Massaccesi Handbags

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LITTLE ATHENA FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Hi all,
I have some time now so I'll review my red nappa Little Athena soulder bag. I'll specify modifications and personalisation.

First of all, packaging.
the bag comes in the famous white box. The packaging is impecable, in my opinion. The cardboard box comes stacked with tissue paper and well wrapped.

WhatsApp Image 2021-04-12 at 15.02.31 (1).jpeg
WhatsApp Image 2021-04-12 at 15.02.32.jpeg
WhatsApp Image 2021-04-12 at 15.02.33.jpeg

The bag itself comes inside the dustbag, which feels substantial.
WhatsApp Image 2021-04-12 at 15.02.33 (1).jpeg
WhatsApp Image 2021-04-12 at 15.02.35.jpeg

The straps come carefully packed. Not a single scratch on the hardware.
Now for the reaveal of the bag!
Little Athena Shoulder bag in Raspberry Nappa. Red lining. Light gold hardware.
Modifications: Addition of Theia Strap and addition of two rings to the sides to attach the strap.
WhatsApp Image 2021-04-12 at 15.02.36 (1).jpeg
The bag is simply gorgeous. The first thing you notice before you open the dustbag is the smell of the leather. I will not say anything else except this: it smell like really expensive, premium quality leather. That's it. Enough said.
WhatsApp Image 2021-04-12 at 15.02.36.jpeg
INTERIOR:
As you can see, it comes fully stuffed with tissue paper. The zipper is as smooth as it gets.

WhatsApp Image 2021-04-12 at 15.02.37.jpeg
As said before, the lining is red. It comes with all the normal specifications of the bag (no modifications). It feels stiff because it's new. The lining and accessories are perfectly in place.
WhatsApp Image 2021-04-12 at 15.29.09.jpeg
WhatsApp Image 2021-04-12 at 15.29.09 (1).jpeg

STRAPS
It comes with the normal strap of the bag, and I added the Theia strap. I attatch how they look in the bag:
with theia strap ("folded")
WhatsApp Image 2021-04-12 at 15.29.04.jpeg
With regular little athena strap
WhatsApp Image 2021-04-12 at 15.29.08 (1).jpeg

(review continues)
 
Two straps:
WhatsApp Image 2021-04-12 at 15.29.08.jpeg
"unfolded" Theia strap.
WhatsApp Image 2021-04-12 at 15.29.07.jpeg

The straps feel firm on the shoulder, although they slip with a soft fabric sweater/shirt. They attach smoothly. They don't "go" together though (or do they???), and the normal little athena strap feels a bit redundant but can be useful to change the look of the bag/outfit.

HARDWARE:
The hardware is of the highest quality. It feels substantial and opens/closes smoothly. The logos on the hardware are imprinted perfectly and they came without a single scratch. The bag has a variety of shapes and sizes of different hardware elements, and all of them are beautiful and very cohesive. The design shows. Images:
WhatsApp Image 2021-04-12 at 15.29.06.jpeg
WhatsApp Image 2021-04-12 at 15.29.05.jpeg
The feet are big and sturdy.
WhatsApp Image 2021-04-12 at 15.29.10.jpeg

DETAILS

ayy... that smell...
the stitching is excellent.
the bag comes with a card that says "Designed for: + my name". I guess that's because it is personalized to me. That feels very very luxurious.
the edge paint is very good.
The logo is beautifully embossed.
WhatsApp Image 2021-04-12 at 15.29.11.jpeg

The requested swatches come in a little bag.
WhatsApp Image 2021-04-12 at 15.02.37 (2).jpeg
WhatsApp Image 2021-04-12 at 15.29.11 (1).jpeg


Overall impressions:
I bought the bag after I got a job and I know every time I look at it, I'll be reminded of my success. The bag is a beautiful thing that has been carefully designed, and yet it is extremely functional and something for everyday use. The leather literally shines, and the smell is truly out of this world. It is not heavy but feels substantial, and it has a lot of detail. The theia strap is very ingenious and elevates the bag, which by itself has minimal design (I can see it wearing is under the arm with no straps as well, as a big clutch).
I exchanged almost thirty emails with Marco. He responded patiently and expertly, sometimes at 11 at night (which is not a good thing because I think he works too much). He made suggestions and the bag is the product of his advice and expertise.
If they gave me a premier designer bag instead of it, I wouldn't take it (maybe I would, just so I could sell it and by three MMs!)

I love my bag. I think the big fashion houses don't make designs as beautiful and curated as Massaccesi. This is my first expensive bag, and I see myself staying with the brand for as long as it exists, and not ever "upgrading" (or rather "downgrading") to premier designers. I have my eye on Fendi, which makes beautiful bags, but presented with the choice, I'd buy MM any time.

Feel free to ask questions or request pictures. I'll provide details of my swatches to the leather reference thread when possible and update this bag with outfits in the following days! (you'll get sick of it in the end lol).

What do you think of the bag???

It really is as beautiful as I had imagined it...

oh one final thing:
I placed the order on Feb 13 and I recieved it today, April 12.
 
Last edited:
Two straps:
View attachment 5052739
"unfolded" Theia strap.
View attachment 5052740

The straps feel firm on the shoulder, although they slip with a soft fabric sweater/shirt. They attach smoothly. They don't "go" together though (or do they???), and the normal little athena strap feels a bit redundant but can be useful to change the look of the bag/outfit.

HARDWARE:
The hardware is of the highest quality. It feels substantial and opens/closes smoothly. The logos on the hardware are imprinted perfectly and they came without a single scratch. The bag has a variety of shapes and sizes of different hardware elements, and all of them are beautiful and very cohesive. The design shows. Images:
View attachment 5052747
View attachment 5052748
The feet are big and sturdy.
View attachment 5052749

DETAILS

ayy... that smell...
the stitching is excellent.
the bag comes with a card that says "Designed for: + my name". I guess that's because it is personalized to me. That feels very very luxurious.
the edge paint is very good.
The logo is beautifully embossed.
View attachment 5052753

The requested swatches come in a little bag.
View attachment 5052757
View attachment 5052758


Overall impressions:
I bought the bag after I got a job and I know every time I look at it, I'll be reminded of my success. The bag is a beautiful thing that has been carefully designed, and yet it is extremely functional and something for everyday use. The leather literally shines, and the smell is truly out of this world. It is not heavy but feels substantial, and it has a lot of detail. The theia strap is very ingenious and elevates the bag, which by itself has minimal design (I can see it wearing is under the arm with no straps as well, as a big clutch).
I exchanged almost thirty emails with Marco. He responded patiently and expertly, sometimes at 11 at night (which is not a good thing because I think he works too much). He made suggestions and the bag is the product of his advice and expertise.
If they gave me a premier designer bag instead of it, I wouldn't take it (maybe I would, just so I could sell it and by three MMs!)

I love my bag. I think the big fashion houses don't make designs as beautiful and curated as Massaccesi. This is my first expensive bag, and I see myself staying with the brand for as long as it exists, and not ever "upgrading" (or rather "downgrading") to premier designers. I have my eye on Fendi, which makes beautiful bags, but presented with the choice, I'd buy MM any time.

Feel free to ask questions or request pictures. I'll provide details of my swatches to the leather reference thread when possible and update this bag with outfits in the following days! (you'll get sick of it in the end lol).

What do you think of the bag???

It really is as beautiful as I had imagined it...

oh one final thing:
I placed the order on Feb 13 and I recieved it today, April 12.
Your bag is stunning!!!! :loveeyes::loveeyes::loveeyes: Thank you for the detailed review! So glad you love it!!
 
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Two straps:
View attachment 5052739
"unfolded" Theia strap.
View attachment 5052740

The straps feel firm on the shoulder, although they slip with a soft fabric sweater/shirt. They attach smoothly. They don't "go" together though (or do they???), and the normal little athena strap feels a bit redundant but can be useful to change the look of the bag/outfit.

HARDWARE:
The hardware is of the highest quality. It feels substantial and opens/closes smoothly. The logos on the hardware are imprinted perfectly and they came without a single scratch. The bag has a variety of shapes and sizes of different hardware elements, and all of them are beautiful and very cohesive. The design shows. Images:
View attachment 5052747
View attachment 5052748
The feet are big and sturdy.
View attachment 5052749

DETAILS

ayy... that smell...
the stitching is excellent.
the bag comes with a card that says "Designed for: + my name". I guess that's because it is personalized to me. That feels very very luxurious.
the edge paint is very good.
The logo is beautifully embossed.
View attachment 5052753

The requested swatches come in a little bag.
View attachment 5052757
View attachment 5052758


Overall impressions:
I bought the bag after I got a job and I know every time I look at it, I'll be reminded of my success. The bag is a beautiful thing that has been carefully designed, and yet it is extremely functional and something for everyday use. The leather literally shines, and the smell is truly out of this world. It is not heavy but feels substantial, and it has a lot of detail. The theia strap is very ingenious and elevates the bag, which by itself has minimal design (I can see it wearing is under the arm with no straps as well, as a big clutch).
I exchanged almost thirty emails with Marco. He responded patiently and expertly, sometimes at 11 at night (which is not a good thing because I think he works too much). He made suggestions and the bag is the product of his advice and expertise.
If they gave me a premier designer bag instead of it, I wouldn't take it (maybe I would, just so I could sell it and by three MMs!)

I love my bag. I think the big fashion houses don't make designs as beautiful and curated as Massaccesi. This is my first expensive bag, and I see myself staying with the brand for as long as it exists, and not ever "upgrading" (or rather "downgrading") to premier designers. I have my eye on Fendi, which makes beautiful bags, but presented with the choice, I'd buy MM any time.

Feel free to ask questions or request pictures. I'll provide details of my swatches to the leather reference thread when possible and update this bag with outfits in the following days! (you'll get sick of it in the end lol).

What do you think of the bag???

It really is as beautiful as I had imagined it...

oh one final thing:
I placed the order on Feb 13 and I recieved it today, April 12.
Your new bag is really beautiful and even better that it marks a milestone for you!
 
@BagsAndCarbs What a beautiful bag! Little Athena was never on my radar before but your review is making me reconsider this style. The raspberry nappa is beautiful, and your hardware/lining choices are great. I've always wondered about the Theia strap, it goes so well with your bag. I think I will also consider that in the future.

You put into words exactly how I felt when I started ordering from Marco for the first time. Everything you create with him is personalized for you up to the very last detail. He lets you be part of the entire process, but is honest when he thinks a particular customization will jeopardize the functionality/appearance of the bag. It's a lovely experience to work with him. You mentioned that you have two kids, not sure if one of them is a daughter - if so, maybe one day you can pass on this beautiful bag to her :smile:

Congratulations and enjoy your new bag!

P.S. The red swatch - is that pirate red cuoio? Can you take a comparison photo of the swatch with your bag? I want to see how the pirate red cuoio compares with raspberry nappa. Thank you :flowers:
 
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Overall impressions:
I bought the bag after I got a job and I know every time I look at it, I'll be reminded of my success. The bag is a beautiful thing that has been carefully designed, and yet it is extremely functional and something for everyday use. The leather literally shines, and the smell is truly out of this world. It is not heavy but feels substantial, and it has a lot of detail. The theia strap is very ingenious and elevates the bag, which by itself has minimal design (I can see it wearing is under the arm with no straps as well, as a big clutch).
I exchanged almost thirty emails with Marco. He responded patiently and expertly, sometimes at 11 at night (which is not a good thing because I think he works too much). He made suggestions and the bag is the product of his advice and expertise.
If they gave me a premier designer bag instead of it, I wouldn't take it (maybe I would, just so I could sell it and by three MMs!)

I love my bag. I think the big fashion houses don't make designs as beautiful and curated as Massaccesi. This is my first expensive bag, and I see myself staying with the brand for as long as it exists, and not ever "upgrading" (or rather "downgrading") to premier designers. I have my eye on Fendi, which makes beautiful bags, but presented with the choice, I'd buy MM any time.

Feel free to ask questions or request pictures. I'll provide details of my swatches to the leather reference thread when possible and update this bag with outfits in the following days! (you'll get sick of it in the end lol).

What do you think of the bag???
I love your bag, but it's possible that I love your wonderfully detailed and glowing review even more! You captured the Massacessi reveal process so well and your impressions are so well expressed, much better than I myself could write. Wow. I also appreciate how much meaning this bag contains for you! Thank you for sharing with us.
 
LITTLE ATHENA FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Hi all,
I have some time now so I'll review my red nappa Little Athena soulder bag. I'll specify modifications and personalisation.

First of all, packaging.
the bag comes in the famous white box. The packaging is impecable, in my opinion. The cardboard box comes stacked with tissue paper and well wrapped.

View attachment 5052712
View attachment 5052713
View attachment 5052714

The bag itself comes inside the dustbag, which feels substantial.
View attachment 5052722
View attachment 5052723

The straps come carefully packed. Not a single scratch on the hardware.
Now for the reaveal of the bag!
Little Athena Shoulder bag in Raspberry Nappa. Red lining. Light gold hardware.
Modifications: Addition of Theia Strap and addition of two rings to the sides to attach the strap.
View attachment 5052725
The bag is simply gorgeous. The first thing you notice before you open the dustbag is the smell of the leather. I will not say anything else except this: it smell like really expensive, premium quality leather. That's it. Enough said.
View attachment 5052726
INTERIOR:
As you can see, it comes fully stuffed with tissue paper. The zipper is as smooth as it gets.

View attachment 5052729
As said before, the lining is red. It comes with all the normal specifications of the bag (no modifications). It feels stiff because it's new. The lining and accessories are perfectly in place.
View attachment 5052730
View attachment 5052731

STRAPS
It comes with the normal strap of the bag, and I added the Theia strap. I attatch how they look in the bag:
with theia strap ("folded")
View attachment 5052733
With regular little athena strap
View attachment 5052734

(review continues)
Wow wow and wow that is gorgeous. Little Athena is such an amazing style. I love red bags and this is stunning. Your review is perfect. How exciting to order a bespoke handbag as you start work. I know you will get many years of enjoyment out of your lovely new MM bag. I still have my first MM bag that I purchased in 2014 as well as my first bag that Marco made for a different company that I bought in 2005 or 2006. His bags last and last and get better with age and use.
 
Last edited:
Two straps:
View attachment 5052739
"unfolded" Theia strap.
View attachment 5052740

The straps feel firm on the shoulder, although they slip with a soft fabric sweater/shirt. They attach smoothly. They don't "go" together though (or do they???), and the normal little athena strap feels a bit redundant but can be useful to change the look of the bag/outfit.

HARDWARE:
The hardware is of the highest quality. It feels substantial and opens/closes smoothly. The logos on the hardware are imprinted perfectly and they came without a single scratch. The bag has a variety of shapes and sizes of different hardware elements, and all of them are beautiful and very cohesive. The design shows. Images:
View attachment 5052747
View attachment 5052748
The feet are big and sturdy.
View attachment 5052749

DETAILS

ayy... that smell...
the stitching is excellent.
the bag comes with a card that says "Designed for: + my name". I guess that's because it is personalized to me. That feels very very luxurious.
the edge paint is very good.
The logo is beautifully embossed.
View attachment 5052753

The requested swatches come in a little bag.
View attachment 5052757
View attachment 5052758


Overall impressions:
I bought the bag after I got a job and I know every time I look at it, I'll be reminded of my success. The bag is a beautiful thing that has been carefully designed, and yet it is extremely functional and something for everyday use. The leather literally shines, and the smell is truly out of this world. It is not heavy but feels substantial, and it has a lot of detail. The theia strap is very ingenious and elevates the bag, which by itself has minimal design (I can see it wearing is under the arm with no straps as well, as a big clutch).
I exchanged almost thirty emails with Marco. He responded patiently and expertly, sometimes at 11 at night (which is not a good thing because I think he works too much). He made suggestions and the bag is the product of his advice and expertise.
If they gave me a premier designer bag instead of it, I wouldn't take it (maybe I would, just so I could sell it and by three MMs!)

I love my bag. I think the big fashion houses don't make designs as beautiful and curated as Massaccesi. This is my first expensive bag, and I see myself staying with the brand for as long as it exists, and not ever "upgrading" (or rather "downgrading") to premier designers. I have my eye on Fendi, which makes beautiful bags, but presented with the choice, I'd buy MM any time.

Feel free to ask questions or request pictures. I'll provide details of my swatches to the leather reference thread when possible and update this bag with outfits in the following days! (you'll get sick of it in the end lol).

What do you think of the bag???

It really is as beautiful as I had imagined it...

oh one final thing:
I placed the order on Feb 13 and I recieved it today, April 12.
Stunning bag! Thank you so much for your thorough review!
 
Two straps:
View attachment 5052739
"unfolded" Theia strap.
View attachment 5052740

The straps feel firm on the shoulder, although they slip with a soft fabric sweater/shirt. They attach smoothly. They don't "go" together though (or do they???), and the normal little athena strap feels a bit redundant but can be useful to change the look of the bag/outfit.

HARDWARE:
The hardware is of the highest quality. It feels substantial and opens/closes smoothly. The logos on the hardware are imprinted perfectly and they came without a single scratch. The bag has a variety of shapes and sizes of different hardware elements, and all of them are beautiful and very cohesive. The design shows. Images:
View attachment 5052747
View attachment 5052748
The feet are big and sturdy.
View attachment 5052749

DETAILS

ayy... that smell...
the stitching is excellent.
the bag comes with a card that says "Designed for: + my name". I guess that's because it is personalized to me. That feels very very luxurious.
the edge paint is very good.
The logo is beautifully embossed.
View attachment 5052753

The requested swatches come in a little bag.
View attachment 5052757
View attachment 5052758


Overall impressions:
I bought the bag after I got a job and I know every time I look at it, I'll be reminded of my success. The bag is a beautiful thing that has been carefully designed, and yet it is extremely functional and something for everyday use. The leather literally shines, and the smell is truly out of this world. It is not heavy but feels substantial, and it has a lot of detail. The theia strap is very ingenious and elevates the bag, which by itself has minimal design (I can see it wearing is under the arm with no straps as well, as a big clutch).
I exchanged almost thirty emails with Marco. He responded patiently and expertly, sometimes at 11 at night (which is not a good thing because I think he works too much). He made suggestions and the bag is the product of his advice and expertise.
If they gave me a premier designer bag instead of it, I wouldn't take it (maybe I would, just so I could sell it and by three MMs!)

I love my bag. I think the big fashion houses don't make designs as beautiful and curated as Massaccesi. This is my first expensive bag, and I see myself staying with the brand for as long as it exists, and not ever "upgrading" (or rather "downgrading") to premier designers. I have my eye on Fendi, which makes beautiful bags, but presented with the choice, I'd buy MM any time.

Feel free to ask questions or request pictures. I'll provide details of my swatches to the leather reference thread when possible and update this bag with outfits in the following days! (you'll get sick of it in the end lol).

What do you think of the bag???

It really is as beautiful as I had imagined it...

oh one final thing:
I placed the order on Feb 13 and I recieved it today, April 12.
What a fantastic job you did with your modifications. I am a great fan of the Theia strap... to me the best one he created. The color is stellar. Your did a wonderful job on your review as well. Welcome to the world of Massaccesi. I am thrilled that you love your bag. Now we need a mod shot so we can see how beautiful it is when carried.
 
  • Like
Reactions: BagsAndCarbs
Two straps:
View attachment 5052739
"unfolded" Theia strap.
View attachment 5052740

The straps feel firm on the shoulder, although they slip with a soft fabric sweater/shirt. They attach smoothly. They don't "go" together though (or do they???), and the normal little athena strap feels a bit redundant but can be useful to change the look of the bag/outfit.

HARDWARE:
The hardware is of the highest quality. It feels substantial and opens/closes smoothly. The logos on the hardware are imprinted perfectly and they came without a single scratch. The bag has a variety of shapes and sizes of different hardware elements, and all of them are beautiful and very cohesive. The design shows. Images:
View attachment 5052747
View attachment 5052748
The feet are big and sturdy.
View attachment 5052749

DETAILS

ayy... that smell...
the stitching is excellent.
the bag comes with a card that says "Designed for: + my name". I guess that's because it is personalized to me. That feels very very luxurious.
the edge paint is very good.
The logo is beautifully embossed.
View attachment 5052753

The requested swatches come in a little bag.
View attachment 5052757
View attachment 5052758


Overall impressions:
I bought the bag after I got a job and I know every time I look at it, I'll be reminded of my success. The bag is a beautiful thing that has been carefully designed, and yet it is extremely functional and something for everyday use. The leather literally shines, and the smell is truly out of this world. It is not heavy but feels substantial, and it has a lot of detail. The theia strap is very ingenious and elevates the bag, which by itself has minimal design (I can see it wearing is under the arm with no straps as well, as a big clutch).
I exchanged almost thirty emails with Marco. He responded patiently and expertly, sometimes at 11 at night (which is not a good thing because I think he works too much). He made suggestions and the bag is the product of his advice and expertise.
If they gave me a premier designer bag instead of it, I wouldn't take it (maybe I would, just so I could sell it and by three MMs!)

I love my bag. I think the big fashion houses don't make designs as beautiful and curated as Massaccesi. This is my first expensive bag, and I see myself staying with the brand for as long as it exists, and not ever "upgrading" (or rather "downgrading") to premier designers. I have my eye on Fendi, which makes beautiful bags, but presented with the choice, I'd buy MM any time.

Feel free to ask questions or request pictures. I'll provide details of my swatches to the leather reference thread when possible and update this bag with outfits in the following days! (you'll get sick of it in the end lol).

What do you think of the bag???

It really is as beautiful as I had imagined it...

oh one final thing:
I placed the order on Feb 13 and I recieved it today, April 12.
Your bag is beautiful and that raspberry color is just gorgeous. Marco's Nappa is among my favorites of his leather offerings. Thanks also for your in-depth review of the style and your personal connection with the bag.
 
Thank you all for your kind messages! Glad you all liked the review! I'll post a modshot when I get decent pictures... (I'll also take the chance to brag about my crochet blanket, which I crocheted myself hehe).

I'm very, very happy with the bag. Today I carried it to work and got compliments and questions. It doesn't fit as much as a regular tote, although it is not a mini bag. I was able to fit a small pouch, sunglasses case, three sets of keys, and small wallet with room for something else like hand/face cream. To me, that's plenty for everyday use. I still have to experiment with the pockets because I tried to fit my phone in the outside pocket but I was afraid that it would leave a mark. I think it would be great for boarding passes and passport though (in a parallel covid-free universe).

@afroken the swatch is rose merinos. Sorry, the lighting is quite bad. I'll post them on the reference thread when I get the chance. And I have to daughters so I guess I need another MM to avoid disputes!
 
I am interested in the purple Merinos....
Has anyone else yet asked for comparison photos with for instance the previous Cuoio Toscano Purple, Nappa Purple and the current Pebbled Purple? Please share :biggrin:
If nobody has asked for a comparison photo, I will :smile:.
Any other colours / leathers anyone would like in a comparison shot?
 
Thank you all for your kind messages! Glad you all liked the review! I'll post a modshot when I get decent pictures... (I'll also take the chance to brag about my crochet blanket, which I crocheted myself hehe).

I'm very, very happy with the bag. Today I carried it to work and got compliments and questions. It doesn't fit as much as a regular tote, although it is not a mini bag. I was able to fit a small pouch, sunglasses case, three sets of keys, and small wallet with room for something else like hand/face cream. To me, that's plenty for everyday use. I still have to experiment with the pockets because I tried to fit my phone in the outside pocket but I was afraid that it would leave a mark. I think it would be great for boarding passes and passport though (in a parallel covid-free universe).

@afroken the swatch is rose merinos. Sorry, the lighting is quite bad. I'll post them on the reference thread when I get the chance. And I have to daughters so I guess I need another MM to avoid disputes!
It is a beautiful bag. So glad you are enjoying it.
 
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