What happens when you mix a humble, vintage tote bag with high-end luxury vibes?
Philadelphia designer Jen Risk decided to shake things up by transforming classic LL Bean Boat and Tote bags into what she calls the ‘Boatkin’—a cheeky mashup of the iconic Hermes Birkin and a trusty everyday tote.
The result? A luxury handbag that commands a price tag way above the original tote’s modest cost, sparking quite the buzz online.
The Birth of the Boatkin A Playful Twist on Serious Luxury
Jen Risk, the creative force behind the brand Hathaway Hutton, describes the Boatkin as “quiet luxury with a smirk.”
Her goal was to inject some fun and personality into the often ultra-serious world of designer handbags.
Taking a vintage LL Bean tote—normally priced around $35 to $55—she handcrafts each Boatkin to echo the luxe silhouette of the Birkin bag, but with a much more playful attitude.
The Price Tag That Raised Eyebrows
Each custom Boatkin goes for between $1,200 and $1,600, a huge jump from the original tote’s price.
Despite this steep markup, Jen’s approach has struck a chord: she’s already sold over 300 bags since launching.
There’s even a six-month waitlist for these handbags, though it’s still nowhere near the notoriously long Hermes Birkin wait times.
Mixed Reactions Online Some Love It, Others Are Conflicted
The Boatkin has stirred up a lively debate among shoppers and fashion fans.
While many adore the quirky concept and call it “the bag of the summer,” others are baffled by the idea of paying so much for a repurposed tote.
Jen acknowledges this split, sharing that “most people love it” but admits a few get “weirdly mad.”
One social media user summed up the mixed feelings perfectly: “Wdym old and tattered LL Bean Boat and Totes are being hacked into a Boatkin and being sold for $1,500?!? I’m scratching my head a bit but ngl, I kinda want one.”
Handmade and Unique Every Boatkin Tells Its Own Story
Every Boatkin is made from carefully selected vintage canvas totes that are hand-cut and sewn with precision.
Jen’s website boasts that nearly 100% of the original fabric is used, with almost no waste.
But there’s a catch: these vintage bags have been “used and abused” before their makeover, meaning some stains, writing, or marks from previous owners remain.
This gives each Boatkin a unique character—no two bags are exactly alike.
Embracing Imperfection The Charm of Vintage Canvas
Jen’s website is upfront with customers, explaining that while she power washes the canvas thoroughly, some imperfections will still show through.
Whether it’s water stains, dirt, pen marks, or even dog hair, these quirks are part of what makes each Boatkin special.
One example shown online even features a sharpie number scrawled on the back of the tote.
This embrace of imperfection adds to the charm and story behind each bag.