Rapidly becoming a favourite brand of mine I jumped at the chance to attend the official launch of O bag’s first UK concept store in Solihull (not that it hasn’t been a frequent lunchtime haunt of mine since it opened in December). Warning: It’s not a shopping experience for the indecisive, offering a dizzying array of choice of ready made customisation.
So much choice
The basic premise is that you choose your bag shape and then make your very own variation of O bag selecting from on the plethora of handles, interiors and accessories to end up with your own unique creation. The brilliance is that the shapes are classic framers (from the O bag and O bag mini through the O basket and the O pocket clutch style) and the seasonal or personal update is all in the detail. Go bold and add detail using all 3, keep it simple and add nothing, add a pop of bright colour or luxe it up with faux fur trim – the choice is yours. Quality is not sacrificed in favour of quirky, as is often the case. Staying true to it’s Italian roots the products have a chic luxury feel.
It started with a watch
It all started with an O clock, which I received as a birthday gift. A similar concept to the bags, choose a coloured strap then choose your dial. Easy to assemble you simply push your choice of face into the silicone strap. Best of all the price is a fraction of what you would pay for other high fashion watches (straps are £9 with dials starting at £16) so you can easily add to your collection ( have already added a further strap and dial), allowing you mix and match at will to suit your outfit and mood. Showing my age, but for me it’s the updated and much more stylish version of those Swatch watches I coveted as a teen.
With the Spring collection dropping in time for the launch, the latest addition is sunglasses – choose your frame, lens and legs to make a unique combo. The seemingly endless choice means I can see a Summer of O-Sun on the horizon.
Why settle for one set of sunnies?
It was always the bags that were my siren call though, ranging from the classic O-Bag through to the O Basket complete with hole for your beach towel, the modular collection and unusual EVA rubber shells make a unique impression.
I had thought it was the O Pocket, the perfect size clutch with added fringe accessory that was calling my name but all thoughts were banished when I clapped eyes on the O bag ’50. Styled in store with a maroon patent handle and corresponding charm, the shape was what did it for me. Quirky but at the same time classy, touching it was a surprise, I expected it to feel cold and rubbery but was warm and felt almost like suede. I was hooked.
It’s got the strokability factor.
I left with a bag that I know will definitely give me joy every time I use it. Introducing my take on the O bag ’50 styled with emerald green handles and corresponding patent charm.
Bag for Life
With an O bag the beauty is that you can update your wardrobe by adding, changing or taking away some of the detail without losing the shape that you love. My idea of a true bag for life! I’m already planning on the addition of a shoulder strap and coming soon I will be able to accessorise it as a backpack. What would you choose?
If you tend to find a style of accessory and stick to it but crave an easy update then check out O bag. I warn you its addictive and you will definitely need to factor in decision making time.
