Collector Commissions

A sketch of a handbag with a metal clasp and a brand label on the front. Large kisslock kiss lock bag made from an L.L. Bean Boat and Tote.
A sketch of a handbag with a metal clasp and a brand label on the front. Large kisslock kiss lock bag made from an L.L. Bean Boat and Tote.

Transforming heritage into modern luxury

Your tote. Fully deconstructed and rebuilt into a North & Knox original. Each conversion is one of a kind, built entirely around the canvas you send. No two are alike.

How It Works

  1. Submit your inquiry. Fill out the form below with your bag details and photos. I review every submission personally to confirm your bag is a candidate.

  2. I'll be in touch. Once I've reviewed your inquiry, I reach out directly. If your bag is approved, you're officially on the list.

  3. When your build window opens. I'll contact you to confirm your design selections and collect a $100 deposit. This deposit is non-refundable and applied toward your final balance.

  4. Your mockup. Once your deposit is received, I create a custom rendering of your piece and build a private listing just for you. It includes your design selections, process details, and mockup photos so you can see exactly what you're getting before anything is touched.

  5. Complete your purchase. Your private listing reflects your full commission price with your $100 deposit already deducted. Payment in full is required before your bag ships to me.

  6. Send your bag. Your prepaid shipping label arrives once payment is complete. Ship directly to my Columbus atelier. I confirm receipt and work begins.

  7. Your finished piece leaves my hands. Carefully inspected, packed, and shipped back to you via UPS Ground with full insurance and signature required. Turnaround is 15 to 20 business days from receipt.

Size Requirements

Every commission requires an L.L.Bean Boat & Tote in a Large or larger. Lay your bag completely flat and measure along the top opening from fold to fold. It must be at least 20 inches. If you're not certain, follow the diagram and include your measurement with your inquiry.

A diagram of a tote bag with measurements showing how to measure its width and length for folding and sizing. The width is measured along the top opening from fold to fold, and the length is measured from the top open edge straight down to the bottom fold at the center.
A diagram of a tote bag with measurements showing how to measure its width and length for folding and sizing. The width is measured along the top opening from fold to fold, and the length is measured from the top open edge straight down to the bottom fold at the center.

Collector Commissions

  • Kisslock Conversion — starting at $995

  • Birk & Tote Conversion — starting at $1095

  • Custom Design — by inquiry only

Final pricing is confirmed during the design conversation and depends on hardware selection, canvas condition, and design complexity. All commissions are one of a kind.

Care & Maintenance

Spot clean with a damp cloth. Avoid prolonged exposure to moisture to preserve the integrity of the canvas and hardware. The Kisslock mechanism requires no special care but should be operated gently to maintain smooth function.

Disclaimer

This product is handcrafted using materials from your original L.L.Bean Boat & Tote bag. It is not produced, endorsed, or affiliated with L.L.Bean, Inc. in any way. All trademarks remain the property of their respective owners.

Final Note

Every commission is built exclusively around your piece. All sales are final. Your bag is carefully inspected upon arrival and again before it leaves my hands.

Sketch of a handbag with handles and hardware details on a black background. A Boatkin inspired upcycled bag from an L.L. Bean Boat and Tote

Something uniquely yours.

Every North & Knox commission begins with your story. Submit your inquiry below and I'll take it from there.