Revolutionizing the fashion world, Nik Bentel is the mastermind behind the viral TikTok pasta bag that took social media by storm. And now, he’s back with another show-stopping creation – the Nik Bentel RC Car Bag.
Launched in February, the RC Car Bag has already become one of the brand’s most popular products, outpacing all of Bentel’s previous designs in terms of day-one performance. “It’s definitely one of our fastest-moving designs,” he jokes about the statement piece that combines a handbag and a remote-control car.
Like all of his projects, this accessory is made to make a statement and grab attention. Inspired by vintage toy cars, it’s a nod to nostalgia that’s hard to resist. “My inspiration often comes from everyday objects that we overlook or don’t consider as wearable or collectable,” says Bentel, who cites Moschino and Chanel as brands with a similar imaginative approach. “With the RC Car Handbag, I wanted to create a sense of motion and chaos. What if your bag didn’t just look fast, but actually moved? That led to the idea of merging a remote-control car with a handbag – creating an object that turns sidewalks into runways.”
I had the opportunity to test out this unique design on a night out for dinner and drinks. And as expected, it was a hit. The moment I sat down at a bar with my partner on the first warm spring night, cheerful onlookers on either side were begging me to send my bag in motion. They were drawn to the functional aspect of the bag and intrigued by the wheels. This was exactly what Bentel had in mind. “People love the chaos of it! We’ve had people racing them in their offices, at galleries, and even using them as shelf pieces,” he shares. “Some carry it, some drive it – and some do both at once. The reactions are usually split between ‘Wait…it moves?’ and ‘I’ve never seen anything like this.’ It’s been really fun to watch how people interpret and interact with it.”
In just two months, the RC Car Bag has become a beloved piece of art spotted on artists, influencers, and editors alike, including Kitty Lever, Taylor Quitara, and Emma Orhun. And now, even I had the chance to try it out. Here’s my full review of this intriguing design in motion.
About the Nik Bentel Studio RC Car Bag:
– Crafted from matte black genuine leather with mechanical wheels and a battery-powered motor
– Handheld controller included
– Remote control can power the car from up to 30 feet away at 9 mph
– Silver rims and rubberized tread for drifting control
– Measures 7.25″ x 3″ x 12.5″
– AA batteries included (standard and rechargeable)
– Limited edition of 300 bags produced
– Interior clasp to keep belongings secure, including the remote control when carrying it as a handbag
– Handmade, with the bag and remote control weighing just over 1 pound together
What I Love About the Nik Bentel Studio RC Car Bag:
First and foremost, this bag is a conversation-starter. And for me, that’s what makes an accessory worth the investment. The matte black color is versatile and the avant-garde structure of the bag is on-trend. Interestingly, Bentel allowed the shape to be fully dictated by the car itself, as he describes it – “almost like the bag was hijacking another object’s identity.” While it may not be suitable for a formal event, this statement piece can complete any casual outfit, from athleisure to jeans and a tee. I also appreciate the subtle and small wheels – up close, you can see that it’s much more than just a bag, but from a distance, it could easily pass as any other coveted designer handbag. Lastly, the bag and remote control are lightweight – together they weigh less than some of my other purses.
Things to Consider Before Buying the Nik Bentel Studio RC Car Bag:
If you like to keep your belongings organized and protected, note that this bag does not come with any interior pockets. Additionally, the only closure is a thin snap tab over the top. And when the remote control is stored inside, there’s not much room for anything else. I was able to fit two credit cards, gum, and hand sanitizer, but