BAMIN bags

“It’s time to remix fashion” says BAMIN, a new made-in-the-USA accessories label. Their collection of carryalls, duffels, overnight bags and briefcases are not only unisex and customisable, but you can completely rebuild and remix them even after they’ve been delivered. Their name even stands for 'Build And Make It Now.'

Each one is made from interchangeable pieces that detach, so in theory they give you an unlimited number of accessory options by changing shapes, colours and materials as often as the mood takes you.

The shapes are all minimal and seriously luxe looking, but it’s the pre-built carryall that’s my favourite. With short handles and a streamlined exterior, I’d love to carry the grey and black version and maybe add a long strap to make it more versatile.

The materials themselves are taken straight from the sport luxe trend. Right now they’re offering matte leather, neomesh, felt or leopard, with more textures coming soon. The leather is full grain American cow hide, tanned in Europe by traditional Italian craftsmen, while the neomesh combines the stiffness of neoprene with the texture of mesh: both look touchable and classic, but completely contemporary at the same time.

Right now it’s in beta mode and available via invitation only, otherwise we’d be clamouring to try BAMIN out. The only downside is the cost – buying each part individually doesn’t come cheap, even if you’re buying a ‘pre-built’ model. A short black handle in matte leather comes in at $45, and you’ll need to. Each end of a neomesh duffel is $85, and you’ll still have to buy the body. And to change the design, that means buying more handles, sides and straps.

But when you compare that to other bags, especially from small companies that concentrate on expert craftsmanship and luxe materials, maybe it’s worth the investment? Would you be willing to break your bag down into parts if it meant you could rebuild it into another accessory entirely?