Our Palare In Polari
The seeds of Bona Ogle were sewn durin' that nana old lockdown, when our fabulosa designer, Max Dursley Davies, was left hacking off with the naff quality and fast-fashion fakery of most brands. He set out to create somethig' bona – a bit of togs with a heart and a bit of ‘oomph.’ In a world awash with the samey-samey trends, there was nanti bona to vada – so here we are! We’re not out to be “in fashion”; we’re about pure style, duckie, and that never fades.
Our name, “Bona Ogle,” hails straight outta Polari, that cheeky lingo of London’s LGBTQ+ scene, meanin’ “Good to look at!” We clocked the phrase had just the right vada to make you linger a little. Slappin' on “London” felt right too – it’s our home, innit?
Let’s natter threads! We’re not ones for stickin' gender tags on togs. Some bits might swing towards a “feminine” eek, and others may scream “menswear,” but here, it’s all about letting your inner fantabulosa shine through. Our collections are a dolly mix, ready to vada with your wardrobe faves or match with other eclectic prints. You can scope the colours or suss out a theme, but you won’t find no gender tabs here! We want you to get creative, wear it fitted, relaxed, or oversized – whatever tickles your riah, sweetheart.
When you buy from us, you’re nabbing some special togs. With fabric, colour, and fit, you’re invited into the palaver. After all, it’s your piece, pet, so why let some random sharpy decide the deets? We’re sussed out on the ethics front too – more bona than fast fashion. Local fabrics, we also offer vintage and recycled pieces.and each piece made to order, so there’s no unwanted togs lurkin' about. We don’t need to torch stock to keep things “exclusive.” Quality and fair wages matter, as does Mother Earth, so while we’re a little pricier, we’re worth every dolly dime.
Now, let’s prattle about Polari! This tongue-in-cheek language was once shared by London’s LGBTQ+ kin, addin' some sparkle to the everyday. Take “Bona Ogle” – that’s “Good to look at!” If one was on benefits, the cry was “Oooh, she’s on the national handbag.” Vada an old pal? “Bona to vada your dolly old eek!” And for a bit of a hair zhuzh? You’re off to the “Riah Zhoosher.” Oh, and trousers? They’re “farting crackers!” Polari’s a part of London’s past, and we’re proper chuffed to keep it alive in a small way.
And who’s the gleamy brain behind Bona Ogle? Max Dursley Davies, a Central Saint Martins marvel, designs like a magpie – pickin' up whatever shines his way. Bona Ogle’s style is peppered with his personal vibes, hedonistic spirit, and a craving for all things joyous and brazen. We’re channelling London’s rebellious youth – from dandies to punks to club kids – celebratin’ the freedom to be utterly and unapologetically you.
