Designer Nik Bentel was inspired to elevate a blue Barilla pasta box after he ate what he referred to as his “100th bowl of penne pasta” during the coronavirus lockdown last year. Given the New-York based artist’s background, it’s no surprise that he chose to take that well-known blue box and transform it into a chic handbag. However, instead of simply taking the cardboard box, attaching a strap, and making a purse out of it, Bentel chose to elevate that classic Barilla packaging by constructing the bag itself from leather. Then, in order for the accessory to resemble a real pasta box, he used UV printing technology to print what you would normally find on the front of the pasta box directly onto the leather. Additionally, while the bag isn’t affiliated with Barilla, one side of it boasts nutrition information, while another features cooking instructions. The back has recipe ideas, just like you would find on a typical Barilla box. Like any good bag, this one also has a long gold strap so it can be used as a crossbody, as well as a small blue leather strap on top should you prefer to carry it in your hand. There are other gold accents throughout.