The collaboration has produced not one, but three beautifully designed bags collectively dubbed as “Enviro-Chic.” Fashioned mostly from used tarp, the bags come with inside pockets and other features that make them a cut above the usual eco bag. The various combinations of upcycled tarp used mean no two bags are exactly alike.
The country’s fourth Miss Universe dabbled into designing anew. Megaworld Lifestyle Malls and sustainability advocate Catriona Gray, Miss Universe 2018, are elevating sustainable shopping to fashionable heights with a new collection of upcycled bags designed to inspire a greener lifestyle.
Driven by a vision to blend eco-friendliness with style, the Megaworld Lifestyle Malls X Catriona Enviro-Chic Bag features the creative genius of Catriona, who breathed new life into upcycled tarpaulins collected by Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, reimagining and transforming them into three fashionable and functional bags that are perfect for daily use and for every lifestyle.
Catriona’s first foray into designing was back in 2018 when the then Miss Universe hopeful designed her now-iconic ear cuff inspirted by the Philippine flag’s sun and stars.
“We are deeply grateful to have partnered with a visionary and like-minded individual like Catriona, whose unwavering commitment to sustainability and green initiatives perfectly aligns seamlessly with our own values and mission,” says Graham Coates, first vice president and head of Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, during the bags launch at Newport World Resorts.
The Enviro-Chic Bag project brought together communities and mall partners of Megaworld from across its township estates and lifestyle malls. Through this initiative, approximately 9.9 tons of upcycled tarpaulins were collected and transformed into stylish and eco-friendly bags.
“I was very flattered when Megaworld approached me to collaborate on the Enviro-Chic Bag. My inspiration was to create something that was both practical and nice to look at, with the intention that I want people to use these bags. I designed them to be versatile and appealing, so they become a part of people’s everyday lives. You can see this intention woven into every aspect of the design,” says Catriona.
Megaworld Lifestyle Malls X Catriona Enviro-Chic Bags are all uniquely designed, with each bag having its own distinctive concept, style and functionality. Available in black and taupe colors, the bags feature a versatile, gender-neutral design. Stylish and practical, they make the perfect companion for daily activities.
The large tote is an ideal carry-on for daily use and leisure activities. The bag can be worn either as a handbag or a shoulder bag with its alternative long strap. This makes it the perfect accessory for beach outings, trips, shopping, or running errands.
The three-way folio offers versatile styling options: it can work as a backpack, messenger and, if you remove its straps, clutch. It features a padded insert for laptop protection, along with compartments and pockets for accessories and gadgets. A secure zipper ensures laptops remain and protected during transit.
Originally designed as a water bottle holder, The Essentials Bucket is a compact solution for carrying everyday essentials. It includes a front pocket for mobile phones, keys, and small items such as chargers and hand sanitizers. The bag features an enclosure that securely protects the water bottle and keeps all items inside the bag safely organized.
Cationa’s designs came to life through the skilled hands of Filipino artisans and communities supported by the social enterprise SIDE B Upcycling Retail Inc. Each bag is a unique masterpiece, meticulously handcrafted to ensure no two bags are alike.
The Enviro-Chic Bag project goes beyond fashion, providing sustainable livelihood opportunities and empowering local craftsmen with meaningful work that honors their artistry and supports their communities.
Megaworld Lifestyle Malls X Catriona Enviro-Chic Bags are not for sale and are exclusively offered to make the shopping and dining experience of customers more rewarding.
Shoppers who will meet the purchase requirements can present their receipts along with 35 pieces of clean and used PET bottles at designated redemption booths at Eastwood City, Uptown Bonifacio, McKinley Hill, Lucky Chinatown and Newport World Resorts.
For the Large Tote, guests can present a P7,000 single receipt purchase, while for the 3-Way Folio, a P5,000 single receipt purchase is required. The Essentials Bucket, meanwhile, can be availed of with a P3,000 single receipt purchase.
All receipt purchases must be dated within the promo period of September 13 to October 31, 2024. For complete details and mechanics, customers can visit www.megaworld-lifestyle.com.
The collected plastic bottles will be turned over to non-profit organization Plastic Credit Exchange (PCX) for upcycling and repurposing, helping promote a zero-waste circular economy.
“The importance of projects like these, especially being an advocate myself, is that if I can make a small difference, I feel very fulfilled. And, hopefully, it shows as an example to other creatives out there that they can make small initiatives that can make a difference,” says Catriona.
“By engaging and enjoining our communities and mall patrons in this sustainability endeavor, we hope to pave a greener path towards fostering a zero-waste lifestyle and jumpstart a positive circular economy that will nurture a new generation of eco-conscious shoppers dedicated to a more sustainable lifestyle,” adds Graham.
