Has luxury gone too far? I tested a $350 water bottle to find out
If you often find yourself thinking the world has gone mad, give this a read
It's often quite easy to become disillusioned with the world of luxury goods. High price tags and exuberant designs can often leave the average Joe feeling like it's a world not really built for them.
But how do we know when luxury goes too far? We've seen a slew of wacky and wonderful pieces over the years, like Louis Vuitton dumbbells and Tiffany and Co building blocks.
Recently, a company called Okapa reached out to see if I'd like to test their water bottle. The line that stuck with me described the product as a "$350 water bottle reframing hydration as a luxury design object." Of course, I had to see what all the fuss was about.
What's so special about the Okapa water bottle?
Any good product designer – even those making wacky objects for luxury designers – will tell you that form must be as prevalent as function. Simply put, the thing has to work before you can make it look fantastic.
I think that's where the Okapa bottle shines. While there's nothing especially groundbreaking in the design – it is, after all, a silo with a spout on the top, much like any other water bottle you'd buy – the way it is crafted is pretty impressive.
All of the plastic parts, for example, are crafted from a material called Swiss Grilamid TR-90, while you'll also fine German Borosilicate Glass inside. The glass bottle is then protected with a shock-absorbing suspension, to minimise the risk of shattering in daily use.
Elsewhere, you'll find a leakproof design courtesy of a quartet of silicone seals, which are designed to give peace of mind when travelling with the bottle in tow. There's also a locking mechanism on the top cap, which prevents unexpected opening of it while in transit.
All of that is encapsulated within an aluminium shell, which is stylish and definitely gives a premium feel. The design features an array of holes, which is a unique look.
Form vs function
To me, the whole design feels like a battle between form and function. Once you scratch beneath the surface, it's easy to see just how well made this bottle is.
Little things like the rubber grommet on the base to protect the glass from impacts, or the satisfying way the mouthpiece clicks into place are signs that someone designing this bottle has taken real care in the process.
It's not perfect – there's no thermal management to keep liquids cool, which I only realised in the midst of a heatwave. Really, at this price, that feels like an oversight.
I also think the locking mechanism on the cap only goes so far. Sure, it stops you from being able to pop the lid, but the entire cap can still twist off with relative ease. I'd like to have seen that also get locked, to save a tidal wave in your backpack.
But overall, I think you'd be willing to pay a premium for something so well engineered.
Form is a little different. The design has been a real love-it-or-hate-it exercise, as far as I've seen, with some adoring the design and other loathing it – one even claimed it triggered their trypophobia!
But I think that's more forgiving. Luxury goods have always played fast and loose with designs, and are rarely intended to be all things to all people. Personally, I think this design is decent – fairly conservative by luxury standards, and very sleek feeling.
Is the Okapa water bottle worth the price?
This is where I struggle to justify things. Because despite everything I like about this bottle, I just can't imagine a world where you'd spend US$350 (approx. £260 / €305 / AU$500) on a water bottle.
As I've said, I really do appreciate the mechanical design, and from a technical standpoint I'd certainly be willing to pay a premium. But it's still a league away from what this costs.
Having pondered this for a while, I actually think the reason is nothing to do with technical points, but rather the design. It's a little too safe for something so bold, and that lessens the perceived value for me.
If the brand can come back with a second version which addresses some of the missing specs and plays with a more daring design, we might just have the next trend on our hands.
