Massaccesi Handbags

[Cleda]

Beautiful! What is the leather trim on the straw bag? Such a gorgeous brown color!

It's a new colour of Cuoio Toscano that was launched with the straw collection, called 'Natural'. It is a lovely colour in one of my favourite leathers!

If I had thought this bag through, I would have done this particular colorblocking. Maybe the next Sabrina...

I did store my Sabrina on the flap side overnight and the flap does lie flat now, more or less. So I'm hopeful. Also, I could attach a little chain to both hooks. As it is now, the fattest part of the clip hits the flap resulting in the raised flap. Not sure if I explained that correctly, but if the chain idea works, I'll post a picture.

I can imagine what you mean! Hope the chain idea works.

 

[Cleda]

He said 10 skins would be 20 bags. And here in lies my conflict. I don't want to place the burden of the additional cost on Marco. But at the same time, I don't want to purchase a bag that won't really get used. And I really don't see the midi getting used more than *maybe* a once or twice a year. I know how entitled it sounds to say, "I paid for it, I deserve to get what I ordered", but honestly, a part of me does kind of feel that way. I know these are just bags - certainly there are far more important things in life. But bags are also something that I need to plan and budget for as each bag I purchase is a large personal expense to me. And, I started placing orders with Marco, yes because of all the options and quality and lovely interactions with him, but also because he IS a small, struggling business, so it sucks that I'm now in a position where I either don't get the bag I ordered or I do at a cost to him. This bag, in particular, was the one I was most excited for so that just adds to the whole suckiness of it.

I feel so so torn because on one hand, I don't want to be the reason for a large, extra expense to Marco. On the other hand, I placed my order correctly and paid for it but now, because of a situation that is not my fault, I am left with the choice of taking a bag that is not what I wanted, ordered, and paid for OR insisting that the mistake be fixed and knowing that doing so will require a small, struggling business to incur extra expenses.

Like I said, mistakes happen, and Marco's CS is amazing. I know if I decided it's full size or nothing, he'll place that order. But I will feel so guilty for that. And yet, the other options just aren't what I want or ordered. So it's either get what I want and feel guilty or settle for something that is not what I want or will use very much and feel good about not making MM incur the expense but feel bad that I've spent my own money on something that I wasn't actually what I ordered.


And yet, here's another reason NOT to make him place that order for new skins - even if he does, there is a real possibility for color variation. So, it seems like I should just take the midi. But, I just don't see the midi fulfilling my needs.

I sent Marco that photo of my everyday items for his opinion on whether or not the midi would fit them. At this point, I'll take it even if it won't fit my "extras". Unfortunately, I'm fairly certain it won't even fit my everyday essentials, but wouldn't it be nice if I were wrong?

I really feel for you. It is very disappointing. Would cancelling your order be something you'd consider? You may have to let go of this Sabrina that you're dreaming of, but there will surely be something else that comes along in future which will capture your imagination again. At least you won't be compromising on a bag that you didn't order, neither would you feel guilty about seeing Persian Green metallic stuck in Marco's leather list for a long time. I don't think Marco will have any problem selling the Midi Sabrina that is already made.

I second taking 1-2 weeks to consider it. You may have a clearer view by then.

 

[Cleda]

Hi all, l‘m thinking about getting a mini Zhoe for my first Massaccesi. After reading through some of this tread l feel really excited about the whole concept of customising a bag. I love the idea of picking the bag style, leather, hardware and additional customisations, it is so cool and can give you something really individual and special. I have no idea if this is taking customisations too far or if it is even advisable (please let me know what you think), but l’m really loving the use of jacqard like fabrics at the moment (I have a Fendi with a jacqard like fabric on my wishlist at the moment) and so l wonder if it would be possible to have a splash of a jacquard type fabric on the front of the bag? I was originally thinking about something like that for the interior and then wondered if it could go on the outside?

Anyway, l’m thinking that for it to work it would need to be sewn onto a piece leather (and possibly glued/bonded to stop it moving) to give it a firm base and keep the bags structure intact. I’ve assembled a couple of ideas using the app Procreate of potential Mini Zhoe customisations. I was originally going for an autumn bag but the third bag kind of shouts ‘spring’.

Please help me choose a design out of the ones attached. If you’ve asked Marco to attach some fabric to a bag before then please let me know now successful it was and l’d love to see some pics. If you think it is a terrible idea please also let me know. I suppose my greatest worry is that it will cheapen the look of the bag? Once l’ve picked a design (assuming it’s not a terrible idea that l need to be talked out of) then l’ll contact Marco and see what he says.

View attachment 4798589

What a cool idea! I love jacquard fabrics too. These remind me of Chiara Daverio, another Italian bag brand. I really can't decide, all of your options are beautiful. Maybe you can find out what fabric prints are available first, before narrowing down to the leather colour or position of the fabric section. Fabric on the side will probably be easier to maintain, as the flap is a frequently touched area. I had a mobile phone case that was half fabric and the fabric part turned dirty-looking quite quickly.

I don't think the fabric needs to be pasted into leather though. The leather part are themselves attached to a backing which forms the structure of the bag. I assume the fabric can be directly attached to the backing on your preferred panels. I'm very interested in this project, please do update on how it goes!

 

[Cleda]

Each of your bags is so lovely. I'm curious about the midi-Hera and what it looks like when worn (hint). I would have thought the straw would be scratchy too, so glad to hear that it is soft. Marco said you can actually wipe straw clean fairly easily with something like Windex (I would probably test this somewhere discreet first) when I was considering a straw bag and shared your concerns about dirt.

That coral red Athena is really stunning. I don't have any of the RT Africa leather but I love the texture it adds to the Athena bag. it's sort of like pebbled leather meets a dressier version of itself.

And that purple penny is totally wow.

Thank you! Good to know straw can be cleaned easily with a household cleaner.

I was pleasantly surprised that Africa RT isn't as 'bumpy' as the metallic Africa. I like how it turned out.

Here are some modshots of the Midi Hera from different angles. It's a great size for me, I'm 5'2".

 

[tuowei]

He said 10 skins would be 20 bags. And here in lies my conflict. I don't want to place the burden of the additional cost on Marco. But at the same time, I don't want to purchase a bag that won't really get used. And I really don't see the midi getting used more than *maybe* a once or twice a year. I know how entitled it sounds to say, "I paid for it, I deserve to get what I ordered", but honestly, a part of me does kind of feel that way. I know these are just bags - certainly there are far more important things in life. But bags are also something that I need to plan and budget for as each bag I purchase is a large personal expense to me. And, I started placing orders with Marco, yes because of all the options and quality and lovely interactions with him, but also because he IS a small, struggling business, so it sucks that I'm now in a position where I either don't get the bag I ordered or I do at a cost to him. This bag, in particular, was the one I was most excited for so that just adds to the whole suckiness of it.

I feel so so torn because on one hand, I don't want to be the reason for a large, extra expense to Marco. On the other hand, I placed my order correctly and paid for it but now, because of a situation that is not my fault, I am left with the choice of taking a bag that is not what I wanted, ordered, and paid for OR insisting that the mistake be fixed and knowing that doing so will require a small, struggling business to incur extra expenses.

Like I said, mistakes happen, and Marco's CS is amazing. I know if I decided it's full size or nothing, he'll place that order. But I will feel so guilty for that. And yet, the other options just aren't what I want or ordered. So it's either get what I want and feel guilty or settle for something that is not what I want or will use very much and feel good about not making MM incur the expense but feel bad that I've spent my own money on something that I wasn't actually what I ordered.


And yet, here's another reason NOT to make him place that order for new skins - even if he does, there is a real possibility for color variation. So, it seems like I should just take the midi. But, I just don't see the midi fulfilling my needs.

I sent Marco that photo of my everyday items for his opinion on whether or not the midi would fit them. At this point, I'll take it even if it won't fit my "extras". Unfortunately, I'm fairly certain it won't even fit my everyday essentials, but wouldn't it be nice if I were wrong?

I would pass on the midi Sabrina because it wont fit your everyday essentials. It sounds like a beautiful bag and will probably sell if he offered it in a sample sale? IMO, the question for you is whether you want to risk color variation on the new skins? If yes, the question of whether ordering 10 skins is financially sensible is a business decision for Marco. I would tell him I wouldn't want to put him in a financially irresponsible position just to honor a sale and would accept that there was no Persian green in stock for a refund if he decided not to risk ordering more stock.

 

[LuvNLux]

@djfmn Beautiful bags! I have to say that your beautiful blue straw Midi Victoria is one of the best I have ever seen in that style. And Marco's Bronze metallic Africa is so unique and makes such a statement, don't you just love the color and texture?

 

[orchidmyst]

Thank you! Good to know straw can be cleaned easily with a household cleaner.

I was pleasantly surprised that Africa RT isn't as 'bumpy' as the metallic Africa. I like how it turned out.

Here are some modshots of the Midi Hera from different angles. It's a great size for me, I'm 5'2".

View attachment 4798980

Thank you for the mod shots, they are extremely helpful.

 

[anitalilac]

He said 10 skins would be 20 bags. And here in lies my conflict. I don't want to place the burden of the additional cost on Marco. But at the same time, I don't want to purchase a bag that won't really get used. And I really don't see the midi getting used more than *maybe* a once or twice a year. I know how entitled it sounds to say, "I paid for it, I deserve to get what I ordered", but honestly, a part of me does kind of feel that way. I know these are just bags - certainly there are far more important things in life. But bags are also something that I need to plan and budget for as each bag I purchase is a large personal expense to me. And, I started placing orders with Marco, yes because of all the options and quality and lovely interactions with him, but also because he IS a small, struggling business, so it sucks that I'm now in a position where I either don't get the bag I ordered or I do at a cost to him. This bag, in particular, was the one I was most excited for so that just adds to the whole suckiness of it.

I feel so so torn because on one hand, I don't want to be the reason for a large, extra expense to Marco. On the other hand, I placed my order correctly and paid for it but now, because of a situation that is not my fault, I am left with the choice of taking a bag that is not what I wanted, ordered, and paid for OR insisting that the mistake be fixed and knowing that doing so will require a small, struggling business to incur extra expenses.

Like I said, mistakes happen, and Marco's CS is amazing. I know if I decided it's full size or nothing, he'll place that order. But I will feel so guilty for that. And yet, the other options just aren't what I want or ordered. So it's either get what I want and feel guilty or settle for something that is not what I want or will use very much and feel good about not making MM incur the expense but feel bad that I've spent my own money on something that I wasn't actually what I ordered.


And yet, here's another reason NOT to make him place that order for new skins - even if he does, there is a real possibility for color variation. So, it seems like I should just take the midi. But, I just don't see the midi fulfilling my needs.

I sent Marco that photo of my everyday items for his opinion on whether or not the midi would fit them. At this point, I'll take it even if it won't fit my "extras". Unfortunately, I'm fairly certain it won't even fit my everyday essentials, but wouldn't it be nice if I were wrong?

I agree with asking more time to think through,ask yourself which matters most, the leather ( stunning stunning ❤️❤️) or the size? For me , it's the size. I have a Victoria Midi in Aqua Pebbled, I love the leather and color but because the size was too small for me, I never use it despite being the leather and color that I want. I'm contemplating selling it or giving it to my sister or niece. And hopefully Marco has the same exact leather to make the normal Victoria which I much prefer when I'm ready to order .
At the moment I'm using a Longchamp Tote Bag since I can wipe with disinfectant wipes constantly.
Good luck with your decision, one thing to remember is that Marco will always have beautiful new leathers , so maybe there's more that you would love as much or even more in the future.

 

[msd_bags]

Thank you! Good to know straw can be cleaned easily with a household cleaner.

I was pleasantly surprised that Africa RT isn't as 'bumpy' as the metallic Africa. I like how it turned out.

Here are some modshots of the Midi Hera from different angles. It's a great size for me, I'm 5'2".

View attachment 4798980

Nice modshots! And pretty outfit!

I think the midi Hera is a great size!

 

[Cleda]

Another modshot of straw Midi Hera! I'm enjoying this bright, casual bag. Something very different from all the other bags I've owned. Midi Hera is very comfortable to carry, but a little hard to get things out of. It's not a one handed operation because the opening is quite high, and the handle tends to pinch the opening closed.

 

[LuvNLux]

Fantastic trio!!! I love the metallic Africas too, what a great idea to get one in each colour in a small item!

@Cleda. Thank you! If I am unsure of a new specialty leather that Marco offers, especially the metallic ones, I will get it in a “small” like Flora, Phoebe or Penney first to try out that leather. Of course, sometimes he runs out of a popular leather before I have a chance to order it again in a larger bag!

Thanks for the mod shots of your lovely new yellow straw bag. Very helpful. Such a bright happy color for summer.

 

[TotinScience]

Thank you! Good to know straw can be cleaned easily with a household cleaner.

I was pleasantly surprised that Africa RT isn't as 'bumpy' as the metallic Africa. I like how it turned out.

Here are some modshots of the Midi Hera from different angles. It's a great size for me, I'm 5'2".

View attachment 4798980

Love the outfit! Hera midi is bigger than I thought she would be!

 

[Kimbashop]

Thank you! Good to know straw can be cleaned easily with a household cleaner.

I was pleasantly surprised that Africa RT isn't as 'bumpy' as the metallic Africa. I like how it turned out.

Here are some modshots of the Midi Hera from different angles. It's a great size for me, I'm 5'2".

View attachment 4798980

I love it with your outfit! That is a great yellow—perfect for spring and summer—and the bag looks like a perfect size on you. Thanks for the mod shots. So helpful to see how the bag wears.

 

[Kimbashop]

I think you should get what you ordered or get a refund. If Marco orders more of the Persian Green and has a promo, I would definitely order a bag in it and it looks like from the comments that others may order, too.

The yellow is gorgeous and I love all of the textures. The natural toscano really makes the hardware pop too. It Is a bigger bag than I had thought a midi Size would be. Looks like a good carryall size.

 

[dramaprincess713]

So, a bit of an update. I did go ahead and ask Marco for some time to think about what to do, and he said I can take all the time I need. He also said he reached out to two other tanneries to see if he could order just 1 skin of the Persian green laminato, so we'll see what comes of that. I think I've decided that if that doesn't work out, and he doesn't feel a 10-skin order of the Persian green will be good for his business (like, by offering a promo or something), I will not ask him to do that. I'll either take the midi or a refund. He did confirm that the Midi would not fit all of my everyday essentials, so I really do need to think this through. In my mind, I have myself almost convinced that I can just use this as a a small-medium occasional-use bag, even though that wasn't my intention, BUT I'm also very very prone to convincing myself into things that aren't what I truly want or need so taking time is good.

You are clearly being so considerate of his business, but I don't think you should feel pressured to buy a bag that you don't think you will use. It was their mistake and Marco is acknowledging that. I do wonder if there might be interest from people in the Persian green after seeing some lovely reveals of it. maybe he could even offer a promo? No easy answers, clearly.

Thank you - I really am trying to keep his interests in mind as well. I am trying to see if I can recalibrate my thinking and happily go with the Midi rather than feeling like I'm getting it just because it's my only option. Or, maybe, Marco's inquiries will pan out and he'll be able to purchase just one skin after all. We'll see!

You show real character being so concerned about Marco! This is not an easy decision. Hugs

Thanks so much! I really don't want to put him in a bad spot over my one bag. His CS is amazing, but I don't want to take advantage.

Dear @dramaprincess713, of course you should not settle for taking a bag that is not what you want or ordered. As far as I can see, there is a 3rd option,- A full refund.

Your Sabrina dream really has become a bit of a nightmare, I feel so sorry for you.

Might be an idea to tell Marco to give you a couple of weeks to make your decision. Then give yourself a 1-2 week break from the dilemma Your subconcious will continue the process. Then, in a couple of weeks time, you will probably just KNOW what solution is the right one for you .

You're right - a refund is also an option. I honestly hadn't really put that on the table because I SO very much wanted this bag in this color combo. And I still do. So much so that I almost have myself convinced that the Midi will be fine after all. But I don't know if I truly believe that or if I'm just making myself believe that because of the situation. I LOVE what you said about taking 1-2 weeks to take a break from the dilemma. I was thinking maybe just a few days when I asked Marco for some time, but I think what you said makes much more sense!

As someone else said, get the bag you want. If Marco is offering to get more leather so he can make the bag you want, and you want the bag, just do it. It is part of doing business. The Persian Green Metallic is a show-stopper leather. If Marco adds it as a special leather and markets it, he will sell it. I have a bag in this leather, and if he ends up buying more, I will probably buy another bag in that leather. It is such a special leather. Get the bag you want!

The Persian green metallic really is a show-stopper! Hopefully, one of the tanneries will allow Marco to order just one skin. If not, I really don't want him to order 10 skins on my behalf, especially if he doesn't think he can sell it. He didn't say this to me, but I suspect he has doubts that he will be able to sell 10 skins worth of bags in this leather. I definitely have some thinking to do!~

Aww you’ve obviously spent a lot of time thinking about this! However, 20 large bags/30 little bags/who knows how many slgs on an out there colour...honestly I would just ask for a refund. Saves everyone the stress: you on the bag you don’t want/ Marco on selling skins that might not attract everyone. Let us know what you do decide to do!

Right now, I'm really really hoping Marco's request to order just 1 skin is granted. If not, I'm thinking it's between a refund or the Midi. I want this bag in this combo so very badly so I'm really trying to critically think this through...it's not the bag I wanted, but can it, maybe, be a bag I can find use for after all? I'm not sure yet, but I'll be sure to keep everyone updated!

I think you should get what you ordered or get a refund. If Marco orders more of the Persian Green and has a promo, I would definitely order a bag in it and it looks like from the comments that others may order, too.

If Marco orders 10 skins, I really only want him to do so if he feels it could benefit his business. It does seem like there is interest here in the Persian green so maybe some sort of promo would be an option. But if, based on his experience, he feels he won't have enough orders to sell all of the Persian green, I don't want him to have to order all those skins because of me. So we'll see. I think taking some time with this will be good for me!

I really feel for you. It is very disappointing. Would cancelling your order be something you'd consider? You may have to let go of this Sabrina that you're dreaming of, but there will surely be something else that comes along in future which will capture your imagination again. At least you won't be compromising on a bag that you didn't order, neither would you feel guilty about seeing Persian Green metallic stuck in Marco's leather list for a long time. I don't think Marco will have any problem selling the Midi Sabrina that is already made.

I second taking 1-2 weeks to consider it. You may have a clearer view by then.

Cancelling wasn't something I had been considering, but I really should be. I've just been wanting this combo so very badly so I don't *want* to cancel. But yes, not cancelling and not having Marco order 10 skins, would mean compromising on the bag on my part so I don't know - a refund is really an option I should be considering. My real hope is that he is allowed to order just one skin and it all works out in the end.

I would pass on the midi Sabrina because it wont fit your everyday essentials. It sounds like a beautiful bag and will probably sell if he offered it in a sample sale? IMO, the question for you is whether you want to risk color variation on the new skins? If yes, the question of whether ordering 10 skins is financially sensible is a business decision for Marco. I would tell him I wouldn't want to put him in a financially irresponsible position just to honor a sale and would accept that there was no Persian green in stock for a refund if he decided not to risk ordering more stock.

The color variation is a real concern as well. I'm ok and understand a bit of variation, but the stamped version he sent me a photo of looks so very grass green to me, and I know I wouldn't be happy with that. When he told me he had inquired about ordering just 1 skin, I asked him about the potential color variation, if the 1 skin order is granted. I let him know that I do not prefer the grass green shade of the stamped version and definitely would want the shade of the original, so we'll see what he says. Even if they do allow him to order just one skin, if it's going to be that grass green shade, I would rather not go through it that since I know it's not the green I'm after.

I agree with asking more time to think through,ask yourself which matters most, the leather ( stunning stunning ❤❤) or the size? For me , it's the size. I have a Victoria Midi in Aqua Pebbled, I love the leather and color but because the size was too small for me, I never use it despite being the leather and color that I want. I'm contemplating selling it or giving it to my sister or niece. And hopefully Marco has the same exact leather to make the normal Victoria which I much prefer when I'm ready to order .
At the moment I'm using a Longchamp Tote Bag since I can wipe with disinfectant wipes constantly.
Good luck with your decision, one thing to remember is that Marco will always have beautiful new leathers , so maybe there's more that you would love as much or even more in the future.

Thanks so much as framing it in this way and for sharing your experience - it helps give me perspective! I think I really need to think critically about whether or not I can reframe how I had planned to use this bag and whether or not I'm ok with that. Could I maybe find a use for it in its smaller size? I've almost convinced myself yes because I want these leathers in this combo and style SO badly. But I also want to be truly honest with myself and really make sure I'm spending my funds wisely. A week or two to let things marinate will help, I think!