Nik Bentel is the genius designer behind the TikTok-viral pasta bag (which he confirms is his bestselling merchandise thus far), and his wheels hold spinning — actually. The Nik Bentel RC Automotive Bag ($251, initially $295) launched in February and has already outpaced many of the model’s previous product drops by way of day-one efficiency, in accordance with Bentel himself. “It is undoubtedly one in all our fastest-moving designs,” he jokes of the assertion piece that is half purse, half distant management automobile with four-wheel drive.
“What in case your bag did not simply look quick, however truly moved?”
Like most of his initiatives, this accent is made to get you observed, which is strictly why I used to be dedicated to taking it out in town for dinner and drinks. After all, I additionally love the truth that it is impressed by classic toy automobiles, a nod to nostalgia I can undoubtedly get behind. “My inspiration tends to return from on a regular basis objects that really feel neglected or oddly iconic — issues we see on a regular basis however do not often think about as wearable or collectible,” Bentel says, naming Moschino and Chanel as manufacturers which have an analogous imaginative strategy. “With the RC Automotive Purse, I used to be eager about movement and creating a little bit chaos. What in case your bag did not simply look quick, however truly moved? That sparked the thought of taking a distant management automobile — one thing playful and nostalgic — and merging it with the performance of a purse. It turned an object that turns sidewalks into runways.”
I wasn’t shocked that the second I sat down at a bar with my associate for cocktails al fresco on the primary really heat spring day, cheerful onlookers to my left and proper begged me to ship my bag in movement. They have been shut sufficient to note the wheels and intrigued by the purposeful object. For sure, this was undoubtedly Bentel’s intention. “Individuals love the chaos of it! We have had folks racing them of their workplaces, at galleries, and even simply utilizing them as shelf items,” he says, persevering with, “Some carry it, some drive it — and a few do each without delay. The reactions are often break up between ‘Wait . . . it strikes?’ and ‘I’ve by no means seen something like this.’ It has been actually enjoyable to look at how folks interpret and work together with it.”
In simply two months, the RC Automotive Bag has turn out to be a beloved piece of artwork noticed on artists, influencers, and editors alike, from Kitty Lever and Taylor Quitara to Emma Orhun and now even me! Forward, you may learn my full assessment of the intriguing design and watch it in movement.


Concerning the Nik Bentel Studio RC Automotive Bag
- The bag is crafted from matte black real leather-based with mechanical wheels and a battery powered motor; handheld controller included.
- The distant management can energy the automobile from as much as 30 toes away at 9 mph.
- The wheels have silver rims and rubberized tread for drifting management.
- The bag measures 7.25″ x 3″ x 12.5″.
- AA batteries are included (commonplace and rechargeable).
- A restricted version amount of 300 luggage have been produced for this mission.
- There’s an inside clasp to maintain belongings secured, together with the distant management whilst you’re carrying it like a purse.
- Each bit is handmade, with the bag and distant management weighing simply over 1 pound collectively.
What I Like Concerning the Nik Bentel Studio RC Automotive Bag
Clearly, this bag is a conversation-starter, which for me makes an adjunct definitely worth the splurge. The matte black colorway is flexible whereas the avant-garde construction of the bag is at the moment on-trend. Funnily sufficient, Bentel allowed the form to be totally dictated by the automobile itself, or as he describes, “virtually just like the bag was hijacking one other object’s id.” Whereas this is not essentially an announcement piece you’d put on to a marriage, it could full many informal outfits from athleisure to denims and a tee. I additionally love that the wheels are small and delicate — up-close, you may inform the model is rather more than only a purse, however from throughout the room it’d as nicely be another coveted designer purse available on the market. Lastly, all of the items included are light-weight — the bag weighs 1 pound and three ounces when the distant management is saved inside — so it isn’t such as you’re lugging round an enormous satchel. In reality, the bag and distant management collectively weigh rather a lot lower than a few of the different purses I personal.


What to Take into account Earlier than Shopping for the Nik Bentel Studio RC Automotive Bag
Should you wish to hold your belongings protected, notice that this bag doesn’t come outfitted with any inside pockets and there is not any safe closure other than a skinny snap tab that arches excessive. When the distant management is saved inside, there’s additionally not a lot room for anything. I personally carried two bank cards, some gum, and hand sanitizer and would not have had room for my chunky keychain (fortunately, I used to be out with my associate who had his personal keys to get us again into the condominium). Whereas at the moment marked down, the bag can be considerably of an funding being that it is in all probability not acceptable for each event or occasion in your calendar. That being mentioned, it is essential to recollect the thought-provoking and considerably kitschy nature of Nik Bentel’s viral items — they don’t seem to be precisely constructed for comfort, and that is type of the purpose.
For a equally formed bag with out the eccentric twist (aka four-wheel drive), get the look with the Coperni Swipe Leather-based High Deal with Bag ($710), JW Pei Carly Saddle Bag ($67), Freja Mini Chrystie Bag ($268), Charles & Keith Perline Sculptural High Deal with Bag ($66), or Mas Laus Asymmetrical Form Shoulder Bag ($390).
The place Is the Nik Bentel Studio RC Automotive Bag Accessible?
The Nik Bentel Studio RC Automotive Bag is accessible on the model’s web site.
Score
★★★★☆
Sarah Wasilak (she/her) is the affiliate director of PS Buying. With loads of expertise within the trend business and over 10 years as an editor on the model, she enjoys writing throughout the life-style, well being, and health classes. She is the host of the “Dinner For Sneakers” podcast and has bylines at InStyle, Elle, Refinery29, Who What Put on, Elite Each day, Byrdie, and The High quality Edit.