Bondi made and a favourite among acclaimed artists: the BxmBxm story

Can a hat tell a story? If Dave Robledo's brand, BxmBxm – pronounced "BamBam" – is anything to go by, the answer is a resounding yes.

A business born in Bondi following a breakup, BxmBxm specialises in handcrafted, hand-stitched hats, which are designed to express the wearer's individual identity, and they really do represent unique works of art.

Featuring a combination of rare, recyclable and ethically sourced materials, whether ready to wear or completely custom, all hats are made to order, and Teddy Swims to Jason Momoa have been spotted in them.

We recently caught up with Dave to find out how BxmBxm first came about back in 2020, his creative design process, highlights to date, and what he gets up to when not in the studio.

Could you tell us a little about BxmBxm and what led you to start the business?

It all started with a hat gifted by an ex-girlfriend. After the breakup, I destroyed that birthday hat. I burnt it, cut it, rode over it on my motorbike, then stitched it back together.

It wasn’t out of spite, I just wanted it to have some character. I wore it along the Bondi promenade one day and a stranger stopped me, heard the story, and asked: “Can you make one for me?”

And so BxmBxm was born.

What have the BxmBxm highlights or “pinch me moments” been so far?

Creating hats for celebs like Teddy Swims, Ed Sheeran and Jason Momoa has been cool, but it doesn’t beat making a hat in honour of someone’s passing, for a wedding day, or as a surprise gift. Those moments can’t be topped.

What are the steps involved in creating a BxmBxm hat, and what role does Bondi play here?

Once we choose the felt colour, I shape it, hand-stitch the artwork, distress and detail it, then finish and fit it. I’ve even thrown hats in the ocean to give them a worn-in look. Everything is built by hand in my Bondi studio.

Why do you feel custom hats are such a powerful showcase of individuality?

Imagine walking into an event or room and seeing someone wearing the exact same hat as you. A custom hat is built around the person, not the trend. It’s your story stitched into something only you can wear. A BxmBxm hat is not for everybody.

What are you most proud of, both professionally and personally?

I had zero background in design. I never studied fashion and I wasn’t an arty kid. I was actually told not to make hats. Five years later, this is my full-time life. I’m proud that I leaned into the calling instead of ignoring it.

What’s your connection to the suburb, or your unique Bondi story?

I grew up in the country and moved to Bondi around 25. I can’t imagine living anywhere that isn’t close to the ocean now. It really is magical.

How do you spend a typical day here? Are there any favourite local haunts or rituals?

It starts with a morning swim at the north end and coffee from Jack’s, then hours in the studio. I try to get an outdoor workout in everyday with my Kettlebell Maniacs crew. Beach, studio, clean and press, repeat. And on Sundays, I can’t skip the secret menu burger at Rocker.

What's next for BxmBxm?

More collaborations and figuring out how to scale without losing the detail the brand is built on. And who knows, I might pack it all in and become a pie maker.

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