Oska October.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2019 16:49 Page 2
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kin tight was never my thing. I’ve always preferred baggy over taut and palazzo over body stocking, even in the face of pervading trends. So when I was invited to visit OSKA for a style consultation I knew that I’d be in my comfort zone, quite literally. Oska – which is based near Munich – pride itself on simple shapes and choice, authentic materials. Its sustainability ethic is also strong: its Czech dyeing plant uses low-temperature technology to save up to 50% of the water and energy during the dyeing process, and with materials and workmanship of such high quality all pieces have a long life. The look is also timeless – untramelled by the everchanging rules of fashion, the OSKA brand is naturally inspired by trends, but remains true to its line. Nelle Neilson, my style coach, herself decked in OSKA and a vision of free-flowing sophistication, had collected together some pieces for me to try on, based on the short questionnaire that I’d completed before my visit, explaining size, colour preference, and whether I liked separates or dresses. Nelle explained the typical OSKA style silhouettes to me. They range from A (flared or swinging hemline) to H (straight vertical lines) and O (classic voluminous trousers) to V (overcut shoulders and narrow hips). All are characterised by comfortable curves, organic shapes and a sense of free comfort. I was particularly taken by the Birthe Trousers in olive, which had a narrow fit at the hips and a bulky width at the legs before narrowing off towards the hem; the Eiby trousers with their brooding, mottled checks; and the Poncho Sattra in olive, charcoal, sage and grey, an ultra-fine assymmetrical knit drape. OSKA brings out two collections annually. The colours – which shift gently in emphasis, with each season introducing 20 new shades – are distinctive: rich, soft, subtle with diffuse subdued natural tones. There is a timeless simplicity to these clothes that is quite disarming – they have presence and authority, honest textures, sensual materials and lively surfaces. Warm nuances hold their own next to cool and shadowy neutrals. Black and white alternate with shaded hues of brown, blue and green. This is a wardrobe vocabulary to relish from day to day. Style coach appointments at OSKA are free of charge – and are a luxurious way of absorbing the new season’s style and finding just what works for you. ■
Waistcoat Mjelde, £339; Jacket Gisla, £289; Trousers Dixee, £229
Pullover Thiabé, £139
Pullover Lasja, £189
LEFT AND BELOW: Trying on my new OSKA look for the autumn
OSKA, 30 Upper Borough Walls, Bath; uk.oska.com
Skirt Lomma, £229 Oska Scarf Pemea, £89
THEBATHMAG.CO.UK
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octoBER 2019
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thEBATHMagazinE 23