The worlds of high-fidelity and fashion meet! Bang & Olufsen and Balenciaga have collaborated to create the Speaker Bag. You read that right, the two luxury houses have designed a speaker handbag that meets this triple requirement: a high-fashion storage space capable of playing your favorite songs! This small, minimalist handbag features a Bluetooth speaker with up to 18 hours of battery life. Here is a look at this unusual and intriguing object.
Bang & Olufsen and Balenciaga: a luxury partnership
The Speaker Bag was first presented at the announcement of Balenciaga’s fall-winter collection. This event took place during the 51st edition of Paris Fashion Week. Known for creating unique, ambitious pieces with a touch of boldness, Balenciaga once again surprised high fashion lovers. Music being an essential element of the Balenciaga fashion show, it was transmitted through the Balenciaga/Bang & Olufsen speaker handbag for the occasion. Carried by the models down the catwalk, in this case sound meets both the requirements of haute-couture and high-fidelity.
Who better than Bang & Olufsen, the master of design and hi-fi, to create a speaker bag that both looks good and performs well? Bang & Olufsen is not new to the business. Originality, elegance, minimalism… The Danish brand stands out for its luxurious designs combined with exceptional musicality. The Bang & Olufsen Beosound 2, Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A9 4th Gen, Bang & Olufsen Beosound Edge and Bang & Olufsen Beosound Level connected speakers are a good example.
As a reminder, the audiovisual world has already partnered up with other fields, notably with the world of design, resulting in Lifestyle TVs that can be transformed into famous paintings. But in fashion, the only products previously created were audio sunglasses. With this innovative objective in mind, the artistic director of the luxury house, Demna Gvasalia, and the Danish specialist have created a true work of art.
The main objective of both brands is to offer a new accessory without compromise. Bang & Olufsen makes a point of creating a sound system with optimal properties, both in terms of audio quality and aesthetics.
In the words of Miklu Silvanto, Bang & Olufsen’s Director of Design, “The Speaker Bag is a perfect example of the successful combination of two very special companies with a rich heritage and expertise, and design teams committed to excellence. According to him, Haute Couture is synonymous with “custom, exclusive, culture creating, art of making… by extremely skilled craftsmen.”
Speaker Bag by Bang & Olufsen and Balenciaga: description
At first, the bag fulfills its main function, that of storing and carrying your various documents and essential devices. To do this, it has a smooth, rigid shell with a hinged opening. The compartment is large enough to add a smartphone, a wallet or a DAP.
The other side of the bag features the speaker grill. The technical specifications of the driver have not been communicated by Bang & Olufsen. However, we know that the device is equipped with a Bluetooth module to wirelessly stream your playlists stored on a smartphone or other compatible electronic device. It also appears possible to connect multiple sources via Bluetooth.
This Speaker Bag also has different tactile buttons placed under the handle. These includes the classic functions found on most portable Bluetooth speakers such as: play/pause, volume and Bluetooth pairing.
Although the specifics of the Danish speakers are not disclosed at this time, it is known that the speaker is equipped with a battery offering up to 18 hours of playback. Enough to enjoy a walk while listening to your favorite album! As far as manufacturing is concerned, the latter is cut from a solid aluminum block in the heart of the B&O factory in Struer (Denmark). This single piece is then pearl-blasted, anodized and hand-polished over a period of several days. As a result, the bag has an elegant satin finish. Using a single block of solid aluminum results in a uniform piece from the base to the handle.
“From our aluminum factory to Balenciaga’s atelier to an entirely remarkable product. You have to see, hear and feel it”, this collaboration with Balenciaga is defined as authentic by Silvanto Miklu.
“We are looking forward to showing our customers what’s in store for future collaborations, projects and products,” says Kristian Teär, CEO of Bang & Olufsen. “Working with Balenciaga has been an incredible experience and will also shape the way we drive products and experiences that will disrupt the technology market in the future.”
Bang & Olufsen and Balenciaga Speaker Bag: art direction
The handbag comes in two timeless colors, white and black, to match every outfit. With its unique style, the Speaker Bag is sure to be a hit with fashionistas as well as the most daring audiophiles. The names of the two collaborators are laser engraved with finesse and elegance near the control buttons.
Demna Gvasalia, artistic director of Balenciaga, adds that Haute Couture can ignore the mundane. His creations are always audacious, pushing the limits of what is possible, just like the Speaker Bag. This latest creation revolutionizes the concept of “portable music”, whether on the catwalk, in public places or at home.
Want to get your hands on this little hi-fi/couture jewel? Unfortunatley, the speaker bag is a very limited edition as only 20 pieces were created. Only available for sale in the recently opened Balenciaga Couture boutique in Paris, you’ll have to spend no less than €8,500 to add it to your wardrobe.
