Step into the creative world of the Bobo Choses & Ölend collaboration. Discover highlights from our launch event, where guests joined us for an inspiring talk and a playful, colorful experience.
Adriana Esperalba, Founder, Creative and Artistic Director at Bobo Choses, and Adriana Dumon, Founder and Creative Director of Ölend, joined a conversation and shared insights into their creative processes behind this collaboration.
How did your project begin?
Adriana Dumon: Ölend was born in 2012 in our living room with a pair of fabric rolls and an idea in our heads: to make beautiful and functional backpacks, inspired by the classic mountaineering bags. We were three friends with a lot of desire, and little by little, with a lot of work and passion, Ölend grew to become what it is today. Our first backpack was handmade; we sewed them one by one. It was simple, but it had a lot of personality. In the beginning, we were rather classic and minimalist. Over time we have become more open to color, innovative materials and playing with new shapes without losing our essence.
Adriana Esperalba: Bobo Choses was born in 2008 in a graphic design studio I had with a friend. As new mothers, we struggled to find clothes for our kids, so we started designing children's clothes. The first thing we designed were some T-shirts with simple black prints, but very nice ones: a cloud, an apple and a bowler hat; those are our most iconic prints. The way of creating is the same, but we have been evolving, both in the introduction of colors in the prints and in adapting something that was very much designed for a child to be worn by an adult.
How did the idea for this collab come up?
Adriana Dumon: I've been a big fan of Bobo Choses for years. I have always admired the magical world they have built around the brand. The idea for this collaboration came naturally because the Ona bag was inspired by my little niece, and I thought, what could be better than partnering with a brand that understands the imagination and playful spirit of childhood? Bobo's spirit was perfect for this project.
Adriana Esperalba: At Bobo Choses, many of us have been wearing Ölend for a long time, in particular their Ona bag. One day, we received the pleasant surprise of a collaboration proposal, and we immediately knew it was a perfect match.
How did you merge the identity of both brands?
Adriana Dumon: Bobo Choses brought their creativity, their love for vibrant colors and unique prints, and Ölend brought the functionality and timeless design of the Ona bag. It was a very natural process as if the Ona had always been waiting to wear Bobo prints.
Adriana Esperalba: It was quite simple; on the one hand, we contributed the printing and coloring part, and together, around a table, we finished the fusion of the two identities.
What role does color play in this collaboration and in your brands in general?
Adriana Dumon: Color is everything! At Ölend, we love how colors can completely change the personality of a bag, making it fun, bold or more timeless. Bobo Choses has a unique way of playing with colors, playful and effortless. For this collaboration, we wanted to translate the vibrant world of Bobo into one of our most iconic designs.
Adriana Esperalba: Color is one of our main tools of expression. Playing with combinations is something that defines us. The versatility of Ölend bags allowed us to create something in which both brands felt reflected.
What would your seven-year-old self think of this collaboration?
Adriana Dumon: She would fall in love! As a child, I always loved to carry little treasures with me - rocks, drawings, tiny toys - so to have a bag this fun and full of personality would have been a dream. I would be so proud to be able to create things that spark joy and creativity.
Adriana Esperalba: I'm sure my seven-year-old self would use one of the bags to go to the gym. As a little girl, I practised gymnastics. Inside, I would carry my jersey, my snack and some candy, all jumbled up.
Which is your favorite piece of the collaboration and why?
Adriana Dumon: My favorite piece from the collaboration is the Ona Color Block. The color combination is so fun and perfectly captures the playful spirit of Ölend and Bobo Choses. It's a bag that makes you smile every time you carry it.
Adriana Esperalba: This collaboration has had infinite points of encounter with Adriana in which we have surprised each other, and this could not be another one. So, my favorite is the Ona Color block.
Which is your favorite way to carry your collab bag?
Adriana Dumon: I love to carry the Ona as a crossbody bag. It's very comfortable when you're cycling around town. Inside, I always carry something to snack on. You never know when you're going to need a snack.
Adriana Esperalba: I think all the ways are ideal for different occasions, but as I like cycling a lot, the crossbody is my favorite. Inside, I can't miss a notebook and pencils.
If inspiration could be an emoji, which one would represent it?
Adriana Dumon: 🪄 because it takes a lot of magic!
Adriana Esperalba: 🪽 because it takes you where you want to go.
