After more than 90 years of developing organisers in hundreds of new designs and colours, Filofax felt it was time to pay homage to its roots, and the result is The Original.The Filofax design team looked back at the most popular Filofax designs and pared everything down to the essentials. Beautiful in its simplicity, The Original is made from extra thick leather which provides all the structure the organiser needs, without the need for any complicated internal engineering. All the instantly recognisable Filofax features such as the traditional popper and strap closure were also incorporated into the design. You can see, feel and even smell its quality. Assembled by hand in Britain, using traditional skills, The Original will certainly stand the test of time.
The Original is available in a classic soft brown and a retro green but the design team also recognised the need for people to express themselves and be ‘original’ in every sense, so they added a range of strikingly contemporary colours and finishes. There is an orange and a bang on trend yellow, as well as a rich patent purple, fuchsia and black. Finally, for the most fearless fashionistas there is also a full-on fluoro pink and orange.
The finishing touch was to give the signature look a stamp of authenticity. As well as a ‘made in the UK’ badge, a coloured ‘Original’ popper was also added on the strap – and The Original Filofax was reborn.
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The Original organisers are available in personal and A5 size from 30th April 2013 and are priced from £60 to £80.
Filofax has also created a fabulous range of Original Key Rings in matching colours priced at just £10.
[Update] I've been sent a couple of photos to show how the pen loop works on the inside cover
Hmmm. Not sure how I feel about this one. The outside looks real nice. I like that simple classic look. But, what's that black part on the insides? Is that an elastic strap for pens and stuff? Interesting...
ReplyDeleteI think they're multiple pen loops for a whole set of colour pens.
DeleteI love the bright colors, and I must have one of those tiny key chain Filofaxes! I too am wondering what that black strip in on the inside is.
ReplyDeleteSpotted the keyring in the Doodle video and asked Filofax if they were for sale. I'll be in London next week and planning to pop into the Conduit St store for some paper supplies. Hoping to see the new line on display.
ReplyDeleteWhich day(s) are you in London? Chance of a coffee around Conduit St? I'm in town Wednesday/Thursday 1st/2nd - email me? davidpopely (at) googlemail (dot) com !
DeleteI was in Conduit St just yesterday. They have only Fusion and pens from new range. No Back to school, no Doodle, nothing.... When I asked about key ring, the ladies didn`t have a clue what I`m talking about.
DeleteHi Katka, I was in Conduit St today and they had the keyrings in - I bought 2, (see my blog!)opps, I only went in for some paper!
DeleteThe new Original binders weren't in yet and I asked about Doodle - not likely to be in store. I ordered my Doodle from the FF website some weeks back and within a week ordered another and shipped it overseas to a FiloPal, but the practice material sample material was missing, still waiting for that :-(
Hi David, have sent you an email. Coffee catch up in town would be great. I'll be near Marble Arch - two stops from Conduit St.
DeleteLove those tiny keychains!
ReplyDeleteThat's more like it. Back to basics. There's no longer a need for those who want a proper, rugged leather binder to buy one that's thirty years old. "Complicated internal engineering" is an odd way of describing cardboard, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteI think the black strip must be fore pens as there doesn't seem to be a pen loop. Have I missed it?
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, WANT. But only if they bring it out in Pocket size.
ReplyDeleteI'm especially pleased that at least some manufacturing activity is happening in Britain. I'm hoping that "assembled by hand in Britain" doesn't just mean someone joining together the constituant parts.
ReplyDeleteI do have to smile at "the Original will certainly stand the test of time" bit, given that the second ring down on the green binder appears to be missaligned, when you zoom in for a closer look. Hopefully just a trick of the light.
A good effort, but making an "English" binder on a budget, and calling it "original" means that the opportunity for future marketing of higher quality filofaxes, differentiated by their manufacture in the UK, to original quality standards, has perhaps been lost.
Filofax have played their two trump cards, namely the ones marked "original" and "Made in Britain", and it's not a great hand.
I thought I would like this, but on closer inspection I'm not sure. I don't like the external stitching and the inside, nor the elastic bit. Also if there is a pen or similar inside the FF then it will be very lumpy to close.
ReplyDeleteLove the outsides. Insides, not so much.... the keychains are cute.
ReplyDeleteInteresting....none of these are on the UK website as yet.....
ReplyDelete'from 30th April 2013' so I suspect soon after then David.
DeleteI will be reviewing a sample soon, not arrived yet... I will be giving it the full treatment, detailed photos and comparisons etc.
Steve I'll be very interested in your review of this binder!!!
DeleteSteve, do you know which colour the sample will be? The purple Original seems to be glossy but brown one looks mat.
DeleteHelen, no sorry I don't know which colour I will be receiving yet, I gave them a few preferences based on the ease of photographing the organiser, rather than personal preference.
DeleteI will be doing a review as soon as it arrives.
Steve
I like the look of the yellow and the green ... I suppose the elastic strip is for anything that'll fit - notepad, pens, phone ...? I need to see Steve's review when done, and loads of photos!
ReplyDeleteI've gotten used to the slots and pockets and pen loops but really - I can accomplish the same thing with inserts. A good percent of pockets and slots never work for me because one or another is too big or too small or my pens don't fit. I'd have to get used to seeing it like that but I don't think I'd have any problems making it work and I SMACK DAB LOVE that keychain - I want them all. That purse/bag/bookbag - is that part of it too or is that something else.
ReplyDeleteI hate to be a killjoy but I'm not so pleased with it. It appears to be a "hard" leather rather than a beautifully full-grained leather which I associate with the "real" Filofaxes of old. You know, the ones that soften and gain a lovely patina with age and use. These look almost plastic to me - especially those they are calling "patent leather". The purple looks almost "Domino-ish" and the inside of the pink one looks like a Domino as well. I was really hoping the new "Original" would be a lot different than these appear to be ... The black inside front cover strip looks to me to be for a jot pad rather than for pens since a load of pens stored there might make it bulkier when closed?? but then there is no pen loop anywhere else ... Have you all seen the purply-pink teaser on Filofax Facebook today? Looks like the Songbird fabric cover almost. Like the color but want to see more ... In sum, I'm not a fan of the so-called "Original". sorry ...
ReplyDeleteDitto to everything you've said, Marianna!
DeleteBut I do want a keychain :)
Hi Marianna and Claudia,
DeleteSame goes for me. Maybe it's just on the pics, but to me it looks rather plastic and cheapish. Perhaps it looks different in real life?
And I have already ordered a keychain from Webster's Pen Shop. Still waiting for it to arrive. :)
I agree entirely. Original it is not. A great shame as the market for the true originals is there. I have my 1986 black filo (no idea what design because I really don't care) which is battered, dog chewed and elderly. I have an osterly which is very smart but is showing its age already......
DeleteMariana I have a prototype in Personal size in the patent purple. I also expected it to be hard and stiff but it is supple and lays flat immediately. The patent shine is shiny but not plasticky. The leather is one thick cut, and inside the binder you can see the reverse side of the leather, it is not covered by fabric at all so you can see both sides of the leather. It feels really nice in my hands and is very very smooth.
DeletePeople who are expecting a Winchester revival will be disappointed. The Original is more retro-cool than vintage. But like I said it is full leather, and the details are nice.
I'll have a full review with tons of photos when I get the post-production model in a couple of weeks. I'll even have photos comparing it to my Domino and you'll see there is a big difference!
I will stick with my Winchesters, thank you. Recently acquired a Mulberry in Oak leather, pocket size. Wow, made in England, and just drips with quality, I could not ask for better. To bad the personal size rings don't fit Filo inserts, or I would be ordering one of those also.
ReplyDeleteInteresting. I will need to see one of these in the flesh to come to an opinion. From the pictures I appreciate the direction they are going in.
ReplyDeleteWhy can't they just reissue the Winchester?
Because that would make sense...Joshua
DeleteLove the idea, the 'made in UK', the leather, and the integration of 'new' colors and design... I really hope this binder lives up to my expectations (contrary to other Filofax products of late...). Can not wait for your review Steve!
ReplyDeleteI can't help but agree with Neil. A return to UK manufacture (or assembly) and a product called The Original, should surely have been the opportunity to produce an expensive, upmarket, quality organiser based on a replica of a model (say The Winchester) from the high point of Filofax (1986-8). This is not the original or even anything like an original.
ReplyDeleteI also feel that these press releases, full of subjective spin and hype as they are, should be shown on Philofaxy in inverted commas or at least be identified as a Filofax press release. It is a matter of opinion (and not fact) that this model is "beautiful", that "you can see,feel and even smell the quality" and that "it will certainly stand the test of time".
So that just leaves The Charleston and some iPad covers still to come out. I'm not getting over-excited. Are you?
Amen, Tim. And no - I am not excited. Far from it.
DeleteTim, I agree. A replica Winchester would have been good.
DeleteI also think that a clear distinction should be made, between editorial comments and statements issued by Filofax. Whilst the difference is likely to be clear to regular readers, newcomers may not be so sure.
However, despite a mixed reception, I'm sure we all agree that Steve is doing a great job in the reporting of news from "Filofax Towers".
I will definitely be buying one to give it a go. I'm really interested to see how the quality is (of both the leather and the rings).
ReplyDeleteReally? Am I the only one tipping over from laughter at the "for the most fearless fashionistas" bit ....?
ReplyDeleteOkay, on the Original: I quite like the plain looks, but I'm very suspicious of the thick leather. I would be very surprised to see this baby laying flat ...
The key chains have printed rings, that's a pity.
That satchel thing looks nice. Don't suppose I could carry one (I guess a 43 year old woman wearing a schoolbag would look a bit odd, no?), but I could try to talk one of my daughters into one ... (muhahahahha - evil laughter).
Okay, Filofax. What else have you got?
I was wondering about the flat issue, too.
DeleteIt does lay flat.. I've seen a photo of a personal one laying flat.....
DeleteI have a pre-production sample of the Personal size and I can confirm it lays flat even empty. Totally flat as a pancake with pages in. I'm getting an actual post-production model in a couple of weeks and I'm assuming it will also lay flat. I will have tons of photos and details in my review post! :)
DeleteLoving the exterior design... Weird black elastic thing to hold bigger pens perhaps?? But why black and so big? It could have been so beautifull! :(
ReplyDeleteMust have those keys chains!!! Are they making the bag as well?? It is a beauty! If not, who is it from?
Those key chains are too cute. I hope they come to the USA site so I can get my little paws on one. Any colour is fine I am not fussy lol. I know I have asked this a few times, but I am honestly not sure if there was ever an answer. How do we find out what is going to be available on the USA site, or any other site for that matter.
ReplyDeleteI was in London today and bought 2 of the keyrings! I'll be back in London next week, just saying...not enabling or anything!
DeleteA Filofax like this would look great with my cambridge satchel, i'm just not sure on the inside as yet :)
ReplyDeleteWas really hoping for some pocket models. Most of the releases have been personal/A5. Love the colour range for this model...
ReplyDeleteAre those fasteners or binder screws on the spine? (I don't know what they are properly called) on the yellow and greens one at the very at top? Not sure I like that.
ReplyDeleteI love the bag that is show in the post. Is that an item they're bringing out as well?
ReplyDeleteIm so excited! At last a new Filofax that has class! I absolutely love the pink! I would have to get a pink Cambridge Satchel to match! I love the fact that it looks so simple around the edges too. This will def be on my must-have purchase list next month! If you havent already please feel free to Follow my blog, as any new Filofaxes I purchase will be shown there and some reviews of course. http://stationaryaddictsanonymous.blogspot.co.uk/
ReplyDeleteIm extra excited about this Filo!
Hi Everyone.
ReplyDeleteJust to be clear, the satchel bag shown in the images above is not a Filofax product, it's only reproduced here to give some 'style pointers' as to where The Original fits in with other products.
For those of you that haven't seen this sort of bag before, they have become very popular in UK and in fact our very own Anita has one and has blogged about it on her site: My Cambridge Satchel Anita has also done a video as well:Video
I will hopefully be adding another photo to this post later today to show typical usage of the pen loop on the inside front cover. But I will cover this in detail in my review anyway.
Steve
Zatchells also sell the same type of bag but in a wider range of colours, patterns and finishes.
DeleteI watched Anita's video over the weekend and that convinced me to buy a 13" purple satchell from them over the weekend. Well that and the half price sale!
There's also a British based company called The Leather Satchel Company who hand craft these satchels. I own 4 of their satchels and the quality is suburb. I researched lots of different companies when choosing who to buy my satchels from and I found this company to be the best. They even offer a 5 year guarantee on their bags!. Leather Satchel Co also lets you customise your satchel so you can have handles, monogramming and magnetic fasteners, etc put on them.
DeleteI'm not affliated with Leather Satchel Co in any way. Just want to put the word out there about this great family business.
This post makes me happy.
DeleteI received a custom satchel from The Leather Co. on Monday (it's perfect, the craftsmanship is impeccable!), and I'm looking for my very first Filofax (I think a personal sized one will fit perfectly in the front pocket of my 12.5" satchel) and of course I stumbled upon this blog.
I'm ordering an Original through a retailer in the UK. Keep your fingers crossed that it works out well!
The Original Filofax is made by The Leather Satchel Co - my satchel arrives on Monday, and it coordinates with my existing Malden, and matches my new original. Can't wait!
Deletehttp://ninegrandstudent.wordpress.com/
I really wish they'd bring out some Filofaxes in metallic colours...like bronze, pewter, copper, silver, gold etc, and in snakeskin/crocodile print too. Metallic colours are really in at the moment and 'go' with a lot more outfits/handbags etc. I love bright colours but find they can clash with outfits/handbags easier. Metallics are more neutral but not boring and very much in fashion too.
ReplyDeleteLucy I agree, metallic Filos would be gorgeous!!
DeleteStill hoping for a filo in vegetable tanned leather, that is true quality. For those lusting for a satchel, there are great satchels in ecological leather at swecase.com (not affiliated), email them for translation, great service! Would look dandy on beauties in their fourties! I suspect the elastic gadget holder of the so callled original wont last for long, like on the dominoes. My personal new year`s resolution was to by less stuff and to choose sustainable products as often as possible and I haven`t seen any of that in the current range.
ReplyDeleteI really don't like the pocket layout in the interior.
ReplyDeleteHaving the pens like that will make the Filofax so fat, and the pens will push down on the papers when the filo is closed and will leave indentations. And when a pen (especially a longer one) is in the right-hand pen loop, it would be very difficult to get cards in and out of the card slots.
I also think the notepad slot on the right is stupid, especially for the A5 size, as the only notepad you will be able to fit in it are the Jot pads made for the Flex!
I wonder if Filofax actually tested out the prototype???
I bought the yellow version in personal size. I kind of regret the decision now. I like the simplicity of the design, and the fact that it lies flat when open from day 1, but within 4 days of use the outside of the cover is already getting marked: my red nail varnish transferred to it while digging around in my bag (hasn't transferred to anything else) and now there are some grey marks (?possibly from keys) which I can't get off. I don't want to risk using anything abrasive in case it further damages the finish of the leather. Does anyone have any tips on how to remove marks from leather?
ReplyDelete