Charles & Keith ambassador Zoe Gabriel's fav picks from the Spring Summer 2023
Good quality bags and shoes don't have to cost an arm and a leg.
In January 2023, the Internet went ablaze when teenager Zoe uploaded an unboxing of a Charles & Keith bag on her TikTok account “Zohtaco” with the caption "thank you dad". Nothing wrong with that, except that the netizens griped with how she referred to the S$80 Charles & Keith bag as "luxury". Charles & Keith bags are generally priced below S$200.
As the story unfolded, Zoe revealed that luxury is comparative. She said: “Your comment spoke volumes on how ignorant you seem because of your wealth. To you, an S$80 bag may not be a luxury. To me and my family, it is a lot... I can’t believe I got hate over a bag that I was so excited to have.” Indeed it's surprising and shocking how a simple video made with pure joy and excitement can generate so much hate. The video currently has 4.5 million views. Take a look below.
The brand subsequently invited Zoe Gabriel and her father to lunch and a tour of the office premises. By now, we all know that the teenager has emerged from cyberbullying stronger than ever. This International Women's Day, Zoe Gabriel has officially become Charles & Keith's Brand Community Ambassador modelling the purple Alia bag in support of UN Women's ‘Storytelling for Gender Equality’ programme. 20% of this special edition Alia bag proceeds will go towards funding the UN Women's 'Storytelling for Gender Equality' programme.
Shop the Alia Chain-Strap Crossbody Bag
Together with other netizens who expressed their support and empathy towards Zoe, here at Yahoo Life Singapore, we have, more than once, gushed over how well-made Charles & Keith products are and are proud to tote the local brand's bags and shoes. Here are some picks similar to the tote Zoe got that caused all that brouhaha, as well as the latest Spring Summer 2023 Tubular Slouchy Hobo Bag and the Sinead Woven Trapeze Heel Buckled Sandals of her choice. Some models and sizes are already sold out, so hurry and cart them out today. Zoe is not the only one with an eye for quality merch, celebs and influencers are loving it as well. Read on for more deets!
Read: 6 steps to empower yourself and other women this International Women's Day
Spring Summer 2023
Shop the Tubular Slouchy Hobo Bag Shop the Sinead Woven Trapeze Heel Buckled Sandals
Petra Curved Shoulder Bag
Comes in 5 colourways
Double Handle Tote Bag
Available in 4 colours
Rabbit Illustrated Tote Bag
Available in 4 colours
Osiris Swirl-Print Metallic Accent Tote
Available in 4 colours
Singapore-born brand Charles & Keith has made Singaporeans proud since its debut in 1996. The quality, style and range of products keep getting better. And the result is evident. Spotted on international celebrities and influencers like Yoyo Cao, Aimee Song, Tamara Kalinic and Tamu McPherson, the brand has come a long way since its humble shoe store in Amara Hotel Singapore. In 2021, the Gabine Saddle Bag was sold out within days of its launch. Those of you who have missed its launch, fret not. The previously sold-out Gabine Saddle Bag is coming back, again, due to popular demand. Yes, the bag was relaunched and sold out too! You can now pre-order. Available in six colours.
True to its fast-fashion roots, you will not be disappointed with Charles & Keith’s wide range of products ranging from shoes, bags, accessories to even jewellery and kids’ products. Its style runs the gamut from classy, quirky to trendy. There's something for everyone and at extremely reasonable price points. A quick check on its website, and you will see why the brand has over 300 stores internationally. For the quality, style and range of value-for-money products the brand regularly pushes out, you are due for the street cred you have been coveting.
The bags, shoes, sunglasses and accessories we wear and carry daily are extensions of our self-identity. Let these one-of-a-kind accessories do the talking as you make a splash while carving a niche for yourself at work, having a night out with the gals or enjoying a relaxing weekend with your S.O.
Here are our Yahoo Shopping team’s picks for the prettiest bags, shoes, sunglasses and small leather goods that look good and are so versatile you can probably carry or wear them to any event.
Now that we are returning to the office more regularly, this is the best time to shop for Charles and Keith's Spring Summer 2023 collection!
Charles & Keith Spring Summer 2023
Charles & Keith Classics
Koa Square Push-Lock Shoulder Bag, S$89.90
Available in 4 colours.
Coda Floral-Print Top Handle Hobo Bag, S$69.90
Bag ladies alert: Try something different
When it comes to accessories, steer away from staid and boring silhouettes and colours. These unconventional bags, in all shapes and sizes, are sure to spark joy whatever the occasion and guaranteed to elevate your street cred.
Tip: Details are what will make your outfit pop, so be sure to pay extra attention when selecting the right ones. Accessories with one-of-a-kind designs make for great conversational starters as well.
Wren Acrylic Chain-Handle Trapeze Bag, S$79.90
Asymmetrical Shoulder Bag, S$59.90
Pre-order only.
Small leather goods
Who says functional items cannot come in quirky designs? These micro Gabines and phone pouches may be carried on its own or worn with another handbag.
Tip: Never sacrifice functionality for designs.
Micro Gabine Two-Tone Saddle Bag, S$53.90
Aspen Ruched Phone Pouch, S$56.90
BFF-approved shoes
There’s no such thing as too many shoes, as Carrie Bradshaw will tell you. These pretty, comfy shoes, when paired with the right attire, can bring you from day to night.
Tip: No matter how much you love a particular pair of shoes, wear them on rotation. This helps the materials to breathe as well as allows your shoes to last longer.
Hart Slingback Platform Sneaker Mules, S$65.90
Houndstooth Flower Embellished Slingback Mary Janes, S$53.90
Woven Fabric High Top Sneakers
Sunglasses
Keep the sun's rays at bay with a trusty pair of shades. Did you know sunglasses help you prevent the formation of crow lines formed by squinting your eyes?
Tip: Pick one in a similar colour accent as your outfit when planning a more cohesive look.