WORDS BY JOSEPH FURNESS
Back in the 00s, members of the Prada Cleo Bag clan were lionised; they were the pre-Insta influencers, so to speak. These Y2K style mavens were embracing an ahead-of-the-curve trend that incarnates fearlessness, flawlessness and femininity – one that’s returning to our post-lockdown lives to urge us to unleash our inner divas, schemers and hustlers.
Traditionally defined by its crescent shape, close shoulder strap and enamelled metal triangular logo, the retro-style bags are easy to spot and even easier to pull off. But, what size Cleo bag should you get? How should you style your Cleo bag? How should you care for your Cleo bag? These are all important questions – ones we recently asked the most prominent members of the neo Cleo Bag clan. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about Prada Cleo bag sizing, fit, styling and care.
Prada Cleo Bag: Sizing, Styling and Care Guide
Holly Pan (@hollyhpan)
Fashion blogger based in Washington D.C., United States wearing the Prada Cleo bag with flap
The Y2K style resurgence started in 2019 when hot pink, logos and nylon started trending again. Accordingly, Prada refreshed one of its most iconic 90s/00s designs – the Prada Cleo bag.
I first spotted the revitalised Cleo on Instagram; my first impression was that it was really cute; however, I wasn’t sold on the limited colour options (black or white). I patiently waited for new colours to drop, and I’m so glad I did because the newer pastel colours are a lot more ‘me’.
How big is the Prada Cleo bag with flap?
Even though the Prada Cleo flap bag looks small, it’s big enough to hold all of my everyday necessities inside, including my card case, car keys, lipstick, makeup and sunglasses. However, when I tried to fit my iPhone 11 inside, I had to take out almost everything except my card case in order to close the magnetic flap. I wouldn’t recommend putting too much into the bag as this may cause the leather to stretch.
How do you style the Prada Cleo bag?
I love how sophisticated the small Prada Cleo flap bag looks – it’s ideal for adding a polished touch to both casual and dressy outfits. Inspired by the bag’s aesthetic, I’ve opted for a look that’s polished, effortless and a lot of fun. It’s the sort of outfit I’ve been dying to wear after a year of sheltering at home.
To elaborate, I’ve layered a Prada Re-Nylon cape with a new season cutout turtleneck and an ink print skirt. My Prada loafers and Prada Cleo bag top things off to create an elegant fashion statement.
How do you care for the Prada Cleo Bag?
The Cleo bag is created using brush leather – ergo, it’s tremendously easy to clean and super scratch resistant. Additionally, it’s remarkably easy to wipe away dust and fingerprints using a soft cloth.
When I’m not using my Prada Cleo bag, I store it in its original dust bag and tuck it between two structured bags so it stands upright. Don’t hang your Cleo using the shoulder strap as the leather will stretch due to excessive hanging.
Dimensions: 15.5cm height x 22cm width.
Prada Cleo Bag: Sizing, Styling and Care Guide
Natalia Verza (@mascarada.paris)
Architect and model based in Paris, France wearing the standard size Prada Cleo bag
Last year, I attended Prada’s Spring/Summer ‘21 digital show: the first collection designed in association with Raf Simons. When I spotted the Prada Cleo bag, I was super impressed by the way it completed each look it was worn with – it was the element that tied the ensemble together.
Subsequently, I was able to see the Cleo bag up close at a Prada pop-up store in Paris. From the moment I laid eyes on the real thing, I decided I had to have it; for some reason, it reminded me of two of my favourite creatives: Mies van der Rohe and Le Corbusier. It’s an unfussy investment piece that I’m sure to be wearing for the next 20 years or more.
How big is the standard size Prada Cleo bag?
I'm a huge fan of small bags: I think they’re really sophisticated and feminine. The Cleo is the perfect size as there’s enough room inside all of my essentials – viz. my big wallet, keys, iPhone, charger, sunscreen and mask.
I chose the classic Cleo bag without the adjustable strap since I really love the concept of wearing my bag close to my body. Nevertheless, I understand why people would opt for the cross-body version – it all depends on your preference and attitude towards fashion.
How do you style the Prada Cleo bag?
It doesn’t matter what season it is, you’ll usually find me wearing white. White is fresh and brings out my best features; so, naturally, I opted for a white Prada bag. I’m glad I made this decision because the accessory literally works with everything.
I'm wearing a colourful Prada look that puts the white Cleo bag at the centre of attention. Please do note that I don’t always wear my bag with fits like this, sometimes I wear my Prada Cleo bag with a simple white-shirt-and-jeans combo.
How do you care for the Prada Cleo Bag?
I must admit that I was afraid to wear my Cleo bag at first because the white leather looked so perfect; but, I’ve been wearing my Cleo for months now, and it still looks brand new. I guess this is because the spazzolato leather is of the utmost quality. If I do notice a mark in the future, I plan to use a cloth, hot water and soap to remove it.
Dimensions: 22cm height x 27 cm width.
Prada Cleo Bag: Sizing, Styling and Care Guide
Fabio Montedoro (@fabio__montedoro)
Fashion influencer based in Stuttgart, Germany wearing the standard size Prada Cleo bag
The first time I saw the new Cleo bag, I was instantly transported back to the late 90s-early 00s era; back then, small bags worn close to the shoulder were a huge deal. The release of this bag signals the return of early Y2K styles, and I couldn’t be happier. I look forward to combining retro and futuristic aesthetics together in unexpected ways this summer and topping them off with my Cleo.
How big is the standard size Prada Cleo bag?
The Prada Cleo bag is ideal for carrying around every day as the stiff structure of the bag makes it really easy to find the items inside. You can usually find my iPhone, wallet, sunglasses, keys and lip balm within – things I consider to be everyday must-haves. I eschew putting too much inside of the bag as it’s likely to bulge due to its flat shape, and I advise every Cleo bag owner to do the same.
How do you style the Prada Cleo bag?
Since purchasing the Prad Cleo bag, I’ve worn it with almost everything in my current wardrobe – it gives any outfit a throwback vibe which I love. Today, my look is all about strong contrasts. I’ve decided to style the Prada Cleo bag with an all-white oversized suit, a pair of black cowboy boots and a pair of slim sunglasses to add some Y2K continuity.
How do you care for the Prada Cleo Bag?
To maintain the shiny leather of the Prada Cleo bag, I used colourless leather care products. And when I’m not wearing the bag, I store it in the dust bag that it was packaged with.
Dimensions: 22cm height x 27 cm width.
Prada Cleo Bag: Sizing, Styling and Care Guide
Oranicha (Proud) Krinchai (@proud_olives)
Singer, actress and model based in Bangkok, Thailand wearing the standard size Prada Cleo bag
When I virtually attended the Prada Spring/Summer 21 runway, the first thing that caught my attention was the Cleo bag; ever since, I’ve seen the bag everywhere. Needless to say, I’m a huge fan of the bag’s unique design and how it evokes nostalgia for the 2000s.
How big is the standard size Prada Cleo bag?
I'm not a fan of big bags; I only need a bag that can carry my wallet, sunglasses, hand sanitiser, lip balm, lipstick and keys inside. Thus, this small Cleo bag is ideal for me. I also think it works better on women who are of a smaller stature.
How do you style the Prada Cleo bag?
The Prada Cleo bag is sleek and simple, making it perfect for a casual day out. I plan to wear this accessory with Y2K ensembles that are girly yet sophisticated. But, to be honest, you can’t really go wrong with this bag because it works with any type of style.
How do you care for the Prada Cleo Bag?
It's as simple as this: regularly cleaning your Prada Cleo bag will keep it in good condition. After every use, I wipe the bag down to make sure there are no stains, and I always keep it in its dust bag when I’m not using it.
Dimensions: 22cm height x 27 cm width.
Prada Cleo Bag: Sizing, Styling and Care Guide
Karissa Sparke (@karissasparke)
Fashion influencer based in Byron Bay, Australia wearing the Prada Cleo bag with adjustable hand strap
Several fashion houses have brought back their signature styles from the 90s-00s era to comply with the latest trends, and my favourite has to be the contemporary take on the Prada Cleo bag. The Italian label has taken the petite shoulder bag and updated it with modern touches.
I first caught a glimpse of the new-era Prada Cleo bag on the Spring/Summer 21’ runway; before long, I started to see the bag pop up everywhere. I noticed on Instagram that some of my favourite style queens – women such as Emili Sindlev, Alyssa Coscarelli, Josefine H.J and Yoyo Kulala – had picked up the bag and were styling the throwback silhouette in new and unexpected ways. I knew I had to have it. To me, it’s the perfect IT bag because the design is so sleek and minimal.
How big is the Prada Cleo bag with adjustable strap?
The Prada Cleo bag is on the smaller side, but I still can’t fit in all my everyday essentials, including my iPhone 11 Pro Max, AirPods, sunglasses, lip balm and usually a couple of spare rings and pens. The size suits me because I like to keep my handbag clutter-free.
How do you style the Prada Cleo bag?
I chose to purchase the classic Cleo bag in black because it’s timeless, ergo, it’s a great investment . Swiftly, it’s become my favourite everyday bag because it’s so easy to style and looks sleek when worn with anything in my wardrobe.
Today, I’ve paired my Prada Cleo bag with a minimalistic, pared-back look that contrasts against the raw, coastal setting I find myself in. I love how this look exhibits the bag's structure, boasting the impressive craftsmanship that’s gone into creating the accessory.
How do you care for the Prada Cleo Bag?
The leather of the Prada Cleo bag has a beautiful shine to it; unfortunately, this means that fingerprints do show up on it. To keep my bag fingerprint-less, I wipe my bag down with a soft cloth and then keep it in the dust bag when I’m not using it.
Dimensions: 18.5 cm height x 30 cm width.