Ordinary Oddness

Ordinary Oddness is a collection of accessible bags designed for those with diabetes. Celebrating fun, colour and the everydayness of the condition, Megan Neville works with a range of vibrant materials and colours to produce high-quality, high-end bags with enough storage for diabetic medical supplies. Inspired by experiences of growing up with the condition and looking at cell structures, Megan has worked to create detailed, cellular-like patches and sequin embellished covers for her designs.

Megan has grown up with Type One Diabetes since her diagnosis in 2005. Frustrated with the lack of cute bags with enough storage compartments for her supplies, she has designed contemporary, structural bags in the shapes of medical equipment for a growing market. Megan’s choice of handbags has stemmed from a lifelong passion and their ability to represent a wearer’s personality through a singular object. The unique factor of Megan’s designs is the interior compartments and the bold designs based on something sensitive for many people. Alongside these designs, the artist aims to create glamorous evening accessories that contain enough space and compartments for equipment so those with diabetes don’t have to compromise on beauty and style when it comes to going out. Megan wants to break down stereotypes and stigmas surrounding the condition and make it fun and exciting for those who deal with the day-to-day elements of Type One Diabetes.

Megan breaks down and organises her materials based on their colours and textures to create new surfaces and haphazard palettes. The artist’s use of neoprene, chosen due to its colours and water-proof elements, brings an unusual fabric into the high-fashion world. Through the use of detailed hand embroidery, she mixes decorative and practical elements to create a sense of equilibrium.

Producing enlightening and colourful objects, Megan wants to raise attention to diabetes and bring a moment of fun and solace to those suffering from the condition by incorporating beautiful accessories into their lives that are fit for use. The number of people diagnosed with diabetes is rising yearly, the market for these kinds of accessories is ever-growing, and Megan hopes to provide a unique product to fulfil these needs.