Massaccesi Handbags

[vink]

I also tried the midi Soulmate had 6 of them. I liked the style when I was working and carried a lot of stuff. After I semi retired and only work some projects from home I gave 2 to a girlfriend, 1 to my daughter, traded one for a Little Tulipano and sold one to a lovely tpf lade in Canada via the MM BST. This is the only one I have left and the reason I have kept it is because it is a bespoke leather that is just stunning. It is the only one I used so I kept it.

I’ve actually been thinking about asking him to source me a dark deep blue Nabuk, but never get to ask. And now it’ll never be the chance. You’re very lucky. And that bag is such a happy color. I’m glad you keep it. Wear it often and show us photo some time. I’d love to see more of it. [emoji4]

 

[southernbelle43]

Leather question: I am browsing preloved bags (Massaccesi BST Facebook group, eBay, Poshmark, etc). I know that sometimes the texture & color can't be accurately reflected by pictures, but I was wondering if any of the leathers feel like plastic (no flame intended, sorry not sure how to describe). I was showing my husband bags in the Facebook group and he said the athene leather looked like vinyl. It did appear shiny to me, but I wasn't sure if that was just because of the reflection or not. I know it's very subjective and people have different preferences, but I'm just trying to get an idea of the different types of leather. Also, are there any types of leather that would be more likely to have clothing (i.e. denim) transfer to them? This is something I was wondering when I saw the aquila matte. Kind of nice to have choices though. I did see the Reference thread, but was keeping the chat here.

I have two Penelope midi bags in athene leather. It is a shiny leather but it does not feel like plastic, it feels like good leather which it is. I use mine inside my bags to hold make up, etc. They have been squished, pulled, shuffled and opened multiple times a day for several months and still look great. I have bags in nappa, vacchetta, merinos, verona, diamond, pompei, nabuk. So I can honestly say that Marco’s leathers, which he hand picked himself are the best quality you can find in Italan leather. Plus they smell divine, lol. So do not be afraid to get one that appeals to you. I personally am brokenhearted that he had to close his business. His family has been making fine quality handbags using original old fashined methods for many years.
Another poster and I were sharing today MM spoiled us to good leather. When we see and handle handbags in the department stores, they just do not compare. Of course I cannot speak about Hermes. Chanel ,etc. because I do not own them and never will.
PS I think any light colored leather bag could be subject to dye transfer. I have not had it happen to me because my bags are all dark.

 

[vink]

Leather question: I am browsing preloved bags (Massaccesi BST Facebook group, eBay, Poshmark, etc). I know that sometimes the texture & color can't be accurately reflected by pictures, but I was wondering if any of the leathers feel like plastic (no flame intended, sorry not sure how to describe). I was showing my husband bags in the Facebook group and he said the athene leather looked like vinyl. It did appear shiny to me, but I wasn't sure if that was just because of the reflection or not. I know it's very subjective and people have different preferences, but I'm just trying to get an idea of the different types of leather. Also, are there any types of leather that would be more likely to have clothing (i.e. denim) transfer to them? This is something I was wondering when I saw the aquila matte. Kind of nice to have choices though. I did see the Reference thread, but was keeping the chat here.

Athene has shine and coating on them. So as Trinity. I hope some of the owner will shim in later since I don’t get to experience Athene first hand and gift my Trinity to my sister-in-law NWT.

But none of his leather feels like plastic. After some uses, they get softened and the character shows.

I’m a huge fan of Aquila matte and wear my blue jean Selene for 2 months straight now with no color transfer. I accidentally sat it on top of water once and the soak spot was about the size of my hand. I left it in the sun to dry. No trace of water left and no water mark. It does retain scratches though which you can lighten it out with rubbing your fingers on them. Or moisturizer will do? I never put any product on mine though. But I Love the velvety feel of it and how it develop its character so I put it first on my favorite leather list instead of Verona which used to be a favorite before I found Aquila matte. [emoji4]

 

[djfmn]

I’ve actually been thinking about asking him to source me a dark deep blue Nabuk, but never get to ask. And now it’ll never be the chance. You’re very lucky. And that bag is such a happy color. I’m glad you keep it. Wear it often and show us photo some time. I’d love to see more of it. [emoji4]

Thanks Vink. It is such a happy bag. This bespoke leather is such a great story. I asked Marco through his customer service person at the time who is Italian and communicating with her was a lot of fun. Her English was a lot better than my Italian but we had some very interesting email exchanges. In one of the emails I told her I was looking for Marco to source a peachy pink nappa leather for a bag. It was hard trying to explain to someone the color I was wanting. The spring of 2015 the color for that season was peachy pink. Well after many email exchanges with Valentina MM's customer service person she sent me an email with the pantone color number for peachy pink and it was exactly what I was looking for. She showed Marco the pantone swatch and that is how I came to have this lovely bespoke leather MM bag.
You can imagine the email discussions I had with her trying to explain what I was looking for it was quite the email string. Talk about great customer service.

 

[vink]

Thanks Vink. It is such a happy bag. This bespoke leather is such a great story. I asked Marco through his customer service person at the time who is Italian and communicating with her was a lot of fun. Her English was a lot better than my Italian but we had some very interesting email exchanges. In one of the emails I told her I was looking for Marco to source a peachy pink nappa leather for a bag. It was hard trying to explain to someone the color I was wanting. The spring of 2015 the color for that season was peachy pink. Well after many email exchanges with Valentina MM's customer service person she sent me an email with the pantone color number for peachy pink and it was exactly what I was looking for. She showed Marco the pantone swatch and that is how I came to have this lovely bespoke leather MM bag.
You can imagine the email discussions I had with her trying to explain what I was looking for it was quite the email string. Talk about great customer service.

Ah... that’s such a lovely story and I’m sure it’s indeed a delighted feeling getting to chat about sourcing leather color of your dream. I have this color in mind although I never check the Pantone swatch, but I think it’s too late to ask. I don’t even know if he still has any Nabuk left in stock, but I’m not really into those colors. I’ll live vivaciously through you and the photo of your bag.

Now, I’m waiting for him to reply me on the availability of one last leather. I decide to pull the trigger on Phoebe. I don’t know why I always keep putting it off even though I like it for quite some time already. I hope he has enough to put together for this small bag and the crossbody strap. Otherwise, maybe it’s just not meant to be. [emoji17]

 

[Coastal jewel]

Leather question: I am browsing preloved bags (Massaccesi BST Facebook group, eBay, Poshmark, etc). I know that sometimes the texture & color can't be accurately reflected by pictures, but I was wondering if any of the leathers feel like plastic (no flame intended, sorry not sure how to describe). I was showing my husband bags in the Facebook group and he said the athene leather looked like vinyl. It did appear shiny to me, but I wasn't sure if that was just because of the reflection or not. I know it's very subjective and people have different preferences, but I'm just trying to get an idea of the different types of leather. Also, are there any types of leather that would be more likely to have clothing (i.e. denim) transfer to them? This is something I was wondering when I saw the aquila matte. Kind of nice to have choices though. I did see the Reference thread, but was keeping the chat here.

I have one Selene midi in Celeste blue Athene. It is lovely but I do find that for me, this athene leather takes more care and more easily shows wear. I don’t think it looks plastic at all...just needs a little more TLC. I have several MM bags and leathers. ( well more than several, but no need to count). Merinos is very soft yet sturdy, the Africa leathers ( discontinued but still can be found) are fun and hardy. I’ve a platinum Africa Selene as a travel companion that’s several years old. I also have several is pebbled.

The Selene midi In the grayish athene on the BST looks very nice.

 

[christinemliu]

Leather question: I am browsing preloved bags (Massaccesi BST Facebook group, eBay, Poshmark, etc). I know that sometimes the texture & color can't be accurately reflected by pictures, but I was wondering if any of the leathers feel like plastic (no flame intended, sorry not sure how to describe). I was showing my husband bags in the Facebook group and he said the athene leather looked like vinyl. It did appear shiny to me, but I wasn't sure if that was just because of the reflection or not. I know it's very subjective and people have different preferences, but I'm just trying to get an idea of the different types of leather. Also, are there any types of leather that would be more likely to have clothing (i.e. denim) transfer to them? This is something I was wondering when I saw the aquila matte. Kind of nice to have choices though. I did see the Reference thread, but was keeping the chat here.

Hi! Just a quick note that I was interested in that Avio Athene Selene Midi that I think you are referring to (on the BST), and the owner of that actually has already sold it, so it's not available. But I think the pic is because of the reflection of the light, the pic she has of the inside is probably a better sense of the leather.

From what I have read and seen, someone here can for sure correct me, but I think Athene is a bit like the leather Hobo International uses? It's silky feeling, thin, light, and softens over time, but starts with a glaze, so it does have a shine. That's probably why the pics have a reflective quality. But definitely none of Marco's leather feels like plastic, like saffiano can sometimes feel like.

Hope you find something you will love!

 

[djfmn]

I also have lots of MM leathers, nubuk, pebbled, nappa, merino, pompei, various metallics. All of these leathers are amazing and have different qualities. They soften with use and the smell is amazing. I cannot say that any of his leathers have a plastic feel to them. They are handpicked from incredible Italian leather tanneries. I love each and every bag he has made for me - about 40 bags and counting. I do not have all of them as I have gifted a number of them to my daughter and some of my best friends. I have traded a couple and sold a couple but the rest I have kept about 27 bags. I use all of them all the time and there is nothing better than carrying a wonderful handbag made specially for you with incredibly beautiful Italian leather.

 

[polkadots55]

Thanks all! I'm very eager to acquire a preloved MM bag soon. I'm just trying to be mindful of the color and leather type before I buy since there aren't many available. I've been told I'm a soft summer (for like wardrobe palette). Not that I follow it religiously, but I want to make sure I pick wisely. And of course, if you remember my earlier saga about my husband (who thought tpf was infiltrated with brand reps, etc), he is also a little cautious about buying over BST (facebook) vs. other sites like ebay, Poshmark, etc. I'm not sure if it's because some sellers don't live in the same country as me (US) or because he was suggesting there's less protection (like they could take the $ but never send the purse). The other day he was even suggesting I use the Amazon wardrobe feature (where you send back what you don't want) & just order a bunch of purses those way. I think he is overly cautious because I had my credit card info stolen (but the bank caught right away & contacted me so no harm) when I tried ordering from the clothing website, Grana (which I learned through online forums like reddit, etc). This was like 2 years ago though, but I can see the cause for concern. I think I'm doing okay now though. I did order a vintage Coach purse (authenticated here) online & plan on a preloved MM next.

 

[vink]

Thanks all! I'm very eager to acquire a preloved MM bag soon. I'm just trying to be mindful of the color and leather type before I buy since there aren't many available. I've been told I'm a soft summer (for like wardrobe palette). Not that I follow it religiously, but I want to make sure I pick wisely. And of course, if you remember my earlier saga about my husband (who thought tpf was infiltrated with brand reps, etc), he is also a little cautious about buying over BST (facebook) vs. other sites like ebay, Poshmark, etc. I'm not sure if it's because some sellers don't live in the same country as me (US) or because he was suggesting there's less protection (like they could take the $ but never send the purse). The other day he was even suggesting I use the Amazon wardrobe feature (where you send back what you don't want) & just order a bunch of purses those way. I think he is overly cautious because I had my credit card info stolen (but the bank caught right away & contacted me so no harm) when I tried ordering from the clothing website, Grana (which I learned through online forums like reddit, etc). This was like 2 years ago though, but I can see the cause for concern. I think I'm doing okay now though. I did order a vintage Coach purse (authenticated here) online & plan on a preloved MM next.

I think he’s just being cautious because he’s afraid you’ll get scammed which is reasonable. But I can vouch for myself and a couple ladies (Soramilley and Jaspearl) I’ve met IRL via our love and interest in the brand that we do not work for them and we’re just normal purse enthusiasts. [emoji4] Take your time and I hope you’ll find what you love. [emoji4]

 

[carterazo]

My preference is vacchetta. I know as it ages it just gets more and more beautiful. I have no experience with nappa over a long time. I have nappa bags and that leather is really lovely, but it does not have the same persona as vacchetta. I don't know how to describe it.

I also think the Nappa will remain almost the same as from new.. at least this is what I see with my four yr old Phoebes. Whereas the Aquila, Vachetta, the Tuscania will age very nicely!

The nice thing about black vachetta is that it is so dark and rich. The texture varies across each hide which I, personally, love. Depending on how you feel about texture it could either dress up/down or just be more on the business casual-to-casual side of the spectrum. IMO it's a classic and one of the truest black leathers out there - very luxe looking but not super formal. If this fills a hole in your black bag options, I think it would be gorgeous. The nappa would also be lovely - more buttery (of course) and quite classic. IMO nappa is a bit more tailored, especially in a structured bag, but not limiting - since your style is your own.

I realize, that may be no help!

As far as MM bags and what Marco's special talents are for procuring beautiful leathers: I used this sale as an opportunity to add two vachetta bags to my collection because the leather is just that nice and I don't see a similar option, for the most part, in bags from other makers.

If either nappa or vacchetta would suit your wardrobe/style similarly well, and especially if you like some texture to your leathers, my vote is for vacchetta! I don't have black vacchetta, but I did just get my second vacchetta bag (in Mahogany), and if black is similarly textured (as it looks to be from the pics here), then it really does have a special character / personality to it that would beat out nappa hands down any day, IMHO... There's just something about a leather that has more natural texture and variation (whether in colour depth or surface texture), that gives it a lot more personality.

I must say, though, that some MM vacchettas do seem to be a lot smoother / less textured -- dark green for instance, and dark taupe 2.0 from the pics I've seen here. It also kind of seems like river blue vacchetta may be less textured too? (Though I've also not seen that one IRL) But from the pics I recall seeing of black vacchetta, it does seem to generally have more texture and personality, so that's where my vote goes

I prefer nappa as it feels so good to the hand, has enough structure to maintain a bag's shape, holds color well, and wears well.

Now that I see this post, I have a feeling that you were trying to ask me a different question, as in nappa vs. vacchetta for Alexia Midi.

I chose tan Pompei for my regular size Alexia because I wanted to try Pompei leather. I chose dark green vacchetta very intentionally for Alexia Midi because it was the right style bag that I had been waiting for to get that specific leather in.

I find my Alexia Midi in vacchetta is more special than my Alexia in pompei leather. Vacchetta is more compelling than nappa because unlike nappa, it is not flat and it improves as it changes with patina. Nappa generally looks the same over time in my experience. Also, the vacchetta is just stunning in the Alexia style.

If you want to play it safe, the beige nappa would be pretty. However, since you do not have any vacchetta and if you’re willing to take a risk, then I say go for the vacchetta!! I think you might be pleasantly surprised. Marco’s vacchetta is the best I’ve ever seen. I am just so thankful that I have this particular leather of his in several bags! The very few others I’ve come across do not compare.

I took pics of the beige nappa swatch and of my Alexia Midi in dark green vacchetta outside on my lanai so that you can see the true colors.

Nappa:View attachment 4188600

Dark green vacchetta:
View attachment 4188601

@carterazo, other options you might consider are dark taupe vacchetta and red vacchetta.

I agree with a previous post that black vacchetta can easily be dressed up or down.

I have to agree with Kylacove I prefer nappa as well. She is spot on it has such a lovely feel to. Keeps the structure without being too heavy and wears extremely well. I know there are lots of ladies who love vacchetta but it is just too heavy for me. Fortunately MM has always had plenty of different leathers to keep us all happy with our different likes and tastes.

That dark green just takes my breath away and I have it in the Valerie, Yea! I agree with everything that has been said about the beauty of vacchetta.

black vachetta!

Urg! That’s hard! Color blocking? You get both!

Oh.... with this, I’d say black Vacchetta.

Ladies, thank you for the input! I really appreciate all the information you shared. Most of you recommended vacchetta. Only two preferred nappa. I wonder who have both leathers. Hmm..... @tenKrat, I know you have both. Thank you so much for all the detailed information and pictures!
I realize I never mentioned that I am not one who loves a lot of variation in leather - how come I haven't gone for vacchetta in the past. The lighter colors that show all the variations and change with time are not my cup of tea. I prefer consistency in the leather even when there is texture. i love texture. However, the dark green and black hardly show the variations and look stunning to me. Hence my desire to try the leather. (Yet somehow, I am ok with variation in Athene. Go figure! That being said, I love the simple elegance of the nappa leather. I think it would pair well with the Alexia design, which to me, seems more dressy than casual. I asked Marco about pompei taupe, and nappa taupe as well as the black vacchetta and beige nappa. The last two are the only leathers remaining. Here's hoping they still are, considering that almost whole day has gone by since getting a response from Marco. Meanwhile, I still haven't made up my mind. I am normally not that indecisive. This hurry up situation has me mentally blocked. I thought I had made up my mind a number of times, but keep flip flopping. I have a few more minutes to ponder.... I can see the bag in both colors in my mind and both look lovely!

 

[vink]

Ladies, thank you for the input! I really appreciate all the information you shared. Most of you recommended vacchetta. Only two preferred nappa. I wonder who have both leathers. Hmm..... @tenKrat, I know you have both. Thank you so much for all the detailed information and pictures!
I realize I never mentioned that I am not one who loves a lot of variation in leather - how come I haven't gone for vacchetta in the past. The lighter colors that show all the variations and change with time are not my cup of tea. I prefer consistency in the leather even when there is texture. i love texture. However, the dark green and black hardly show the variations and look stunning to me. Hence my desire to try the leather. (Yet somehow, I am ok with variation in Athene. Go figure! That being said, I love the simple elegance of the nappa leather. I think it would pair well with the Alexia design, which to me, seems more dressy than casual. I asked Marco about pompei taupe, and nappa taupe as well as the black vacchetta and beige nappa. The last two are the only leathers remaining. Here's hoping they still are, considering that almost whole day has gone by since getting a response from Marco. Meanwhile, I still haven't made up my mind. I am normally not that indecisive. This hurry up situation has me mentally blocked. I thought I had made up my mind a number of times, but keep flip flopping. I have a few more minutes to ponder.... I can see the bag in both colors in my mind and both look lovely!

Get a color blocking. I see the black Vacchetta with pocket made with Nappa and it’s stunning. [emoji16] It’ll look sharp and you get the best of both world. The Nappa pocket will also help mask the variation if there’re any in the larger area of the bag so you don’t have to stand that. Think about it.

 

[starkfan]

I would choose the Alexia Midi because you already have several Penelope messengers. I personally would stick to vacchetta, nappa, and flat calf for Alexia. It would be a nice and different addition to your collection of mostly slouchy bags.

Starkfan I am so pleased I am not the only one who keeps are being drawn to the Alexia midi. I have looked at that bag and then bought a different style. Then looked again and of course bought a different style. I know I will regret it if I do not get one. So I pulled the plug and I am getting a midi Alexia. Super excited. I know exactly what you have been going through when it comes to this style.

Alexia with floppy or slouchy leather, like pebble, after some time, it may look like a droopy plastic shopping bag. That’s JMHO. Can you handle that? A sack with a roll handle that may droop a bit. If you can handle it, go ahead. I like slouchy bags, too, and that’s how I picture Alexia with pebble leather in my head. I have an Angelica in pebble which I love dearly. But it now has lost its shape. It’s still holding on and I still love it, but it’s soften A LOT and some how I wish it to be a bit more structured. So, every time I use it now, it’s up to me to lay my stuff strategically to make it look structured with sharp line. If you can handle that with Alexia, I don’t see any problem. But if you can’t, don’t get it in slouchy leather.

Thanks for the replies, ladies! Hmm, I do think I needed to be nudged towards the Alexia Midi -- I had cost as well as familiarity with the style somewhat in mind when I went for the Penelope Messenger (I'm also ordering a Modena in my final order, and this follows on from another large order in the 35% off sale...!!), but if I had had more time to think about this, I think I might've gone straight for the Alexia Midi. It's definitely a shape I liked from the time it was released, and I think I'd regret not going for it again.

As for leather and potential slouchiness of the pebbled leather, I do have styles that flop over (Balenciagas, for instance!), and the first thing that struck me about the Alexia shape was also its resemblance to Ignes's Gabrielle, which was constructed much slouchier than Alexia... Because of that, I've not completely gotten a slouchy Alexia out of my head, but @tenKrat, @vink, you ladies might be right that Alexia is different and might need to be more structured, especially with the (stiff) rolled handle going across the entire top of the bag.

I've emailed Marco to change my order, I hope he sees it in time! (I've still been waiting for replies to other emails I sent late last week.) For leather choice, I'm checking with him about the availability of River Blue vacchetta (another leather I've been thinking of for awhile!), and seeking his views on which leather works better (River Blue vacchetta or China pebbled) -- and if I do get it in pebbled, I might still get it with the standard structured backing. Hopefully I'll hear back from him soon!

 

[starkfan]

I am so sad I missed out on a green vachetta. I would have gotten a mini Valerie in it. But at least I got a Polsino cuff, so it takes some of the sting out.

So sorry, @Sickgrl13, it's tough to miss out on a leather you like, though I'm glad you do have the Polsino cuff in it... I think when I ordered mine (in the website sale not too long after southernbelle43 revealed her Valerie -- that bag definitely pushed me to go for it), I might've already gotten some of the last pieces/skins of leather, as I did notice it seemed a bit different from the pictures of other dark green vacchetta bags posted here, plus the swatch in the swatch book. Hopefully it'll one day pop up on the BST or somewhere else!

 

[anitalilac]

I finally paid for my order, dear sister was kind enough to let me use her money grass, not tree ( her description)

So I got:
Angel Midi in Mauve Pebbled, GHW, Lilac Lining
Aura in Indigo Napa , Lilac Lining, GHW
Penelope in Crystal Merinos, GHW, Yellow Lining
Flora in Hot Pink Napa, pink lining , GHW