Nik Bentel: The Innovative Designer Behind the Viral Pasta Bag and RC Car Bag
Nik Bentel is a name that has been making waves in the fashion industry with his unique and imaginative designs. The New York-based designer has gained popularity for his innovative and playful approach to everyday objects, turning them into wearable and collectible pieces of art. His latest creation, the Nik Bentel RC Car Bag, has taken the fashion world by storm, quickly becoming his best-selling item to date.
The RC Car Bag, priced at $251 (originally $295), was launched in February and has already outpaced most of Bentel’s past product drops in terms of day-one performance. According to Bentel, it’s definitely one of their fastest-moving designs. But what sets this bag apart from the rest? Well, it’s not just a bag, it’s a statement piece that combines fashion and function in a unique and playful way.
Inspired by vintage toy cars, the RC Car Bag is a nod to nostalgia and aims to get you noticed wherever you go. “My inspiration tends to come from everyday objects that feel overlooked or oddly iconic – things we see all the time but don’t usually imagine as wearable or collectible,” says Bentel, citing brands like Moschino and Chanel as having a similar imaginative approach. With the RC Car Bag, Bentel wanted to create something that not only looked fast but actually moved. And that’s exactly what he did.
The RC Car Bag is part handbag, part remote-control car with four-wheel drive. Crafted from matte black genuine leather, the bag features mechanical wheels and a battery-powered motor. The handheld controller, which is included, can power the car from up to 30 feet away at a speed of 9 mph. The wheels have silver rims and rubberized tread for drifting control, while the bag itself measures 7.25″ x 3″ x 12.5″. The bag and remote control together weigh just over 1 pound, making it lightweight and easy to carry.
But the RC Car Bag isn’t just a functional accessory, it’s also a work of art. Each piece is handcrafted, with a limited edition quantity of 300 bags produced for this project. The bag also features an interior clasp to keep your belongings secured, including the remote control while you’re carrying it like a handbag. And to top it off, the bag comes with AA batteries, both standard and rechargeable.
Since its launch, the RC Car Bag has become a beloved piece of art, spotted on artists, influencers, and editors alike. From Kitty Lever and Taylor Quitara to Emma Orhun and now even me, the bag has been making its rounds in the fashion world. And it’s not hard to see why.
As someone who loves a good conversation-starter, the RC Car Bag immediately caught my attention. The matte black colorway is versatile and on-trend, while the avant-garde structure of the bag adds a unique touch to any outfit. And while the wheels are small and subtle, they add just enough of an eccentric twist to make the bag stand out. It’s the perfect accessory for any casual outfit, from athleisure to jeans and a tee.
But before you rush to buy the RC Car Bag, there are a few things to consider. The bag does not come equipped with any interior pockets, and there’s no secure closure aside from a thin snap tab. This means that you’ll have to be mindful of what you carry inside, as there isn’t much room when the remote control is stored. Additionally, the bag is an investment, as it may not be appropriate for every occasion or event. But as with all of Nik Bentel’s designs, the focus is on thought-provoking and somewhat kitschy pieces that are meant to make a statement.
If you’re not ready to splurge on the RC Car Bag, there are other options available in a similar shape without the four-wheel drive feature. The Coperni Swipe Leather Top Handle Bag, JW Pei Carly Saddle Bag, Freja Mini Chrystie Bag, Charles & Keith Perline Sculptural Top Handle Bag, and Mas Laus Asymmetrical Shape Shoulder Bag are all great alternatives to get the look.
The Nik Bentel Studio RC Car Bag is available on the brand’s website, and with only 300 bags produced, it’s sure to sell out fast.
