Home > Trending > Fashion
Everyone Kept Asking Where I Got My Bag... But I Couldn't Tell Them
This Company Turns Old Billboards into Beautiful Bags—Saving 5 Million Pounds from Landfills Every Year
June 20, 2025 | 10:52AM EST
by Lila Monroe
600k+ Followers
600k+ Likes
160k+ Followers
Last month at my favorite coffee shop in Santa Monica, it happened three times in one morning.
"Oh my god, where is that bag from?"
I'd smile and say, "You literally can't get this one."
They'd think I was being coy. I wasn't.
The Problem With Every "It" Bag
Six months ago, I was stuck in the worst style rut.
You know the feeling… when everyone at yoga has the same "must-have" tote. When your carefully curated outfit is ruined by carrying the same crossbody as three other people at the farmers market.
I'd tried everything.
Vintage shops (hit or miss). Designer consignment (still recognizable). Small indie brands (cute, but flimsy).
Even those customizable bags where you pick your initials, except everyone else picked theirs too.
I wanted something that felt like an extension of my personal style. Not a logo flex. Not a trend. Just something that made me feel like me.
The Moment Everything Changed
I was at Whole Foods when I saw her.
This woman, effortlessly chic in the way only some people can pull off, was carrying the most extraordinary tote I'd ever seen. Bold geometric patterns, fragments of text, colors that looked like they'd been pulled from a contemporary art piece.
I had to know.
"Excuse me," I said, probably too eagerly. "Your bag is incredible. Where is it from?"
She turned it slightly, showing how the light hit the surface. "Thank you so much! It's from a brand called Rareform. It used to be a billboard."
I thought she was joking.
"No, seriously," she laughed. "They take down billboards and turn them into bags. This one's from some movie ad that was on Sunset. Every single one is different… you'll never see another like it."
From Highway to Handbag
That night, I fell down the Rareform rabbit hole.
The concept was brilliantly simple: Those massive billboards you pass on the 405? After a few weeks, they're trash.
But two brothers realized the vinyl material, designed to survive months of sun, rain, and smog, was perfect for bags.
They started hand-cutting pieces from these billboards.
A splash of color from a fashion campaign becomes a work tote. Bold typography from a tech ad becomes a beach bag. Abstract patterns from who-knows-what become the carry-on everyone asks about.
The result is a functional art that's literally one-of-a-kind.
The Day Mine Arrived
I ordered a tote. When it arrived, I understood the obsession.
First, the weight is substantial enough to feel luxurious, but not heavy.
The vinyl had this perfect sheen that caught light beautifully (crucial for photos, let's be honest). The colors were even more vibrant than online.
But the real magic was knowing this exact combination of colors, patterns, and cuts would never exist again. It was mine. Only mine.
The Compliment Magnet
Within a week, I'd lost count of the compliments.
"That bag is stunning. Is it custom?"
"I need to know where you got that."
"That's the coolest carry-on I've ever seen."
And each time, I got to drop the billboard fact. Watching people's faces shift from admiration to fascination never got old.
What Convinced Me to Order More
I started reading reviews from others like me:
Diana M.
Reviewed in the United States on June 3, 2025
Verified Buyer
My Daily Essential
I'm a teacher and was tired of boring work bags. My Rareform tote holds everything—laptop, papers, lunch—and I get compliments from other teachers daily. I have three now for different moods
54 people found this helpful
Sophia L.
Reviewed in the United States on May 5, 2025
Verified Buyer
Beach to Business
I use mine for everything. Morning gym, client meetings, weekend trips, beach days. The vinyl wipes clean and looks good with everything. Best purchase I've made
76 people found this helpful
Rachel K.
Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2025
Verified Buyer
Started a Collection
What began as one tote for groceries turned into five bags. Each design is so different—I have my travel duffel, my work tote, my beach bag. My friends joke about my billboard collection.
12 people found this helpful
The Collection Begins
That's exactly what happened to me. One bag turned into three, then five.
A Blake Tote for work and grocery runs. A Zion Sling that fits just enough for weekend markets. And a Hudson Carry-All that makes airport style effortless.
Each piece tells a different story. Shows a different side of my style. And never, ever looks like what anyone else is carrying.
👉🏻 Get Your Mystery Bundle - Up To 60% Off Today 🚨
For Those Who Get It
Here's what I've learned: Some people want the bag everyone else has. The safety of recognition. The comfort of trends.
But others like us… We want something that reflects who we are. Something that starts conversations. Something that can't be replicated.
If you're the second type, Rareform gets you.
Special Offer
Right now, they're offering Mystery Bundles, 3 to 6 one-of-a-kind pieces at up to 60% off.
You don't choose the exact designs (that's the mystery), but you're guaranteed pieces no one else will have.
Ever.
One-Of-A-Kind
13,000+ Five-Star Reviews
Certified B Corporation
90-Day Satisfaction Guarantee
👉🏻 Get Your Mystery Bundle - Up To 60% Off 🚨
In This Article
Everyone Kept Asking Where I Got My Bag... But I Couldn't Tell Them
The Problem With Every "It" Bag
The Moment Everything Changed
From Highway to Handbag
The Day Mine Arrived
The Compliment Magnet
What Convinced Me to Order More
The Collection Begins
For Those Who Get It
Special Offer
Featured
Recommended
★★★★★
13,000+ Reviews | 4.8 Stars
One-Of-A-Kind
13,000+ Five-Star Reviews
Certified B Corporation
Certified B Corporation
90-Day Satisfaction Guarantee
Get Your Mystery
Bundle Up To 60% Off
Wiliam Devon
Can anybody vouch for this?
Yes, I’ve been using their bag for just over a month now and honestly, it’s been a total game changer for my everyday routine. I used to switch bags constantly because nothing held up or looked good for long
RAREFORM, thank you for the excellent customer service!!! Super helpful, fast responses, and they really made sure I was happy with my order. Totally impressed!
How long does shipping take??
Hey Skyler, got mine in a couple of days.
Ugh, being a mom is exhausting. Between errands, work, and chasing kids around, I barely have time to think. I randomly stumbled across Rareform and thought, “Okay, cool idea.” Didn’t expect much—but wow, this bag became my go-to. It’s strong, holds everything, and I actually love how it looks. It’s one small thing that makes me feel a little more put together every day.
Rosie Herbert
Just ordered mine – can’t believe how much this story hit home. Can’t wait to finally carry a bag that’s actually beautiful
Debra Peyton
I just bought one of of these bags from their website. Can't wait!
Wow, this looks amazing – has anyone actually tried one of these bags? Curious if it really holds up and feels as good as it looks!
My mom is always doing everything for everyone else. She was feeling worn out and kinda disconnected. I got her one of these bags just to brighten her day — and wow, she LOVED it. She carries it everywhere now and says it makes her feel stylish and like she's doing something good for the planet. Such a small gift, but it really lifted her spirits.
These bags are wonderful; I have 2.
I’ve been eyeing this bag for days! Definitely treating myself this weekend when payday hits — I need something fun, unique, and actually eco-friendly.
Does anyone know how long the shipping takes? Want to buy one for my friend.
Hey Ethel, mine arrived after a couple of days.
Ahmad Amin
Honestly thought eco-products were boring or low quality. This changed my mind completely. Design meets purpose!
Was feeling totally off and drained. Took a chance on Rareform—and wow, this bag gave me the refresh I didn’t know I needed.
Clara Milton
I absoutely love my new bag! Ended up getting one for my best friend too—she kept asking where I got it becase it looked so cool. Honestly, it’s too good not to share!
I know, I was so happy they still had some bags in stock today! Grabbed mine right away — didn’t want to miss out again. These go fast!
Just got my Rareform bag and honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect — but wow. The quality, the colors, the story behind it... it just hits different. Feels like I’m carrying something with real purpose. Can’t wait to see how it holds up over time.
© 2025 rareform All Rights Reserved.
The content of this page is sponsored by Rareform. All opinions and experiences shared here are based on the author's personal journey with the brand and its products. While Rareform promotes sustainability and environmental impact, individual results and experiences may vary.
