style
The New Bag Lady
Everyone Loves a Nice Rakc isn’t just a universal truth, it’s handbag designer Rachel Klink’s company motto. Using tablecloths, ties and great thrift store finds as materials, Rachel Klink creates uniquely “upcycled” handbags for her line, Nice Rakc. We spoke to Rachel about her signature designs.
culturePOP: What’s the difference between recycled and upcycled?
Rachel Klink: Upcycling takes an item, in this case clothing or fabric, and turns it into something new and beautiful. Recycling is more taking something and remaking it into something similar.
CP: How did Nice R.A.K.C. start and where are you now?
RK: I found myself buying items in thrift stores not because I wanted to wear them, but because I wanted to take them home, cut them to pieces and make new bags out of them. When I first started, I was making jewelry and dabbling in home décor, but I have been focusing on bags for about three years. Right now, I am loving clutch bags.
CP: What are your favorite textures, materials to use?
RK: I’m pretty sure I was born in the wrong decade. My favorite fabrics are polyester. The colors are so vibrant, and I love the way it feels. I also love mixing simple elements with edgy elements, like polka dots and graffiti style painting, or lace and big chain.
CP: What’s next for Nice R.A.K.C.?
I have recently started hand painting my bags with stencils of the Philly skyline and other images. I have also been painting area codes. Being from New Jersey, I carry my “609″ bag with pride!
CP: What’s the best advice you’ve received?
RK: Don’t be afraid to be yourself. Some people might not get it, but that’s ok.
Claudia Maittlen-Harris is a writer and comedian based in Los Angeles. She is the co-creator of the how-not-to dating/relationship blog, The Zeros Before the One.
Image: Courtesy of Nice RAKC
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