Clever by Design Starts with What You Can’t Always See
At Bon Maxie, we don’t just design for the 'unboxing' moment—we design for real life. Every piece in our range starts with a simple question: how can we make this genuinely better to use every day?
And one of the biggest ways we do that is by choosing the right materials. Because pretty won’t cut it if it breaks, scuffs or makes your day harder. Whether it’s the zip that opens smoothly every time or the leather that holds its shape through years of use, here’s what we use, and why it matters.
1. Premium Full-Grain Leather–Because Not All Leather Is Equal
We use premium full-grain leather on select pieces because it ages beautifully, feels luxe without being precious, and holds its structure over time. It's the top layer of the hide, which means it's the strongest and most durable—perfect for everyday use with a polished finish.
We also custom-dye our leather to suit our signature tones, so you're not just getting any off-the-shelf material—it's been developed to look great and work hard.
2. PVD Hardware–Used by Luxury Bag Brands and Watchmakers
All our leather pieces now feature PVD hardware. It’s the same high-end finish used by many luxury bag brands and high-end watchmakers for its long-lasting, high-polish finish. It holds its colour and elevates the entire design. It’s part of our commitment to building long-lasting quality into every detail.
3. Hardwearing Plated Hardware–For Coated Canvas and Everyday Use
On our coated canvas items, we use durable plated hardware designed to handle daily wear without looking worn. It offers that same elevated look, without the delicate finish—so you can toss it in your car, your tote, or your luggage without second-guessing.
4. YKK Zips–Because a Zip Should Go Unnoticed
We use YKK zippers across our range—widely recognised as the global standard for durability and smoothness. When you're reaching for your wallet or rummaging through your bag, the last thing you need is a stuck or split zip. YKKs just work—quietly, reliably, and every time.
5. Reinforced Stress Points–Invisible Until You Need Them
From double-stitched handle joins to reinforced corners, we build strength into the places that take the most pressure. You may not notice it at first, but it's why your bag feels sturdier, or why your strap doesn't stretch out. Small details, big difference.
6. Feedback-Driven Refinements–Yes, We Actually Listen
Many of the improvements you see across our range come directly from customer feedback. If there's a better way to design something, we explore it, test it, and build it into future releases. It's how our products keep evolving to become your daily go-tos—without the version numbers.
7. Fabric That Holds Up and Wipes Down
We choose coated canvas for its structure and cleanability, and durable linings that don’t collapse or show wear after a few uses. It’s the kind of fabric you can take anywhere—but still looks good sitting on a desk or café table.
8. Thoughtful Linings–Function, Not Fluff
We choose light-coloured linings in deep bags so you can actually see what’s inside. In products where dark lining makes sense (like wallets or phone wallets), we go for tones that hide marks and hold up well over time.
Why It All Matters
When you choose a Bon Maxie piece, you’re not just buying the aesthetic—you’re buying the thinking, testing, and refining behind it. Materials aren’t just a checkbox for us. They're a design tool we use to make your daily routine smoother, more stylish, and way less annoying.
