South Korean Bag Brand STAND OIL to Open First Manila Store

(SPOT.ph) No trip is complete without a shopping spree, and hardcore shopaholics have a checklist of stores to visit in fashion-forward Seoul. One brand attracting folks online and in person is STAND OIL, thanks to its trendy bag silhouettes and tasteful blend of Y2K aesthetic and contemporary sensibilities. No need to ask a friend on leave to pass by and buy a bag on a trip because the South Korean brand is setting up shop in SM Mall of Asia and it's opening sooner than you think.

Also read: South Korean Perfume Brand Born To Stand Out Opens First PH Store

There's a STAND OIL board-up on the ground floor of SM Mall of Asia, which is on the same floor as the recently-opened luxury Moroccan coffee brand, Bacha Coffee. There's no specific opening date on the board-up, but it did say it will open in November, which is just a few days away.

Also read: Coffee Lovers, Bacha Coffee Makes Its Philippine Debut With Two Stores in Manila

A quick scroll through your feed will inevitably show a bag from STAND OIL. The bags sit on the shoulders and live in the hands of many an influencer and content creators, along with the metro's stylish folks. To the uninitiated, STAND OIL is a Seoul-based label that offers vegan leather handbags and accessories sought out for their versatile designs meant for everyday wear. If the brand's bags are not carrying life's daily essentials, they're making special items for artists and celebrities like Jennie and KATSEYE to wear on stage.

The brand name actually comes from an actual high-gloss painting medium that preserves the brilliance of oil paintings over time, which mirrors their commitment to "crafting timeless values that remain radiant and meaningful through the years. By reimagining everyday moments, we uncover hidden gems and transform them into enduring forms."

Perhaps its most recognizable silhouette is the Chubby Bag—a slightly elongated bowler bag with a drop-shoulder strap and two flap pockets on the front—which retails for P8,300 and is available in five different colors.

If you're after the same east-to-west orientation with a more streamlined look, consider the Zuni Bag going for P9,000. Don't let the seemingly plain body fool you; this bag has one exterior zipper pocket on the back, two interior open pockets, and one interior zipper pocket. It has a zip closure to keep things in and a flexible, slouchy structure. Take your pick from four colorways.

Another bestseller is the Mushy Bag that comes in a standard size and a mini. Both sizes boast a zip closure, side-snap buttons, and a soft, draped body that carries a lot and gives ensembles a casual, laidback feel. The classic Mushy Mini Bag is sold at P7,600, while the bigger Mushy Bag is P9,000.

Need more room? The Breezy Bag is your best bet. Equipped to switch from being a top-handle to a body bag, this piece has a spacious interior and pockets, along with two exterior pockets. The standard Breezy Bag is available in three shades and is P10,400, but if it feels too big for you, a smaller Breezy Bag Mini goes for P9,000 and has the same signature look, extra strap, and space of the classic version, made slightly tinier for those looking for an in-between option.