Yesterday, June 24, Viva Artists Agency hosted a press conference for its newest ward, Kelsey Merritt. Admitting to missing home, her family, and friends, the US-based Filipina-American model hopes that with Viva handling her modeling and endorsement gigs in the Philippines, she’ll have more opportunities to come back and visit.
After answering a round of questions about modeling and body positivity, Kelsey was asked what her three favorite bags are and she went a step further and mentioned four after being prompted by the afternoon’s host, Phoemela Baranda. We would probably list the same set if we had them in our closets.
Check out the bags she picked out below.
“I love my Bottega Chain Pouch. I got it in Milan before the pandemic hit. That’s my number 1.”
A follow-up to the brand’s ultra-popular clamshell Pouch bag, the Chain Pouch, made with calf leather and a gold-colored ring chain, was part of Bottega Veneta’s Spring-Summer 2020 collection that was set for release last April. Seeing that Kelsey was spotted walking the streets of Milan with this in tow last March tells us the model was among the lucky ones who got first dibs on the piece.
“I also love the Dior Saddle.”
The Dior Saddle Bag made a comeback in the Fall season of 2018 after it first won fashion’s favor 2 decades earlier. It's iconic shape was given an update with the addition of a detachable guitar strap for the current preference to wear purses across the body. Kelsey’s monogrammed piece is one we’ve seen worn by fellow stylish gals, Heart Evangelista and Sarah Lahbati.
“A classic Louis Vuitton duffle bag.”
The Louis Vuitton Keepall is well-loved by many for its classic silhouette that’s as elegant as it is roomy. Like its other owners, Kelsey uses hers as a carry-on when she travels (as seen in the photo she posted above), and likely as a weekender or model’s kit, too. This versatile piece that comes in multiple sizes really is for keeps.
“I love the Fendi [bag]. I got it at a vintage shop in Tokyo, and I haven’t been able to put it down. It’s literally my go-to bag.”
Many fashionable treasure hunters like Kathryn Bernardo and Rei Germar have cited Tokyo as a favorite haunt for vintage items. It’s no surprise that Kelsey did some digging herself during her trip there. The reward for her efforts was a ’90s classic—a Fendi Baguette. Based on the number of appearances it's made on her feed, it really is her go-to bag. She also seems to have scored another one in a lighter colorway. Lucky girl!
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