After responding to haters, a 17-year-old who was ridiculed for calling her $80 bag “luxury” was invited to the brand’s headquarters

Luxury, a concept subjectively defined by individuals based on their circumstances and experiences, can evoke varied responses. What may appear extravagant to some might be considered reasonably priced to others, as individual perspectives differ depending on their income and spending habits. In this article, we explore the story of Zoe Gabriel, a 17-year-old girl who received a Charles & Keith bag from her dad, sparking a debate on what constitutes luxury.

Zoe Gabriel, a young Filipina living in Singapore, happily received her first luxury bag as a gift from her father. Eager to share her excitement, she filmed a video expressing her gratitude. However, the initial response to her video could have been more positive. Some criticized her for labeling the bag as “luxury,” arguing that luxury should be associated with high-end designer goods worth thousands of dollars.

Let’s turn to the dictionary to determine whether Zoe’s bag was a genuine luxury. Luxury is defined as “a condition of extreme luxury or elegance, especially when it comes at a high cost, “an unnecessary, coveted object that is pricey or difficult to obtain,” or “a pleasure obtained only rarely.” The definitions do not specify a fixed monetary value to qualify as luxurious. Instead, luxury is a subjective concept, varying from person to person.

For Zoe, the Charles & Keith bag was indeed a luxury. Her family had faced financial struggles; at times, even basic necessities like bread were considered a luxury. Thus, her father’s purchase of an $80 bag held significant value and sentiment. Zoe understood the relative nature of luxury and appreciated her father’s effort to provide her with something special.

Despite the initial negative comments, Zoe’s story resonated with many people. The online community rallied behind her, emphasizing that the perception of luxury is subjective and should not be used to belittle others. Charles & Keith, the brand of the bag, acknowledged Zoe’s story and invited her and her father to their headquarters for a special visit. The support Zoe received further reinforced the idea that luxury should not be confined to materialistic value but rather cherished moments and personal connections.

Zoe’s case sheds light on the issue of income inequality and its impact on societal perceptions of luxury. Individuals from low-income backgrounds often face judgment and ridicule for their inability to afford certain items or experiences. Studies indicate that children with lower-income parents are more likely to experience bullying related to their financial circumstances. This emphasizes the significance of empathy and comprehension. Luxury should never be a means to marginalize or isolate others.

Zoe’s experience reminds us that perspective shapes our luxury views. What may seem ordinary to one person might be cherished as a luxury by another. Instead of imposing strict definitions, we should embrace the diversity of perspectives and learn to appreciate the meaningful moments that bring joy and happiness to individuals, regardless of material worth.

@zohtaco

thank you dad 🥹

♬ Glitch – Just audios

Luxury is not solely about the price tag but the emotions and connections tied to an item or experience. Zoe’s story teaches us that it is essential to consider the diverse backgrounds and circumstances of others before passing judgment. Luxury is subjective, and we should celebrate how it manifests in each person’s life. So, what are your thoughts on Zoe’s story? Do you believe luxury is a personal choice, or does it have a universal definition? Share your perspective in the comments below. Let’s continue the conversation with empathy and understanding.