Massaccesi Handbags

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Thank you everyone for sharing pictures of your new bags, I really like your bags.
I was lucky to get a white package before the end of the year 2021.

Bouquet in Caramel Merinos here that is really comfortable on the shoulder.
caramel merinos bouquet.jpg
I ordered with the same handle drop as the Selene Midi, which is another fav style of mine.
I find the Bouquet can stand on its own like the Victoria and Aphrodite style.
Not sure which look I prefer, with the straps on the side tighter or looser.
It's really easy to adjust the tightness of the side straps. You don't even need to untie the side straps, just pull on one of the ends (usually the one strap underneath) to tighten.

Cassandra in Black Merinos, an old MM style that isn't on the website anymore.
It is similar in size to the Minerva Midi, with 2 front pockets but just with a large flap to close the bag.
black merinos cassandra.jpg

Here are some of the bags I got in 2021:

Minerva Midi in Bronze Africa
bronze africa minerva midi.jpg

Grande Aura in Dark Blue Metallic, that is about the same size as the Angelica but feels a lot bigger, probably due to the boxy style.
I really love the Aura but it is too small and the Grande Aura seems too big. I wish there were a size in between.
dark blue metallic aura grande.jpg

Soulmate Midi in Bluette Africa (from the sample sale)
bluette africa soulmate midi.jpg

Happy New Year to you all!
 
Thank you everyone for sharing pictures of your new bags, I really like your bags.
I was lucky to get a white package before the end of the year 2021.

Bouquet in Caramel Merinos here that is really comfortable on the shoulder.
View attachment 5285475
I ordered with the same handle drop as the Selene Midi, which is another fav style of mine.
I find the Bouquet can stand on its own like the Victoria and Aphrodite style.
Not sure which look I prefer, with the straps on the side tighter or looser.
It's really easy to adjust the tightness of the side straps. You don't even need to untie the side straps, just pull on one of the ends (usually the one strap underneath) to tighten.

Cassandra in Black Merinos, an old MM style that isn't on the website anymore.
It is similar in size to the Minerva Midi, with 2 front pockets but just with a large flap to close the bag.
View attachment 5285472

Here are some of the bags I got in 2021:

Minerva Midi in Bronze Africa
View attachment 5285474

Grande Aura in Dark Blue Metallic, that is about the same size as the Angelica but feels a lot bigger, probably due to the boxy style.
I really love the Aura but it is too small and the Grande Aura seems too big. I wish there were a size in between.
View attachment 5285476

Soulmate Midi in Bluette Africa (from the sample sale)
View attachment 5285473

Happy New Year to you all!
Wow, you had a great handbag year! Happy New Year!
 
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Happy New Year to all. I stumbled upon Massaccesi while searching for high quality, not overly branded bags. I've been almost exclusive buying and carrying Vintage Coach but need want some new options.

Found MM. I am now obsessed!

I've read all the blog posts and spent too many hours going through the TPF threads
Which bag should be my first or second? How do you choose just one or even two?
And the leathers. I am a little overwhelmed by the choices.

I am hoping you can help me narrow them down based on your experience.

For context I live a casual life style with occasional dinners and corporate events sprinkled in.
My essentials are one car key, a card case, reading glasses, Epi Pen, lipstick and a mirror if I can ever find one I like. add Sunglasses in the day time.
If I need more than this, I usually grab a tote. My Longchamp totes are pretty best up.

I tend toward soft but slightly structured bags like Coach Watson, Janice, and Court bags. I Like clean lines and hidden pockets. I'd love a convertible Crossbody/ handbag.

1) Looking for a smallish desk to dinner bag. I went to multiple work related Christmas gatherings this year and felt that my small dark green Coach Watson was not dressy enough. I noticed quite a few YSL, Chanel and Gucci bags, none of which I will wear (too overtly branded). Probably needs to be black for flexibility.
Candidates are Pheobe and Little Zoe. Would like to add a slip pocket for iPhone. The little Zoes in Croc are tdf but then I'd need two bags.

2) A summer every day bag that could be worn crossbody and as a handbag. Thinking Penelope Messenger or Little Miss M. I've been searching for the perfect summer bag for years. Needs to be a little larger to hold sunglasses. The Little Miss M seems to get lots of love but I don't know if it can be made as a cross body and I may not love the leathers that seem to be recommended for structured bags.
So Maybe the Little Muse? Someone had it in ochre or yellow. Swoon.

How do you choose a Leather? I seem to be leaning toward Pebbled, Venezia (spelling?) and Merino.
I prefer a softer feel to my bags - not hard structured but also not slouchy. How much does the leather impact how the bag "behaves"? Have any of you ordered samples to feel (for a cost). I may ask for some with my first order for reference and future purchases.

So many questions (Sorry). I can't wait to hear what you all have to say. TIA

edited to clarify.
 
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Who wants to play what to order next with me?

I ready need a Vachetta promo next I’m obsessed LOL

These are the bags I have planned in my head.

I already have: Vachetta Angelica, port merinos soulmate Midi, caramel merinos Hera Midi, taupe velvet Verona angel midi, and a dark taupe Vachetta Victoria midi.

I really want a black Mia for a classy dressier bag. Thinking either black Vachetta or nappa?

And I want a mini Zhoe or aura for a dressier warm toned bag. Maybe metallic platinum or gold?

What do y’all think the best leathers are for these bags I have in mind? I tend to like the structured bags in structured leathers and drapey styles in drapey leathers but wanna hear from the crowd as I’ve only had my hands on Vachetta and merinos so far!

Angelica Rua (Vachetta - probably Black)
Daphne (Vachetta or Cuoio) maybe dark green
Juliet Midi (Fiore - probably anthracite)
Selene (Fiore or Merinos)
Mia (Black Vachetta?)
Mini Zhoe (metallic light gold)
Diva (merinos or velvet Verona probably black?)
Newbie here eyeing two of the bags on your short list. Mini Zhoe and Little Mia. I was wondering how the leather behavior could factor into a leather choice for a particular bag. Thanks for the insight. i might go through the reference threads again with that in mind and study the comparison chart on the leathers.
Happy New Year. may all your bag wishes come true.
 
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Happy New Year to all. I stumbled upon Massaccesi while searching for high quality, not overly branded bags. I've been almost exclusive buying and carrying Vintage Coach but need want some new options.

Found MM. I am now obsessed!

I've read all the blog posts and spent too many hours going through the TPF threads
Which bag should be my first or second? How do you choose just one or even two?
And the leathers. I am a little overwhelmed by the choices.

I am hoping you can help me narrow them down based on your experience.

For context I live a casual life style with occasional dinners and corporate events sprinkled in.
My essentials are one car key, a card case, reading glasses, Epi Pen, lipstick and a mirror if I can ever find one I like. add Sunglasses in the day time.
If I need more than this, I usually grab a tote. My Longchamp totes are pretty best up.

I tend toward soft but slightly structured bags like Coach Watson, Janice, and Court bags. I Like clean lines and hidden pockets. I'd love a convertible Crossbody/ handbag.

1) Looking for a smallish desk to dinner bag. I went to multiple work related Christmas gatherings this year and felt that my small dark green Coach Watson was not dressy enough. I noticed quite a few YSL, Chanel and Gucci bags, none of which I will wear (too overtly branded). Probably needs to be black for flexibility.
Candidates are Pheobe and Little Zoe. Would like to add a slip pocket for iPhone. The little Zoes in Croc are tdf but then I'd need two bags.

2) A summer every day bag that could be worn crossbody and as a handbag. Thinking Penelope Messenger or Little Miss M. I've been searching for the perfect summer bag for years. Needs to be a little larger to hold sunglasses. The Little Miss M seems to get lots of love but I don't know if it can be made as a cross body and I may not love the leathers that seem to be recommended for structured bags.
So Maybe the Little Muse? Someone had it in ochre or yellow. Swoon.

How do you choose a Leather? I seem to be leaning toward Pebbled, Venezia (spelling?) and Merino.
I prefer a softer feel to my bags - not hard structured but also not slouchy. How much does the leather impact how the bag "behaves"? Have any of you ordered samples to feel (for a cost). I may ask for some with my first order for reference and future purchases.

So many questions (Sorry). I can't wait to hear what you all have to say. TIA

edited to clarify.
Welcome! I also love vintage Coach bags and have a very large vintage Coach collection. Marco's Cuoio Toscano is nice, thick, chewy leather that reminds me of vintage Coach. I have a bag on order in his newest version of vacchetta. His old vacchetta reminded me of vintage Coach leather, and I think the newest vacchetta offering will give you that feel as well. Honestly, all of his leather is great. Pebbled is also one of my favorites.

Court and Watson are smaller bags than what I usually carry, but I have a Phoebe. I'd say Phoebe is comparable in size to a Court or Watson. You can dress a Phoebe up with a chain strap instead of leather strap to make it more of a day-to-night bag.

Little Selene with bamboo handles is a great little tote that looks like a high-end bag. I don't think it comes with a cross-body strap, but Marco could probably add a strap without any issue. It's probably a bit bigger than Janice, but probably not by too much.

Take a look at the Little Charlotte Shoulder bag as an option for something that can go from shoulder to cross-body. I ended up getting straps at a couple lengths for my full-sized one.

I don't think Little Miss M comes with a cross-body strap. I have three full-sized Miss Ms, and they are super comfortable to carry on the shoulder. If you get one, the Pompei really is the perfect leather for it, but the leather is very different. It is kind of shiny and kind of squishy. Very different than anything Coach has ever made.
 
Welcome! I also love vintage Coach bags and have a very large vintage Coach collection. Marco's Cuoio Toscano is nice, thick, chewy leather that reminds me of vintage Coach. I have a bag on order in his newest version of vacchetta. His old vacchetta reminded me of vintage Coach leather, and I think the newest vacchetta offering will give you that feel as well. Honestly, all of his leather is great. Pebbled is also one of my favorites.

Court and Watson are smaller bags than what I usually carry, but I have a Phoebe. I'd say Phoebe is comparable in size to a Court or Watson. You can dress a Phoebe up with a chain strap instead of leather strap to make it more of a day-to-night bag.

Little Selene with bamboo handles is a great little tote that looks like a high-end bag. I don't think it comes with a cross-body strap, but Marco could probably add a strap without any issue. It's probably a bit bigger than Janice, but probably not by too much.

Take a look at the Little Charlotte Shoulder bag as an option for something that can go from shoulder to cross-body. I ended up getting straps at a couple lengths for my full-sized one.

I don't think Little Miss M comes with a cross-body strap. I have three full-sized Miss Ms, and they are super comfortable to carry on the shoulder. If you get one, the Pompei really is the perfect leather for it, but the leather is very different. It is kind of shiny and kind of squishy. Very different than anything Coach has ever made.
Thank you so much for the feedback, especially on the leathers. I definitely see at least Pheobe in my future.
I hadn't really considered the little Selene. You are right that it looks amazing with the Bamboo top handles.
Now I am hoping for a sale so I can buy multiples. The list is long but I will be intentional, and am going to sell some of my unused bags. So much fun.
 
I may have missed it but what leather is this. I am not usually a slouchy bag fan but this is gorgeou.
Thank you and welcome to the group! It is midnight blue tuscania.
Have you considered a Iride for a work to dinner bag? Its slightly larger than Phoebe. It comes with a short chain strap, but you can sub a shoulder or crossbody chain strap free of charge. A leather strap is extra. And here’s a review of the Iride that gives comparison shots with Phoebe https://www.marcomassaccesi.it/post/iride-article-by-daphne
C2396C2B-3B99-4C0F-861F-1861BA63D522.jpeg
 
Thank you and welcome to the group! It is midnight blue tuscania.
Have you considered a Iride for a work to dinner bag? Its slightly larger than Phoebe. It comes with a short chain strap, but you can sub a shoulder or crossbody chain strap free of charge. A leather strap is extra. And here’s a review of the Iride that gives comparison shots with Phoebe https://www.marcomassaccesi.it/post/iride-article-by-daphne
View attachment 5286361
@deveyThanks so much. The Iride seems perfect and I love the turn lock. Alas, I am not a fan of the asymmetrical curved flap :sad:. I tend toward clean, straight and minimalistic, some might say Boring.
If it was symmetrical, or had a similar flap to the Phoebe or Zhoe, I would love it. It seems that it would be better to order one of them since the curve is part of the core design.
 
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I've read all the blog posts and spent too many hours going through the TPF threads
Which bag should be my first or second? How do you choose just one or even two?
And the leathers. I am a little overwhelmed by the choices.
I am hoping you can help me narrow them down based on your experience.

For context I live a casual life style with occasional dinners and corporate events sprinkled in.
My essentials are one car key, a card case, reading glasses, Epi Pen, lipstick and a mirror if I can ever find one I like. add Sunglasses in the day time.
If I need more than this, I usually grab a tote. My Longchamp totes are pretty best up.

I tend toward soft but slightly structured bags like Coach Watson, Janice, and Court bags. I Like clean lines and hidden pockets. I'd love a convertible Crossbody/ handbag.

1) Looking for a smallish desk to dinner bag. I went to multiple work related Christmas gatherings this year and felt that my small dark green Coach Watson was not dressy enough. I noticed quite a few YSL, Chanel and Gucci bags, none of which I will wear (too overtly branded). Probably needs to be black for flexibility.
Candidates are Pheobe and Little Zoe. Would like to add a slip pocket for iPhone. The little Zoes in Croc are tdf but then I'd need two bags.

2) A summer every day bag that could be worn crossbody and as a handbag. Thinking Penelope Messenger or Little Miss M. I've been searching for the perfect summer bag for years. Needs to be a little larger to hold sunglasses. The Little Miss M seems to get lots of love but I don't know if it can be made as a cross body and I may not love the leathers that seem to be recommended for structured bags.
So Maybe the Little Muse? Someone had it in ochre or yellow. Swoon.

How do you choose a Leather? I seem to be leaning toward Pebbled, Venezia (spelling?) and Merino.
I prefer a softer feel to my bags - not hard structured but also not slouchy. How much does the leather impact how the bag "behaves"? Have any of you ordered samples to feel (for a cost). I may ask for some with my first order for reference and future purchases.

Welcome @emilylia! Always love having new fans. And a big congratulations on making it through the tPF threads; there's a lot! I'd also recommend the Facebook Massaccesi BST Group. Some of us have been trying to add pictures of our bags by style in the Albums to make it easier for everyone, including newcomers, to find modshots etc.

I would recommend ordering 1 or 2 bags first. I usually go by both what style would fit my needs the most at the time as well as what kind of leather I want. Also, there's a customs limit of $800 US per package (if you're in the US haha) and 2 bags will keep you under that limit. Or, Marco is great about breaking up your order if you order more than that.

Also if you're in the US, don't forget to select "convert via card issuer" on your PayPal invoice when paying (since you're paying in euros). PayPal's conversation is always higher.

For leathers, merinos is super soft, lightweight, but can be a puddle depending on the style. The leather can impact the style because many of them relax over time, which I find really cool in that it develops character and patina. Swatches are a good idea; ask Marco what he can do. Fiore may also be a good candidate for you; it's like Pebbled but is slightly softer and lighter. Pebbled leather though is very hardy, durable, and softens over time but doesn't puddle. Sorry, I sympathize; Marco loves to give us options both in customizations and leathers, but then we all experience decision paralysis because it's like a kid in a candy store LOL!

A Phoebe or Mia may be good for your dressy bag, but a Phoebe might be slightly small if you're including glasses. Zhoes have been very popular too.

The Penelope Messenger is a great crossbody and definitely would hold glasses. I've never had a Little Muse or Little Miss M (he also has so many styles haha that I can't believe I haven't tried yet!) so I leave that to other ladies here. I do have Little Athena on my wishlist as a cute occasion bag too...

Feel free to ask more questions! When I first discovered MM, besides the bags and Marco, the community here really was such a wonderful place. You can see how much everyone loves the brand and is so kind to one another. Enjoy your MM journey!
 
Newbie here eyeing two of the bags on your short list. Mini Zhoe and Little Mia. I was wondering how the leather behavior could factor into a leather choice for a particular bag. Thanks for the insight. i might go through the reference threads again with that in mind and study the comparison chart on the leathers.
Happy New Year. may all your bag wishes come true.

Leather choice can definitely affect a bags shape and structure and how it behaves for you! I think with the little ones there’s less worry on how it’ll affect drape or function. But you might take into account how it might crease or fold or what textures you’d like! I did a nappa for my Mia and a metallic was my choice for mini zhoe but I went with phoebe instead. I don’t have them yet to speak to those choices but I am excited about it! Haha. And welcome! I’m fairly new myself but have dove in full speed. His bags are so amazing I’m already addicted!
 
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