A Wild Crafter Collaboration
At Pony Rider, we’ve always believed in the power of a story. Whether it’s the narrative behind our upcycled truck canvas products or the heritage woven into our designs, every piece we create holds a tale of its own. So when the opportunity came to collaborate with Dave Robledo, owner of BxmBxm Hats (pronounced BamBam), we knew we were about to embark on something truly special.
BxmBxm's Unlikely Beginnings
BxmBxm wasn’t born in a studio or a workshop but in the middle of a global pandemic - a time when creativity seemed to bloom in the most unexpected places. Dave, the visionary behind the brand, had never crafted anything before. His life was rooted in the vibrant nightlife of running clubs and a software company for the music industry. But when the world paused, BxmBxm found himself with time, a lot of it, and a black cowboy hat gifted by an ex-girlfriend.
What started as a spontaneous act of destruction, repurposing a hat into something utterly unique, became the spark that ignited the BxmBxm brand. A chance encounter in Bondi, where a stranger admired his handiwork, set BxmBxm on a new path. With the help of YouTube and a lot of determination, he taught himself the art of hat-making, transforming old materials into wearable pieces of art.
The Signature "X" and Beyond
BxmBxm hats are known for their distinctive "X" mark – a symbol born from Dave’s experimentation and now synonymous with his brand. This mark isn’t just a design element; it’s a representation of the crossroads where Dave began his journey, a point where the past meets the future. Where our Pony Rider "X" tells a tale of a community coming together, to sit and be together around a campfire, makes for a pretty wild connection of new beginnings within a great community.
What we love most about Dave's approach is the raw authenticity and the element of surprise. His hats are an embodiment of character and story, much like the products we create at Pony Rider – each piece carries a life, a history, and a sense of individuality that resonates deeply with us.
Aligned Values and Creative Synergy
Our collaboration with BxmBxm is a meeting of minds and values. We’re both drawn to the idea of sustainability, repurposing materials, and pushing the boundaries of creativity. For BxmBxm, using recycled leather and thread isn’t just about resourcefulness; it’s about honoring the past and giving new life to what others might discard.
Together, we’ve explored the use of old canvas bags – weathered, worn, and rich with history – to create a line of hats that are as unique as the stories they tell. These aren’t just accessories; they’re keepsakes in the making, each one handcrafted and most certainly one-of-a-kind.
Connecting Through Community
Community is at the heart of everything we do, and it’s no different for BxmBxm. BxmBxm's hats often start with a personal connection – word of mouth, a friend of a friend – and evolve into something truly personal and meaningful. This collaboration is an extension of that community spirit, allowing us to share BxmBxm's story with a new audience and create something that bridges our worlds.
The Story Continues
The hats we’ve created with BxmBxm are more than just fashion statements. They’re symbols of heritage, storytelling, and individuality. We hope that when you wear one, you’ll feel the history, the craftsmanship, and the passion that went into making it. No two hats are alike, and that’s precisely the point – each one is a testament to the idea that our stories, like our hats, are meant to be unique.
Join us on this wild ride as we celebrate the unexpected, the handcrafted, and the insanely creative collaboration between Pony Rider and Bxm Bxm. We can’t wait to see where this journey takes us next.
Check out Dave's Instagram @bambamhats for all the latest designs he's done – featuring names like @teddyswims, @ksubi, and @jacandjack.