After getting “hate” online for describing the Charles & Keith bag her dad gifted her as a “luxury” item, Singapore-based Pinay teen Zoe Gabriel is having the time of her life.
The 17-year-old, along with her dad, finally met with Keith Wong, one-half the fashion house’s founders, over lunch and even toured its headquarters.
This, as revealed by Zoe herself, in the snaps she shared on her Instagram account on Thursday.
“We had such an amazing opportunity to visit @charleskeithofficial’s headquarters, and learn more about the behind-the-scenes! It was so fun, everybody was so nice and accommodating.”
Zoe expressed gratitude as she talked about the wonderful experience she had, alongside photos of her and her dad at the Charles & Keith headquarters.
She furthered, “We had the chance to sit down with Keith and get to know their company a little better.
“Thank you to everybody who has shown their support!!! without you, we would never be here.”
Aside from the Charles & Keith tote bag, Zoe was seen donning a pair of black satin platform sandals from the fashion brand in the photos.
Zoe’s TikTok video showing her excitedly unboxing the Charles & Keith tote bag she got from her father went viral online after naysayers shamed her for deeming it as a luxury brand.
Nevertheless, the teen also received an outpouring of love and support from netizens who commended her for showing humility.
“The Classic bag. Looks great for work and interviews. ?. And ignore the haters- they don’t know Charles and Keith are, in fact, Louis Vuitton owned,” said a TikTok user.
Charles and Keith, a Singaporean fashion brand founded by brothers Charles and Keith Wong in 1996, sold a 20 percent stake to luxury giant Louis Vuitton in 2011.
Zoe, on the other hand, had the best response to the criticisms online.
“Everyone’s life experiences and financial circumstances will be different from yours. Remember that what is cheap for you may be everything to another,” she wrote.
Despite the negative comments, she still found herself grateful for the hardwork and effort her dad put into purchasing the bag priced at S$79.90 (approximately P3,314).
“To you, an 80$ bag may not be a luxury but for me and my family it is a lot,” Zoe replied to a now-deleted comment of a basher.
“I’m so grateful that my dad was able to get me one. He worked so hard for that money.”
Local brands and establishments such as Takagi Ramen, Kimistry Hair Botique, and Thrifty Thieves have also offered Zoe some deserved treats.
Zoe also revealed “exchanging emails” with American TikTok star turned IMG model Wisdom Kaye, who tweeted that he was going to give the teen “luxury bag(s) with her name on it.”
