Women on the Go
Four amazing and stylish women talk to us about why Louis Vuitton’s OnTheGo bag suits their dynamic lifestyles even in these challenging times
Today’s women are extraordinary. They have transcended and challenged traditional perceptions of femininity and are leading the way in various sectors of modern society. They exude strength, grace, wisdom and resilience—always on the go and rising to the challenges of these unusual times.
For women of such high calibre, the designers and craftsmen at Louis Vuitton created the OnTheGo tote bag, the perfect carry-all for the woman who is, well, on the go.
We spoke to four such women who are at the top of their respective fields to see how they have made best use of their time during this pandemic, how they have adapted to the way life has changed, what continues to drive them in the face of the difficulties that have come their way and why they all agree that Louis Vuitton’s iconic OnTheGo tote is their bag of choice.
MARGA NOGRALES: LOOKING AT THE BRIGHTER SIDE OF THINGS
The vibrant woman behind Kaayo Modern Mindanao has spent a great deal of time championing the indigenous weavers of her homeland through a unique social enterprise that incorporates traditional patterns into modern clothing to create a truly unique Filipino aesthetic.
One would think that the pandemic would have cramped her style, but Nograles found herself making the best of her new situation.
“My lifestyle shifted from running all over the place to building a sustainable business at home, setting up online, training our weavers and beaders via Zoom, and going out only when necessary,” she says, recalling the flurry of activity she experienced at the start of the pandemic. “Before the pandemic, I was all over the place running from one meeting to another, planning shows, shoots, new collections, dinners and trips. [At] one point, I was actually wondering if I could keep up with my crazy calendar.”
Indeed, things were so hectic that when the spectre of Covid-19 loomed over the country, Nograles was actually grateful that things came to an almost complete standstill. “I welcomed the ‘pause’ that the pandemic forced upon us,” she admits. “Finally, I had an excuse to say ‘no’ and rest.”
Regardless of the shift from on-site to online that she has taken, Nograles says her LV OnTheGo remains her constant companion.
“I love big bags, even at home!” she declares enthusiastically. “[And Louis Vuitton is a classic and the
OnTheGo is a timeless piece I can use over and over. My big bag goes everywhere with me [both at home] and on my out-of-town trips. It’s a must-have; it’s a ‘throw in your mask, alcohol and face shield’ kind of bag.”
For Nograles, the sudden shift has also made her realise what is truly important to her: family, work and friends.
“I strive to be strong for [my husband] Karlo and my kids. I let my husband know that I am here, supporting him in everything that he chooses to do. For my kids, I lead by example. They see my devotion to Karlo, my work and my lifestyle, and I hope this inspires them. And they inspire me as well.
“For my work, I have made a commitment to our partner tribes, and they depend on me; so, I cannot let them down. I must keep going to make sure that they will be okay. And, of course, my friends: they’ve kept us sane.”
ROSENTHAL TEE: GRACEFULLY ADAPTING TO THE SITUATION
Working in fashion calls for one-on-one interaction between designers and clients. However, when social distancing and a strict need to keep workplaces sanitised and virus-free became de rigueur to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, designer Rosenthal Tee found herself in an unusual situation.
“My industry requires [that I get] up close and personal with my clients,” she explains. “[A] major adjustment that I had to consider was to become more conscious about my surroundings. I had to instil in my staff and myself the need to practice strict hygiene guidelines to ensure the safety of everyone we interact with.”
It was a difficult adjustment to make, but Tee is grateful that this has not stopped clients from seeking her out to create amazing pieces of wearable art. Indeed, keeping busy has enabled her team to support their families, something which gives each one feel secure and appreciated. Clients are, likewise, very appreciative.
“Seeing my clients so happy wearing my pieces keeps me on the go,” she says. “Nothing beats the thrill I get whenever I see that I’ve done a great job in dressing up my clients for their most memorable milestones in life.”
Designers work with their hands, so Tee needs hers free to make adjustments to a garment. Fortunately, the shoulder strap of her LV OnTheGo allows her to have everything close to hand as she works.
“I absolutely love the OnThego!” she enthuses. “For me, the killer detail is the shoulder strap so I can keep my hands free! I also like the simplicity of its structure and use of the iconic LV Monogram. It’s a no-fuss style that enables me to move around with all my important things comfortably tucked into the bag.”
“It’s a classic. It’s sophisticated and, when you pair that with functionality, it’s a relaxed, easygoing piece that goes perfectly with my style as well as my new life as a mum” —SOFIA ANDRES
CAMILLE CO: KEEP GOING AND DO BETTER
A “can-do” attitude is what drives style influencer Camille Co.
“My passion for my work pushes me to keep going and to do better despite the circumstances,” she says. Indeed, up until recently, Co prided herself on being able to strike a balance between her work and personal life, travelling from one destination to another and trying out new experiences.
So, when the pandemic hit, she found herself staring full into the face of some necessary changes—the most life-changing of which was the birth of her first child, daughter Sienna Elea, last year.
“It was a rollercoaster of emotions,” she admits. “My life used to be so fast-paced. The pandemic has pushed me to learn to slow down and to stay put.”
This, however, doesn’t mean that Co has dropped her drive to keep going; on the contrary, it has helped her to stay on her course.
“This is what I’ve realised during these difficult times: in order for me to keep going, I need to stop every now and then,” she says. “When I find my creative juices running low, I take a step back and allow myself to take a breather.”
A woman as driven as Co needs a bag that suits her dynamic way of life, and that is why the OnTheGo is her favourite tote. She loves the fact that Louis Vuitton has also adapted its styles to suit the needs of the modern women.
“I love that Louis Vuitton is always evolving, [that’s what] makes it an exciting brand to follow,” she says. “The first time the OnTheGo bag was released, I immediately fell in love with it. I love a good catch-all bag that just works.”
SOFIA ANDRES: PRIORITIES AND PASSION
Actress Sofia Andres is the type of person who knows and understands her priorities.
“[For me, a woman on the go] knows what to put first and how to make the most of that,” she explains. “She is on top of everything and is always ready when she is needed by the people she loves.”
Indeed, for one so young, a strong ethic grounded in a keen sense of responsibility characterises Andres’ approach to life and her career. As she puts it, “I make sure that I stay productive and tick off something on my priority list every day. Small accomplishments can lead to big successes.”
But Andres is also willing to learn from and adapt to changing circumstances. The pandemic has made her rethink her habits and distinguish between needs and wants. “[In terms of designer brands,] I don’t buy as much as I used to,” she says. “I’ve become wiser with regard to my spending.”
In doing so, she has a deeper appreciation now for Louis Vuitton, a brand long known for excellence in its craftsmanship and for products that are in keeping with its core market’s lifestyle.
“It’s a classic,” she says of her LV OnTheGo tote. “It’s sophisticated and, when you pair that with functionality, it’s a relaxed, easy-going piece that goes perfectly with my style as well as my new life as a mum.”
For all four ladies, the LV OnTheGo tote is certainly an ideal choice for everyday living. Stylish yet functional, each bag is crafted with Monogram Giant canvas, and sports the Monogram Reverse pattern on the sides. Toron top handles make it easy to carry, while shoulder straps allow for flexibility of movement—just the thing for the woman of today.
Discover more of the OnTheGo Collection as Louis Vuitton opens its flagship store in Greenbelt 3 this October. The OnTheGo is available in PM, MM and GM sizes, as well as in canvas and leather finish.