Massaccesi Handbags

[Fancyfree]

Thank you for your insight! Larger totes and shoulder bags are what I gravitate towards too, so this is super helpful. If I go for the MIDI Minerva, I wonder if I could ask for the strap to be made thinner? The size and capacity of the bag overall seem like it would work, though the weight is still a factor to take into consideration.

So many of us feel the regular Minerva shoulder strap is THE most comfortable strap in the world! The crossbody strap that comes with Minerva is narrower.

So it might be a good idea to go with the standard straps for Minerva... and order a slimmer strap later if you discover you would prefer one?

 

[Ludmilla]

Hi all -- I'm going to take the plunge on my first MM and wanted to consult with the subject matter experts. I've looked at the reference threads, but I was hoping to hear more about these:
1. I read a terrific post that described Verona for unstructured bags (e.g., Bouquet, Hera). Since the (non-velvet) Verona isn't available, what would folks recommend? I'm hoping for something with a similar feel and drape. It seems like Merinos and Fiore are candidates...thoughts?
2. I'm also interested in a more structured bag (Astra, Charlotte, Zhoe). I'm curious how these bags differ when done in Nappa/Pompei vs. Vacchetta.
3. Are there bags that really "work" with Toscano, Aquila, or Tuscania? I've seen the Calistas in Tuscania (beautiful), but I don't have a good sense of which styles favor these leather options.

I am owning bags in various MM leathers - including Verona, Pebbled, Aquila, Merinos, Cuoio Toscano and Handmade Vacchetta. Of all these bags Pebbled leather is closest to Verona in structure, weight and drape.

 

[Ludmilla]

@whatevs
Plum Pebbled Selene vs Chocolate Verona Selene:





Like Tenkrat said - Pebbled is on the heavier side, but so is/was Verona.
The texture of both leathers is similar. Pebbled leather is bullet proof regarding wear and tear (Plum Selene is my first MM bag and I used her a lot to work).

Here is a pic of my Merinos Aphrodite — the leather is very smooth compared to Verona and Pebbled.

And together with my sisters Navy pebbled Modena:

 

[coach943]

@coach943, what leather is the wide strap? I've noticed merinos has been slippy, especially with a winter coat. So I have an Aquila Matte strap that's reduced that on my merinos strap.

If it's not merinos, it could be the width. I know with another brand, some loved the wider strap, and others with smaller shoulders could not do them.

For @dramaprincess713, just a note, I think the grommets also re-enforce the holes. I think without them, over time, the weight of the fringe, especially if you have a lot, may stretch out the holes. Thank you for bringing back a pic of coach943's bag with fringe! I didn't even realize or forgot that Marco can do fringe and grommets!!!

That is a good point. The strap on one of them is pebbled, and the other is Nappa. I feel like Nappa is a bit slippy, too, so the leather one them may be part of it plus the size of the strap.

 

[bagsbagzbagss]

It's mainly just the strap that I don't like. I like the bag its self. I have both a Midi Minerva and a Little Minerva. Little Minerva is a bit too small for me, but Midi Minerva is a good size for me. For whatever reason, I feel like the strap slips off my shoulder on both of my Minervas. I think it is because it has a wider strap.

Miss M is the best bag for shoulder carry, IMO. I hesitated on buying a Miss M for the longest time because I wasn't sure about the skinny straps, but they are perfect. They stay on my shoulder. They don't dig in at all. I also find them to be the perfect length. I also love Selene. I've found that I like the straps much better with no hardware and a strap drop of 26 cm. I also find that Aphrodite and Soulmate Midi really work well for me. I recently bought a Hera, and I love it too. Larger totes and shoulder bags are my favorites.

For Midi Minerva, I recommend getting the flap on the outside extended, especially if you do a fringe version. I agree that it might be heavy depending on what you carry. It has extra leather because of the front pockets and the flap.

Do you happen to have any mod shots of Miss M? I ended up ordering a little miss m this sale with rolled handles for an arm crook carry but I think eventually I may do a Miss M for a shoulder tote too with the standard strapping. I like my shoulder bags to be a bit on the bigger side while my hand and arm carry to be more on the medium to smaller side. I saw one pic where Miss M seemed HUGE and then I've seen others where it looks like a reasonably sized tote bag. On the bigger side but not huge. It's so hard to gauge. If you had any mod shots I'd love to see but of course I know mod shots aren't everyone's cup of tea so no pressure either!

 

[southernbelle43]

I will get smoke grey, but I can't decide on bag style.
Victoria midi or Little Selene are my standard style, but I am also attracted to more structure style (Little Miss M, Little Athena, Ellen, etc.)

A shout out for the Little Miss M which is one of his best bags! The strap length is perfect and they never fall off my shoulders and I have sloped shoulders.

 

[coach943]

Do you happen to have any mod shots of Miss M? I ended up ordering a little miss m this sale with rolled handles for an arm crook carry but I think eventually I may do a Miss M for a shoulder tote too with the standard strapping. I like my shoulder bags to be a bit on the bigger side while my hand and arm carry to be more on the medium to smaller side. I saw one pic where Miss M seemed HUGE and then I've seen others where it looks like a reasonably sized tote bag. On the bigger side but not huge. It's so hard to gauge. If you had any mod shots I'd love to see but of course I know mod shots aren't everyone's cup of tea so no pressure either!

I don't have a mod shot right now, but I might be able to take one tomorrow. Do you have Selene Midi? The full-sized Miss M is almost exactly the same size as a Selene Midi. Miss M is maybe an inch or two taller, but pretty much the same size.

 

[djfmn]

For anyone who might be interested in Verona - although I think at this time everyone including myself are looking at handmade Vachetta!!!!
Marco said he still has a little Verona leather available. Just ask him for the color you are interested in and he will check to see if he has any left.

 

[bagsbagzbagss]

I don't have a mod shot right now, but I might be able to take one tomorrow. Do you have Selene Midi? The full-sized Miss M is almost exactly the same size as a Selene Midi. Miss M is maybe an inch or two taller, but pretty much the same size.

I don’t but I just ordered one and if that’s the case I’ll definitely like the size of Miss M! Dang it adding another to the list

 

[whatevs]

Welcome @whatevs!!! Glad you're joining in on the fun haha!
For 1. Sorry if you've already done this, but did you ask Marco if he has any Verona left? Sometimes he might have a little bit of a hide still lying around.

I love everything @tenKrat and @Cleda have said! They're two of quite a few on this thread who helped me when I first started buying.

I just saw a follow up message that there is some Verona left, so I'm definitely going to check into that!

 

[whatevs]

Hi, welcome! I'll share what I know from my experience with Marco's leathers. I hope others will chime in with their experience.

1. Recommendations for unstructured bags:

• Merinos (lightest leather). I had it in a Soulmate Midi at one time. Perfect leather for the hobos.
• Fiore (lighter than regular pebbled). I have it in a Modena Midi, which I wanted to have some slouch for a more casual look.
• Aquila matte (one of the thinner, lighter leathers). Have this in a Calista, which I love in this leather.
• Cuoio Toscano (lightest vacchetta). My Hera Midi and Ellen are in this leather.
• Nappa. I have it in Hera and Victoria Midi.
• Pebbled. This one ranks lowest in my personal preferences because it's a heavier, thicker leather that takes more time to soften than the other types on this list.

2. Recommendations for structured bags:

• Vacchetta (all types). This leather is my favorite for structured bags. It maintains structure even as it softens over time. If your preference is a more natural-looking leather with texture and color variations, then you will love it. I have it in Grande Mia/Mia, Zhoe bags, Ellen, Aura, Daphne.
• Nappa. My next favorite for structured. Its flat, uniform surface is stunning on structured bags. I have it in Zhoe Legend/Zhoe.
• Pompei (the only leather that is used only for structured bags, never for unstructured bags). It is stiff, but feels almost spongy. It sounds like an oxymoron, but it's the best way I can describe it. I think it's the most unusual leather that Marco has. I have it in Zhoe Legend, Little Athena, Angelica messenger.

3. Cuoio Toscano works nicely in both structured and non-structured because it is a lighter and softer vacchetta. Aquila matte and Tuscania (both thinner leathers) work best on hobos and soft totes, like Calista, Soulmate, Bouquet, Victoria, Theia, Selene, Minerva.

Thanks for the info!

Quick follow-up: I want to start with the Zhoe in Vacchetta (before moving on to my plans for a less structured bag), and I was thinking of getting a Mia top strap. I saw this on one of your earlier posts, and I'm definitely favoring top handles these days.

Can you think of any reason the handle might not work for a Zhoe in Vacchetta? I'm careful not to overload bags, so it's less a concern about wear and tear than experience -- would a handle detract from what makes the Zhoe in Vacchetta so special? I know these things are subjective, but any input would be welcome!

 

[southernbelle43]

I originally ordered the Bouquet in pebbled leather, but changed to deer velvet verona. When MM said he shipped it, the invoice said anthrocite pebbled, but I did not say anything to him. That would have been fine. So here is my "anthracite pebbled" bag. LOL

Marco attached the original invoice, but made the bag in the correct leather. This is a nice change from all of my other leather bags. It is definitely the Aphrodite pattern that he cinched in and added the ties to. Like the Aphrodite, the pockets are positioned way high in the bag which is great for access. I liked my Aphrodite and regretted selling it, so this is a good fit for me. I will get a little suede spray for it. I ADORE the bright orange lining.

 

[dramaprincess713]

So many of us feel the regular Minerva shoulder strap is THE most comfortable strap in the world! The crossbody strap that comes with Minerva is narrower.

So it might be a good idea to go with the standard straps for Minerva... and order a slimmer strap later if you discover you would prefer one?

Great advice! It’s so nice to hear the Minerva strap is comfortable for so many!

That is a good point. The strap on one of them is pebbled, and the other is Nappa. I feel like Nappa is a bit slippy, too, so the leather one them may be part of it plus the size of the strap.

I didn’t think about leather type in relation to a strap easily slipping off, but it makes a lot of sense. I feel like Handmade Vacchetta would be a less slippery leather?

 

[bagsbagzbagss]

I originally ordered the Bouquet in pebbled leather, but changed to deer velvet verona. When MM said he shipped it, the invoice said anthrocite pebbled, but I did not say anything to him. That would have been fine. So here is my "anthracite pebbled" bag. LOL

Wah pics are t loading. I wanna see!! Hahaha

Marco attached the original invoice, but made the bag in the correct leather. This is a nice change from all of my other leather bags. It is definitely the Aphrodite pattern that he cinched in and added the ties to. Like the Aphrodite, the pockets are positioned way high in the bag which is great for access. I liked my Aphrodite and regretted selling it, so this is a good fit for me. I will get a little suede spray for it. I ADORE the bright orange lining.

 

[jkern04]

I originally ordered the Bouquet in pebbled leather, but changed to deer velvet verona. When MM said he shipped it, the invoice said anthrocite pebbled, but I did not say anything to him. That would have been fine. So here is my "anthracite pebbled" bag. LOL

Marco attached the original invoice, but made the bag in the correct leather. This is a nice change from all of my other leather bags. It is definitely the Aphrodite pattern that he cinched in and added the ties to. Like the Aphrodite, the pockets are positioned way high in the bag which is great for access. I liked my Aphrodite and regretted selling it, so this is a good fit for me. I will get a little suede spray for it. I ADORE the bright orange lining.

Am I the only one not able to see the pics. And, I really want to see that leather color!!