Oliver Tress is the visionary British entrepreneur behind the highly successful lifestyle retailer, Oliver Bonas. From humble beginnings to leading one of the UK’s most loved brands, Tress’s journey is one of creativity, business acumen, and resilience. Over the years, Oliver Bonas has become synonymous with eclectic homeware, stylish fashion, and thoughtful gifts. Here’s a closer look at Oliver Tress’s life, career, and the company that has reshaped UK high street retail.
Early Life and Education
Oliver Tress was born in May 1967 in Oxfordshire, England. Coming from a family that wasn’t necessarily tied to retail, his upbringing would still play a significant role in his future entrepreneurial path. Tress’s education took him to Marlborough College, a prestigious independent school in Wiltshire, and later to Durham University, where he studied Anthropology.
Though his academic background wasn’t rooted in business, his interest in understanding cultures, human behaviors, and different societies would later influence the way he built his business. It’s said that his studies in anthropology helped Tress understand how consumers think and what types of products resonate with them, skills that would prove invaluable in retail.
Oliver Tress The Birth of Oliver Bonas
In 1993, at the age of 26, Tress founded Oliver Bonas, a brand that began with a single store on Fulham Road, London. He used £3,000 of his own savings to open the first store, which was designed to reflect his personal taste for unique and stylish items. Initially, the store specialized in handbags and jewelry, products that Tress personally sourced from trade shows and his travels around the world. The store’s name came from his then-girlfriend Anna Bonas.
From the very start, Tress set out to create a space where people could find quirky, well‑designed items that weren’t available in the mainstream. This idea quickly took hold, and his distinctive approach to curating products resonated with customers. His focus was not just on selling products but on creating an experience for his customers — one that would make them feel they were getting something different from the usual high street offerings.
Growth and Success of Oliver Bonas
Following the success of the first store, Tress expanded his business. The brand started offering a range of lifestyle products, from fashion and accessories to homeware and gifts. The appeal of Oliver Bonas lay in its ability to offer beautifully designed products at accessible prices, appealing to those who appreciated style but didn’t want to pay exorbitant prices.
The brand’s eclectic aesthetic — mixing modern, chic designs with a touch of the quirky — made it stand out on the British high street. Over the years, Oliver Bonas expanded from its original location to more than 80 stores across the UK, making it a major player in the British lifestyle retail sector.
By focusing on in‑house design and developing relationships with global suppliers, Tress ensured that the company maintained a unique identity. This strategy has allowed Oliver Bonas to stay ahead of trends while maintaining an individual charm that customers love.
The Brand and Its Influence
Today, Oliver Bonas is known for its range of stylish, well-designed homeware, fashion items, and thoughtful gifts. The brand has become synonymous with eclectic yet functional design, and its stores are filled with everything from chic clothing and jewelry to unique home decor and seasonal gifts. Whether it’s a statement necklace, a beautifully crafted piece of furniture, or a gift for a loved one, Oliver Bonas offers products that appeal to those who seek something a little different.
Tress’s commitment to quality and design has helped create a loyal customer base, while the brand’s thoughtful curation of products has made it a go‑to place for those who want to add something special to their homes or wardrobes.
Oliver Tress Personal Life and Family
Oliver Tress has kept much of his personal life private, though certain details have emerged over the years. He married Gina Coladangelo in 2009, a key figure in the company’s marketing and communications department. They have three children together and shared a life that balanced family and business.
However, Tress’s personal life has occasionally entered the public spotlight, particularly due to the high-profile affair involving his wife Gina Coladangelo and Matt Hancock, the former UK Health Secretary. The affair was exposed in 2021, causing significant media attention and public scrutiny. Following the scandal, Tress and Coladangelo separated, but Tress has since kept a relatively low public profile, focusing on his business and family.
Despite the personal challenges, Tress has maintained his leadership role at Oliver Bonas, continuing to drive the company forward with innovation and an eye for style.
Business Philosophy and Leadership Style
Oliver Tress is known for his hands-on leadership style and his personal involvement in every aspect of the business, from the design of products to the expansion of the brand. His philosophy revolves around quality, individuality, and creativity. He believes in offering products that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional, and he has always placed a premium on offering a unique selection that can’t easily be found elsewhere.
Tress is also a proponent of ethical business practices and sustainable sourcing, which is evident in the company’s focus on carefully selecting materials and working with trusted suppliers to ensure quality and responsibility. Over the years, he has built a brand that balances business success with a strong commitment to design and sustainability.
Oliver Tress Net Worth and Financial Success
As of 2025, Oliver Tress’s net worth is estimated to be in the tens of millions of pounds, thanks to the continued success of Oliver Bonas. The company’s profitability and expansion have contributed to Tress’s financial success, and his involvement in retail design and curation continues to be a major influence in the industry.
Oliver Bonas’s strong financial position is not only a reflection of its retail success but also its adaptation to the modern retail landscape, including its growing e-commerce platform. The brand’s continued expansion and popularity with customers across the UK and beyond are testaments to Tress’s business savvy and vision.
Oliver Tress Legacy
Tress’s legacy is one of creativity and success. From the humble beginnings of a single store to the flourishing Oliver Bonas empire, he has proven himself to be a formidable force in the UK retail sector. His ability to combine design sensibility with commercial success has allowed him to build a lasting brand that resonates with modern shoppers.
The continued growth of Oliver Bonas is a testament to his vision and leadership, and it is clear that Tress’s impact on British retail will continue to be felt for many years to come.
Conclusion
Oliver Tress is a British entrepreneur whose creation of Oliver Bonas has left a significant mark on the retail industry. From its unique product offerings to its commitment to quality and style, Oliver Bonas has become a household name for consumers who appreciate thoughtful design and distinctive homeware. Despite personal challenges, Tress has remained a committed leader in his business, continuously adapting to the changing landscape of retail and setting a standard for future generations of entrepreneurs.
His journey is a prime example of how creative vision, hard work, and a dedication to excellence can lead to long-term success and cultural influence.