Justin BIEL & Grason RATOWSKY “Travel, adventure and pushing beyond personal boundaries is an innate aspect of our brand DNA.” This is the creed around which Justin Biel and Grason Ratowsky formed BARE, a line of authentic, functional, repurposed burlap bags designed with the modern consumer in mind. Justin explains, “Much of our relationship as friends before becoming business partners was based off of numerous experiences traveling around the world, finding ourselves in situations outside of our comfort zone and pushing through those challenges to find some new knowledge or appreciation for concepts previously not understood. It’s this dedication to challenging our own limits, both as individuals and as a company that drives us to make BARE a brand that’s known for being different, innovative, and off the beaten path.” The bags are comprised of repurposed coffee sacks which Grason redefines into fashionably functional bags, each with a history of their own. “Whether I’m focused on design, art or fashion, I always look for things that are different, individualistic and that ultimately tell a
story,” Grason iterates, “I appreciate something more because it is unique and holds value and relevance beyond its originally intended purpose.” “The uncontested ruggedness of the Jute material, its life of travel and handmade nature,” are the reasons Grason decided to make these burlap sacks the main star of BARE. “BARE is about expressing yourself in this life without limits. It’s about not always choosing the most traveled path because it’s the easiest or most normal,” says Justin. He furthers, “BARE will be known as a lifestyle as much as the products we produce.” BareMade.com
Photo courtesy of Bare
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