Laid-back Looks From COB ORIGINALS

COB ORIGINALS fuses Chinese culture along with Western design themes to create casualwear for the everyday guy or girl living in our increasingly interconnected world.

Girlfriend and boyfriend team, Deanna Wong
and Chris O’Brien, are Shanghai expats who have been living in the city for a year. Before moving to Shanghai, they both studied Mandarin in Beijing, which is where their love for Chinese wordplay (and each other) began.

Currently based in the heart of Shanghai, all their statement designs are produced in China, with the new SS/15 range, which includes slouchy, relaxed unisex tank tops and “treat yo’ self ” pieces made from premium fabrics, all proudly made in Shanghai.

Designs come in unisex, men’s or women’s cuts, so if you want to embrace the Chinese trend of dressing in the same clothes as your partner, or simply want to wear a cool over-sized tee with a pair of skinny jeans, make COB ORIGINALS your first stop.

Talk sat down with Wong and O’Brien to find out more about their unique brand.

Talk: So when did you start the company and what was your impetus to begin with?
COB ORIGINALS: When we first arrived in China, the majority of casual clothing options were foreign brands, fakes or something a bit wacky. Fashion is all about spreading and sharing the art and culture of where
you live, what you experience and where you travel. We don't see why that should be any different for casual and comfortable clothing, which is why we started COB ORIGINALS six months ago. We want to explore the fun and funky side of China whilst creating wearable clothes for the everyday guy and girl.

T: Was it easy to start your business in Shanghai?
CO: Starting any business has its hurdles and that's no different in Shanghai, but the language and legal barriers add that extra layer of trickiness! However, we've been very lucky to meet some truly supportive people along the way. It's been great to interact with so many other new businesses in Shanghai and get such positive feedback from the customers we meet at local markets and events.

T: Where are you currently stocked?
CO: We've just set up a studio (Building 3, 2/F, 764 Changle Lu, near Fumin Lu. Tel: 185 0160 4370) and any customers are welcome to give us a call or WeChat to drop by (call or message us beforehand as it’s in a lanehouse with old grannies who enjoy their quiet time). Getting stocked at local boutiques in Shanghai and Beijing is one of our goals for the spring!

T: What are your customer’s reactions to the Chinese wordplay?
CO: They love it! And we love that it puts a smile on peoples’ faces. Occasionally, someone will completely miss the joke and complain that it doesn't make sense. But hey, haters 个那 hate. Sorry, had to be done!

T: What do you think of the Chinese fashion scene?
CO: The top end of China's fashion scene has grown in leaps and bounds over the past few years. Chinese designers are becoming more and more well known across the world, particularly in Europe - home to many well-established international brands. A great example is Yiqing Yin, who became the creative director of a French fashion label last year. Certain trends here may still be a bit niche in other cities, like London, but we've no doubt that will change in the years to come. And if COB ORIGINALS is a stepping-stone in that process, we couldn't be happier!

T: What differentiates your products?
CO: We're a brand that the young and vibrant, expat and local crowds of Shanghai can call its own. Creating
playful and punchy designs with attitude, inspired by the country we all currently call home.

T: Who makes up the majority of your consumer base?
CO: At the moment the expats are nudging ahead. But once we're up and running on Taobao, that might change!

T: What are your plans for the future?
CO: Spreading the word! From a design perspective we've no idea, and that's how we like it! We'll see what and who inspires us, follow ideas and see where we end up.

COB ORIGINALS is offering a 20% discount* for Talk Magazine readers! Order online at www.coboriginals.com and use the discount code WETALK at checkout. Free shipping within Mainland China.
*Applicable to orders over $50 USD. Offer
expires 31 March 2015.
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Website: www.coboriginals.com
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