Burberry is launching a series of global pop-ups to celebrate the brand’s signature Olympia bag, with the first opening in Harrods. The Olympia, designed by Burberry Chief Creative Officer Riccardo Tisci, is a structured and sculptural bag, a celebration of modern classicism. The bag has a crescent curve that molds closely against the body, an athletic aura told through its defined arc.
The immersive and inviting space in Harrods brings the world of the Olympia to life and is a celebration of the aesthetics, craftsmanship, and inspiration of the bag. The architecture of the space reflects a contemporary approach. Sweeping curves are lined with statues reminiscent of Ancient Greece, reimagined for a modern era. The shape of the space resembles the arc of the Olympia, a mesmerizing repetition of feminine form – majestic and strong.
The pop-up will house an assortment of Olympia bags, in a variety of shapes, styles, and colors. There will also be a limited-edition collection featuring styles in the warm sand and blue topaz with a chunky gold-plated chain strap, and marigold yellow and marsh green with leather straps. Each bag will have an edition number engraved on the inside. Harrods will exclusively house edition numbers one to eight.
“Our Olympia bag pop-up marks not only the launch of our new signature handbag design but also an exciting moment for Burberry in the UK as we welcome customers delighted to return to our stores once again. We are looking forward to bringing our customers this unique experience in partnership with Harrods, presenting a striking installation that reflects the inspiration behind the Olympia bag in one of the most iconic retail locations in the world.”
Gavin Haig, Burberry Chief Commercial Officer
“The exhibition window is an exciting space where brands can experiment and create a true spectacle, and that’s exactly what Burberry have done with ‘The World of Olympia’. An iconic product paired with an equally iconic digital experience is a powerful combination I know our customers will love. Harrods clients are constantly in search of newness and exclusivity and Burberry’s ‘The World of Olympia’ certainly delivers this, with the pre-launch of eight exclusive colors and styles, this will be a moment not to miss.”
Lydia King, Harrods Fashion Director
The pop-up will feature the Elpis statue which can be brought to life through an immersive and interactive AR experience. The experience is the latest in a series of activations exploring the relationship between physical and digital experiences to create exciting new concepts for our community and enhance the luxury experience.
Accessible via a dedicated QR code, visitors will be able to place an animated digital version of the statue in their surroundings and watch as it comes to life and walks towards them, leaving a trail of motion sequence statues behind it. Visitors will be able to capture a photograph or a video of the animated statue, enabling them to share their unique experiences.
The bag features gold or palladium- plated hardware, engraved with the Burberry logo – an emblem of timeless simplicity.
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THE OLYMPIA CRAFTSMANSHIP
The bag is expertly made in the highest quality leather, chosen for its memorable beauty and unique characteristics. Each bag is crafted in Italy, and hand-shaped and painted by artisan makers.
The unique curved silhouette is hand-molded on a wooden block to create its structure. Each bag is meticulously finished by hand and its edges finely applied with three coats of paint, to protect it and ensure it wears beautifully.
The TB Bag is a reference to the fashion house’s founder Thomas Burberry. The structured bag, which features a Monogram clasp, is available in black, malt brown, pale blue, and sand smooth leather. Tri-tone canvas and topstitched leather styles include black and tan, natural and malt brown.
The Robin bag, a small structured bag in cotton canvas and topstitched leather, in white and tan and black and tan. The bag is also available in black smooth leather and contrasting burgundy and orange.
LOCATION
The pop-up will be open 4 – 30 May
Opening hours:
Monday – Saturday, 10am – 7pm. Sunday, 11am – 6pm.
BAGS AND SMALL ACCESSORIES
The pop-ups will also house an assortment of other signature Burberry bags including the Pocket and The TB Bag.
The Pocket Bag, a structured tote, takes inspiration from an archival Burberry style. The original silhouette is reinterpreted by adding a front pocket and leather taping. The bag will be available in a variety of colorways including pale blue, black, warm sand, and contrasting tonal green and camel, burgundy and red.
Fresh styles include a Soft Pocket Tote with a detachable shoulder strap in warm tan, and a backpack available in dark clay brown and black. A foldover messenger style is available in navy and warm tan.