Day 9: The ‘Mae’ Bag (Words by Jo Caruana)
Editor of Style on Sunday magazine and CEO of WriteMeAnything.com, Jo Caruana, interviews Mae Apap (who has since got married and become Mae Gera – congrats, Mae!) about her Charles&Ron namesake bag.
Mae Apap is one of Charles&Ron’s muses – and a truly beautiful one at that! Here she shares her memories of being told that one of the designers’ now-iconic bags would be named after her. “It was absolutely priceless,” she smiles.
How would you describe yourself?
I’d say I am a very open-minded person. I am also quite shy until you get to know me, but not at all once you do. As a beauty therapist I am constantly meeting new people and I love that aspect of my work.
What is your relationship with Charles and Ron?
I have actually known Charles and Ron for over 10 years now, and it is such a pleasure having them in my life. I consider them to be part of my family. It all began when they approached me to model for them a decade ago, and we have been firm friends ever since.
Was it a surprise when they told you they were naming a bag after you?
Yes! I had absolutely no idea, so it was a complete shock – but a very nice one. I wasn’t involved in the design process of the bag at all, but I instantly fell for it when I saw it. It’s elegance at its best and I absolutely love it!
What do you love most about it?
It’s the perfect blend of smart and casual. I love the colour – a beautiful greyish silver – and the square shape. I wear it often and enjoy dressing it up and down. It certainly adds oomph to any outfit.
So, how does it feel to have a bag named after you?
It’s absolutely priceless! And the fact that it’s a bag made by Charles & Ron makes it even more special. I can’t thank them enough.
Special thanks to Mae Gera for being part of this project, Jo Caruana for the lovely article, Carlton Agius for the photography, and the wonderful management & staff at the Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa in Attard for providing us with the premises and refreshments. To find out more about this collaboration, please click here.