Everything You Need to Know About the Christy Ng Pop-Up

(SPOT.ph) More and more foreign brands are finding their way to Manila's shores, bringing a fresh take on apparel, fashion, and accessories. The latest one to join this year's store openings is Malaysian brand Christy Ng, whose bags have been on the wishlists and carts of many Filipinos. If you've been meaning to nab a bag either online or through a friend vacationing in Malaysia, it seems like you won't have to jump through hoops to get your hands on one: Christy Ng is hosting a pop-up ahead of its permanent store opening later this year. Here's everything you need to know about it.

Also read: SPOTTED: Malaysian Brand Christy Ng Is Putting Up Shop in This Mall

Malaysian brand Christy Ng takes its name from its founder and specializes in women's footwear. Though it's known for its shoes, Filipino customers have their eyes on the bags, which are available in a variety of styles, colorways, and materials.

Prior to the pop-up, interested folks could get their fix online, as the site ships worldwide. The products shine thanks to the pictures and descriptions, but nothing beats seeing a bag IRL and falling in love at first sight. If you don't lock in on one bag, there's a rush in comparing bags and trying them on before fully committing.

The Christy Ng pop-up is located on the third floor of SM Megamall at the Fashion Hall. Bestsellers will be available for purchase until October 19, and you can drop by from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Their terminal accepts debit and credit cards, along with cash.

Do take note that lines form, with as many as 80 to a hundred people lining up on the first day, and a queue remaining persistent even at 6 p.m. Though we hope the hype settles down to a more manageable level in the coming days, prepare to wait. Staff suggest going early in the morning to get first dibs. Once in line, about 10 people will be allowed to browse the bags, then their orders will be taken and be given fresh stocks to purchase.

There isn't a huge gap in prices at the pop-up verus online. Differences in price vary per style, but there's more or less a P200 to P300 increase in prices for bags at the pop-up. It might seem steep initially, but it's way less than the P1,500 you have to pay for international shipping if you buy directly from the Christy Ng website.

Several silhouettes are available to purchase at the pop-up, with pink being the most popular colorway for the first day. Understandably, some popular styles sold out earlier in the day, but staff assured that they would continue to restock within the day and in the coming days. If the style you wanted online isn't available at the pop-up, it will most liekely be in stock once the permanent store opens its doors later this month.

Whether you already know what to get or you're completely new to the brand, we listed down the prices of some of the bestsellers for reference.

The Russo totes are some of the brand's top-selling bags, and for good reason. Featuring coates canvas printed with a tile pattern of the brand's monogram, two long shoulder straps, a cloth lining, and a detachable envelope pouch, the Russo tote can carry just about anything and everything. It comes in four sizes; The OG Standard size, which is the biggest of all four, the Medium, the Mini, and the Micro, which is the smallest. All sizes come with the envelope pouch except the Micro.

The large tote is P3,199, while the Medium is P2,999. The Mini, which is the smallest available at th epop-up, it P2,700. All three sizes are available in the Multi colorway, which is P200 on top of the regular price.

Another popular silhouette is the Alesso Hobo Bag, which comes in four sizes as well; Large, or standard (P3,299), Medium (P3,099), Mini (P2,899), and the Micro, which we weren't able to check when we visited.

The Alesso Hobo Bag is also part of the Cubic Garden Monogram Series and is crafted from lightweight coated canvas. Unlike its Russo sibling with two straps, the Alesso has one thick vegan leather strap that travels from one sie of the bag to the other so it sits comfortably on your shoulder. It has two magnetic closures so your things are safe, along with a zippered interior pouch for smaller items. If you're lucky enough to get your hands on the Micro when you visit, the bag may be petite in size but can still fit the absolute essentials and has an internal card pocket.

We also spotted other bags in varying colorways and sizes. For a versatile everyday bag you can carry two ways, consider the Malia Bucket Bag in a neutral shade. Made from supple vegan leather, the bucket-bag silhouette retails for P3,699 and ditches the classic drawstring and opts for a magnetic button flap. Carry it with ease using the top handle, or snap on the detachable shoulder strap for errand days when your hands are full. The metal rings on the sides are also invitation for keyrings, charms, and other anik-anik.

Chic, elegant, and understated, the Edith Shoulder Bag at P3,499 is the way to go. The minimalist design and classic colorways crafter in fabric seude easily pairs with wadrobe staples and can instantly elevate any OOTD. The oblong shape lets you fit glasses, a phone, wallet, and several lippies, and the two long straps leave enough room for your shoulder and arm. It also comes with two internal pockets for cards and smaller items. Don't worry about anything slipping out--the bag has a magnetic closure to keep it all in.

Daring to make a statement without sacrifing the bag real estate? The Lucia Woven Hobo Bag priced at P3,799 is your new best friend. Woven from strips of vegan leather, the Lucia has a slouch shape you can't miss. It comes with two slip pockets and one zipped pocket to organize smaller belongings, and a zipper for the main compartment so all your things are safe. Ideal for carrying a lot but not too much, the knotted shoulder strap sits nicely on the shoulder. We fell in love with the green version at the pop-up, but there was also a white iteration if you're looking for a more muted shade.

Come October 28, Christy Ng will open its permanent store on the second floor of Mega A in SM Megamall. It's still in the same mall as the pop-up, but the space will be bigger, with more styles and stock available. There were bags on the website we didn't see at the pop-up, and our fingers are crossed most of the catalog will hit the shelves!

The Christy Ng Pop-Up is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and is at L3, Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, EDSA corner Doña Julia Vargas Avenue, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City.

Also read: SPOTTED: Malaysian Brand Christy Ng Is Putting Up Shop in This Mall