Buzz Worthy    Savvy

Brand to Know: OAD Handbags

These bags are minimal, budget-friendly pops of color for any wardrobe

We love a good ultra-luxury bag, of course, but we’re also big believers that a bag doesn’t have to require a four-digit investment with a heritage fashion house in order to feel stylish, luxurious and useful. That’s why we’re always on the lookout for contemporary upstarts who are filling market gaps and providing high style at an accessible price point, and lately, my personal favorite of that group is OAD.

OAD was started in 2015 by Sydney Suh-Lee, a designer who had worked at Calvin Klein and Kate Spade and who saw an opening in the market for super-functional bags with a simple, refined, minimal look. The line, which is designed in New York and manufactured in Seoul, South Korea, now comes in a range of 15 bags and small leather goods in 15 colors—Suh-Lee has said in previous interviews that new brands’ practical decision to launch in only a handful of neutrals was something she hoped to avoid. And in addition to the smart, sharp look of her bags, it’s indeed the colors that help the brand stand out; that they look equally good in dove gray or hot pink helps demonstrate the precision with which the pieces were designed.

The prices are also great, ranging from less than $100 for card cases to around $500 for the brand’s roomy day bags. Some of the larger pieces would make perfect work options for even the most conservative offices, but the brand also offers smaller weekend pieces, and the color diversity means that the bags can go in any direction you choose. And even know Suh-Lee’s brand is young, retailers seem to have noticed its potential: Shopbop, Saks and Nordstrom have all added a significant number of the line’s bags to their spring assortments.

Check out some of our favorites below.

OAD Arc Backpack
$525 via Nordstrom

OAD Carryall Tote with Kit Clutch
$450 via Saks

OAD Circle Crossbody Bag
$315 via Shopbop

OAD Dia Mini Pouch
$85 via Shopbop

OAD Dual Slim Crossbody Clutch
$250 via Nordstrom

OAD Luna Crossbody Bag
$415 via Shopbop

OAD Mini Kit Zip Satchel
$350 via Shopbop

OAD Mini Messenger Crossbody Bag
$325 via Shopbop

OAD Mini Prism Satchel
$375 via Nordstrom

OAD Mini Saddle Courier Bag
$295 via Saks

OAD Mini Zip Around Wallet
$175 via Shopbop

OAD Prism Satchel
$495 via Nordstrom

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