From beauty queen to designer: Catriona Gray launches upcycled bag collection
She can sing, host, model, and now design bags, too? What can't Catriona Gray do?
The former Miss Universe unveiled her "Enviro-Chic" bag collection—her first-ever design project—on Tuesday, Sep. 10, 2024, at the Newport World Resorts. The line features three bags in different sizes, and it is made from upcycled materials.
In collaboration with Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, the bag collection is made by Filipino artisans and communities supported by a local enterprise that upcycles used tarpaulins to create new products.
“I love beautiful things, but gusto ko maging practical sya. Ayoko ng aesthetic lang sya pero people won’t use it,” she said during an interview with PhilSTAR L!fe after the event.
“Naisip ko rin paano gagamitin yung tarp in a way na hindi mahihirapan yung mga artisans like with the cutting and the labor that goes into it,” she added.
Megaworld Lifestyle Mall said that through this project, they approximately collected 9.9 tons of used tarpaulins to turn them into stylish and eco-friendly bags.
The bag collection includes a tote bag that is perfect for running errands, a 3-way folio for different occasions, and an essentials bucket that can fit small everyday items.
How to get one?
The Enviro-Chic bags will not be available for sale, but instead will be exclusively given as a freebie for those who meet the purchase requirement.
Shoppers will receive the essential bucket bag with a P3,000 purchase, the 3-way folio bag with a P5,000 purchase, and the tote bag with a P7,000 purchase.
To claim the bags, shoppers must present their receipts at the designated redemption booths in Eastwood City, Uptown Bonifacio, McKinley Hill, Lucky Chinatown, and Newport World Resorts.
The bags will only be available from Sep. 13 to Oct. 31.
During her reign as Miss Universe 2018, Catriona championed Filipino textiles, proudly wearing them at various events. She also became an ambassador for One Town, One Product, a government initiative aimed at promoting local goods throughout the Philippines.