM are a family-run company, so business costs must certainly be a more important factor for them than a bigger designer/company), but another part of me still feels that bewilderment/disappointment when I first saw the contrast stitching and zipper tape...

The lilac lining does work well with the Dark Amethyst Verona leather, though -- a nice slight pop/contrast with the darker purple. I was just expecting to have that contrast only when you see the interior (or that sliver of the lining that peeks out at the ends of the front and back zipper compartments of the Penny Messenger), not with the exterior stitching and zipper tape/fabric also...
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Would love to hear any thoughts from you ladies on the contrast stitching, or any past similar experiences too

I think the contrast looks very beautiful! But as others have said, it's personal preference. You could try selling it as well!

 

[bellebellebelle19]

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Beautiful color and the Athene texture is so

 

[Gabichka]

I received my Alexia Midi in tan Pompei leather (with light gold hardware) today and decided to share with everyone.
This is my first MM bag and I'm having mixed feelings about it. I was looking for a structured satchel type of bag and this did fit the bill. It has a nice shape, very contemporary and the color is great for the Spring/Summer season. The mixed feelings I have are about the size. The Alexia is way too big for me and I was worried that the Alexia Midi would be just a tad bit too small. Currently, I have the MK Jet Set medium tote and, being a bit of a pack rat, I can comfortably fit quite a bit into it. I like the front pockets, although I probably should have asked for a bacl pocket to keep my card case in. I live in NYC so having easy access to a MetroCard is key. In the pictures below I've included the things I would normally have in my bag for work: notebook, book, sunglasses, water bottle.
I think that had the bag been even half an inch wider, it could be more comfortable.
Forgot to add, the actual usable height is only 7"

 

[TotinScience]

I received my Alexia Midi in tan Pompei leather (with light gold hardware) today and decided to share with everyone.
This is my first MM bag and I'm having mixed feelings about it. I was looking for a structured satchel type of bag and this did fit the bill. It has a nice shape, very contemporary and the color is great for the Spring/Summer season. The mixed feelings I have are about the size. The Alexia is way too big for me and I was worried that the Alexia Midi would be just a tad bit too small. Currently, I have the MK Jet Set medium tote and, being a bit of a pack rat, I can comfortably fit quite a bit into it. I like the front pockets, although I probably should have asked for a bacl pocket to keep my card case in. I live in NYC so having easy access to a MetroCard is key. In the pictures below I've included the things I would normally have in my bag for work: notebook, book, sunglasses, water bottle.
I think that had the bag been even half an inch wider, it could be more comfortable.
Forgot to add, the actual usable height is only 7"



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Thanks so much for this helpful and honest review. The bag looks lovely, but I am getting less and less inclined on getting one. As a practical person, I am all about no wasted space

 

[southernbelle43]

Any updates on how Pompei leathers “wear”? Any scratches?

Mine is wearing like iron! Not a mark of any kind

 

[southernbelle43]

My last Zhoe that I recently had Marco make the bespoke pink nappa leather. I spoke to him about contrast stitching or something a little different. He recommended that I go with stitching that was a little darker and not a contrast. He said it was a more classic look which he felt was more my style. I absolutely love the darker stitching. I have attached the photos that I posted when I did the reveal to show the darker stitching. Now to answer your question if you do not love how it looks speak to Marco especially if that is not what your ordered. I happen to like the look of a contrast stitch not for all my MM bags but for one or two it gives it a completely different look. View attachment 4018537 View attachment 4018538

The stitching does up the look. I love it. I am the proud owner of a Zhoe and it is so darn elegant in almost any leather. A classic for sure.

 

[Sickgrl13]

For those who have the Muse or little Muse for a little while, do the side snaps open easily(I.e. Unsnaps on their own) when you have your things in them? I like the look of the style but just worried that the snaps will unsnap when you have the bag filled.

Lenie, I have had a Little Muse for almost 2 months, being used as my daily bag. The snaps don't come undone easily but I have rarely unsnapped them. I just don't carry much stuff, nothing heavy, and never handheld. That being said, could they wear out over time? Don't know but for the Little Muse, I don't think you can fit enough things in there for it to happen. But just a guess. Maybe Marco can make it with no snaps and just sewn at the ends? Regardless, I highly recommend this cutie.

 

[msd_bags]

For those who have the Muse or little Muse for a little while, do the side snaps open easily(I.e. Unsnaps on their own) when you have your things in them? I like the look of the style but just worried that the snaps will unsnap when you have the bag filled.

I’ve had my regular Muse since mid Feb but I’ve used it maybe 4 times to date (have a lot of bags to rotate). I don’t think the snaps will get undone easily.

 

[msd_bags]

Any updates on how Pompei leathers “wear”? Any scratches?

No scratches! I think the possible issue with the leather is it developing some lumps/hollows if not stored properly. I stored mine fully stuffed, but maybe there were areas with less stuffing and I had another bag on top of it (storage space limitation) so there was maybe 2 areas with very light wavy depressions.

I’m talking of my big Muse so that’s a lot of tall space. It may not matter much for smaller bags.

 

[Coastal jewel]

Both my Little Muses have no M on the feet. I only noticed the difference when I saw Colette's blog posting and that her bag does have them. It doesn't bother me, but it is a nice design element.
I seem to remember somewhere in the thread someone posted the same issue, that the zipper tape did not match the leather. I can't recall the outcome or when it was. Personally, the contrast doesn't bother me but I would reach out to MM for some help.

This has happened to me on Penelope Messenger but it had more to do w lining contrast. For me, I just prefer if it is going to show as it does on Pennie Messenger, to be similar or same. My favorite Penelope messenger is grey merinos with the dark grey lining and dark gunmetal hardware. Ha.. now that I write that, it sounds pretty boring. I think your messenger looks great, but agree.. contact Marco if you aren’t happy.

 

[pdxhb]

For those who have the Muse or little Muse for a little while, do the side snaps open easily(I.e. Unsnaps on their own) when you have your things in them? I like the look of the style but just worried that the snaps will unsnap when you have the bag filled.

I have used my Muse a LOT since I received it. The snaps can come undone when I use the cross body strap and am lugging around my (heavy) work computer with peripherals, a notebook, a pouch and a wristlet. Oh and glasses. If I am not packing that much weight, no issues with the snaps whatsoever. The Pompei leather also helps it retain shape in general.

Is the current sale only for bags showing up on the new website and not ones that were previously posted? Guess I will have to wait in my Juliet .

It's always worth emailing Marco! If you know what you'd like to order, he can finalize it for you. Their focus is on the workshop and making beautiful bags, so the website tends to lag behind, so it should not be taken literally.

Any updates on how Pompei leathers “wear”? Any scratches?

I second "like iron"! I have used and abused my Pompei Muse and it looks new. Including the handles and strap, which is notable because I am using it as a work bag.