Any type of insult can be painful, but those directed at a person’s financial status can be particularly hurtful. Zoe Gabriel, a teenager from Singapore, experienced this type of ridicule when she shared a TikTok video in January 2023 featuring an $80 purse from local retail brand Charles & Keith, which was a gift from her father. Excitedly unwrapping the bag, Gabriel referred to it as a “luxury” item, but her joy was short-lived due to negative comments she received, including one that stood out to her.
The comment, which has since been deleted, read “Who’s gonna tell her?” and was accompanied by a laughing emoji. In response, Gabriel posted an emotional video in which she tearfully explained why the purse was so meaningful to her, given her background of growing up with limited financial means.
Referencing a popular bakery in Singapore called BreadTalk, Gabriel explained how her family’s financial situation growing up made even simple purchases, such as bread, a luxury. “Every time we passed by a store, my parents would just say next time, but next time would never come,” she shared. Given this context, Gabriel expressed why the derogatory comment about her $80 purse was so hurtful and thoughtless. “While an $80 bag may not be a luxury to you, for me and my family, it means a lot, and I’m incredibly grateful that my dad worked hard to get it for me,” she said.
After Gabriel’s emotional video gained attention online, it caught the eye of the founders of the Charles & Keith brand, Charles and Keith Wong, who were reportedly impressed by her story. The Straits Times reported that the brothers invited Gabriel and her father for an exclusive tour and lunch at the company’s headquarters. But that was not all – the brand went a step further and posted a photo on their Instagram page in honor of International Women’s Day, featuring Gabriel as a model with a lilac-colored Charles & Keith bag, and announcing her as their new brand ambassador.
While it should be obvious to let people enjoy things, unfortunately, on the internet, common decency is often disregarded. Nevertheless, Gabriel’s story serves as a heartwarming reminder that despite the ignorant comments, there are still people who aim to uplift others. Despite the initial ridicule, Gabriel appears to have bounced back, sharing videos of herself enjoying life, from wining and dining to dancing and traveling. To her, this seems like the ultimate luxury.
