Chrome Custom Bags

We are currently revamping our online Custom Bag experience to better serve your needs. Sign up to be the first to hear when our Custom Bag Program Re-launches.

 

Don't forget: You can make a custom bag at any of our Chrome HUBs.

  • Custom Military Salvage Program

    March 21, 2012

    CHROME ACTIVATES CUSTOM MILITARY SALVAGE PROGRAM FOR VETERANS DAY

    Since 1995, Chrome has made bags from reclaimed or salvage materials. When we started making our iconic messenger bag with salvage military duffels and tents the response was amazing, particularly from US Military Personnel who wanted us to make bags using their personal duffels and fatigues. These items carry significant meaning, but can’t be used frequently in civilian life.

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    Last year US Army Vehicle Commander Jared Morford of Watertown, South Dakota reached out to Chrome to make a Custom Salvage bag with the duffel he carried to Iraq. Chrome’s Custom Military Salvage Citizen was born.

    The Chrome Custom Military Salvage Program invites Veterans and military families to bring their military duffels or fatigues to one of Chrome’s four HUB locations in San Francisco, New York, Chicago, and Portland. Chrome bag makers will use this material to create a custom Citizen Messenger bag.

    This program is extremely successful. People have shared their stories with us and we are moved. It reminds us how fortunate we are and how bags carry memories and meaning. One story affected us so much we made a short documentary. (link)

  • Meet The Makers - NYC

    September 26, 2011

    This month, we're rolling out with a three-part series, "Meet the Makers," profiling our in-house sewing personalities at Chrome NYC, SF, & CHICAGO. Check back each week to read about the Maker closest to you.
    We begin with the mastermind behind Chrome NYC's Custom Bag program, Briana Thomas.
    Tell us about the city in which you live & why it’s the best.
    I live in NYC. Originally, I wrote about a page then decided no one would read all that, so I edited it down: 24 hour bodegas.
    You could probably be knee-deep with other design gigs, considering your skillset. What drew you to Chrome, in particular?
    My background is in fashion design and something I couldn’t stand about the industry was the self-importance and overall crazy egos. Chrome is the total opposite of that. Plus, it’s upfront about where and how it’s products are made which I find really refreshing.
    There might be those unfamiliar with our Custom Bag program. Care to explain it?
    Simply and quickly you can choose every color of every panel of our small or medium messenger bags. Buckle color, velcro color, tape, the possibilities are basically endless - come talk to me!
    What makes a Chrome bag so tough? What’s the secret?
    Well, for starters: material. Super strong, resilient fabric, hardware, even tough nylon-coated thread. And love, of course
    Fixed or freewheel?
    Freewheel. I’ve had a heavy, clunky, old Schwinn Crusier for forever. What can I say? I love coasting.
     
    Encountered any ridiculous Custom Bag requests in your time? Anything you’ve ever taken someone up on?
    Dog bags. People really, really, want bags they can put their animals in...maybe on a really slow day...I don’t want the death of anyone’s poodle on my hands...
    You offer an assortment of patches as a final touch to someone’s custom bag, if they so desire. Which ones are the most popular?
    I got my hands on some vintage skateboarding patches, those were cool and went really fast. I liked those.
    Best place to see a show in NYC?
    The best place to see a show WAS Market Hotel but they got closed down, so I’ll go with Death by Audio.
    Favorite bar? Best Jukebox?
    Even though I won’t go on weekends now, The Levee is still a favorite. Free candy, free cheeseballs, and cheap drinks will always bring me out there. (Gatorita!)
    Any final remarks?
    Just a thanks to all the awesome customers who come by to hangout! And those who bring us treats like cookies and fresh baked bread! And a shout out to all my buddies: Jason, Kris, Tijon and Dana who I get to spend so much time at work with, I LOVE YOU GUYS!

  • Salvage Series

    March 21, 2011

    The Salvage Series was inspired by our obsession with finding resourceful solutions to real problems. Our iconic seat belt buckle is a great example of that – a re-purposed use for quick release. The Salvage series is an extension of that thinking.

    People are increasingly looking for unique products. It’s a reaction to mass production and the sea of sameness being pumped out. In our Salvage Series every bag is unique. They are numbered by hand in our factory in Chico so people know they are getting a one-of-a-kind bag.

    Our design team is constantly searching the internet to find materials that have a great back story. The first run was retired US Army tents. The process is part art, part science and a lot of patience but its worth it.