@@abolishthemonarchynow right! I've never even had my nails done in a salon. When I worked in retail, women grossed me out with all the ISH stuck under their fake nails! I know someone who died of an infection she got from the nail person who accidentally stabbed her skin on her toe during a pedicure and in her body the infection went wild. It would not be worth dying for!!
In my twenties, I wanted a "luxury" bag so much. I saved and saved. In my thirties, I finally could realistically afford one, cash down with no credit card. I couldn't do it. I didn't want to drop that kind of money in a single purchase. Now, in my forties, I realized luxury means being able to live a life without debts and not throwing my hard earned money away for what are simply mediocre items with a name attached to it.
I wanted a Gucci bag until a close friend of mine’s basically fell apart. She sent it to Gucci for service they kept it three months and told her she had to pay almost $500 for the repair. The purse was maybe two years old when this happened. She asked Gucci to return her bag without completing the repair. She took the bag to a local shop and they fixed it for $50 bucks.
I will never understand y folks pay soooo much for a bag with someones last name on it…😅 my parents are very well off. But never bought us designers. We had custom tailoring, private schools, travel and boarding schools. I am an adult now n i dont buy peoples names on bags. There r quality leather bags that costs less n r more beautiful.
I’ve personally had amazing experience with Gucci, my shoes fell apart after a year and they replaced them with a brand new pair. I’m surprised she had a bad experience with Gucci, they seem to be the only luxury company that still try to give customers the luxury experience (ie really pleasant associates who want to give walks in a beautiful experience). I do agree so much with the points of the video though, affording luxury doesn’t make you special whatsoever.
I bought a Gucci wallet. It scratched so easily I’ve only carried it twice. Luckily I didn’t pay full price abs bought it on the Real Real but i couldn’t believe the lack of quality
@@aeiou0123honestly custom tailoring is better value for money and better quality than what you’d buy from big name brands. Get a good relationship going with a seamstress and they can make you custom designs! The real rich person hack lol
My friend bought me the cheapest necklace Tiffany sells (less than $250 USD at the time) when he went to New York for a vacation. It’s basically the souvenir item for people who can’t actually afford Tiffany’s but want to purchase something. I loved him for it because it was so nice of him to think of me and I certainly couldn’t afford anything from Tiffany’s either, and $300 was a lot of money for either of us back then-still is. The chain was too short so he took me to our local Tiffany’s to get it lengthened. I was embarrassed to go in because I thought they’d be snobby and look down on us two rubes with our (relatively)cheap souvenir. They treated me and my necklace like it was a $100,000.00 piece of jewelry! Taking me to a sit down booth to work one on one with a jeweler to make sure I got it just how you wanted it and were so kind and welcoming. Now THAT’S luxury!
Mine (authentic) also has a smell inside! I don't know what's going on because none of my other products have the smell of the *regbags* bag. Called LV and they said it is normal and I can wipe the inside with a damp cloth. I thought the lining was suede but it's actually microfiber so I'm going to look for ways to remove the microfiber smell because the smell is keeping me from using it often.
I’ll never ever buy another designer bag again in life . I’m embarrassed to wear the ones I have and they’re sitting in my closet collecting dust. Now quiet luxury without logos, I can do. But even then give me a replica cause truth be told, there are no longer replicas, they’re all made in the same factory.
I like 3 things: 1. Real jewelery (everlasting and durable) 2. High quality clothing (natural fibres where possible, great build quality and form) 3. Exclusivity (nice looking items that not so many people have) I don't care if it comes from a big brand name or not
@@Goldieslaxx9 True, I've always been iffy about fragrance dupes/clones, but I did discover one that is a literal 100% match to the real thing but last longer, and is 8 times cheaper. So that one is my ONE exception lol, for now.
@@Leukick I usually buy the real fragrances they have many online retailers who sell them cheaper I found a bottle of Shalimar 3oz eau de perfume for 47 dollars and now the same website is selling it for over 100 dollars. Same with Mon guerlain I got two bottles same retailer for 37 dollars and now they want over 100 dollars for it. I find a lot of good prices on eBay too specifically with perfume monkey they used to have their own website but now they just sell on eBay. I got a bottle of Lolita lempicka sublime for less than 20 dollars it was limited edition. I've been ordering from them since 2005.
That’s what did it for me. To see entitled little brats being gifted these handbags for free, when I worked hard for mine, made me lose respect for the brands.
I would like to say that the LV I bought from *regbags* for less than $100 is of excellent quality. I have used it for four years, on planes, buses, everywhere. I made a point to smell the bag and compare the stitching colors. It is the most authentic I have ever seen. To this day, the bag is still going strong. It has been abused but the material is still great.
I sold most of my bags and now only use the *preluxz* Clutch. Perfect as an errand bag or evening bag. I am still an avid bag lover, thank you for your video and let more people know about it
I have never been concerned about if others have fakes and replicas, unless they are trying to pass them off as real to sell them. I also don’t think replicas and dupes are that horrible as they push brands to be innovative (the classic monogram print was created in part to fight off counterfeiting) which benefits us as design lovers.I guess I can understand folks not wanting the same bag as others, but if it’s a good *jklux* it would make sense that more people would want it, authentic or not
You can't protect most fashion designs unless it has a brand name on it. Making generic type clothing actually doesn't hold up in court, it needs to have something to identify it
This is why I don't buy these high end bags. I buy from a local leather company in my area that makes handmade handbags and wallets. Made right in America and very high end for an affordable price
The sales staff at LV are usually rude to me and treat me like I cannot afford the merchandise. I usually walk out without a sale. I went into Rolex to buy a watch but they said that I needed to be placed on a list and screened to see if they would sell me the watch. I went down the street and bought an Omega instead. The sales staff at Omega were amazing. They even let my 18 year old son try on watches and made him want a watch. I purchased an Omega Seamaster for him as well. I would rather be treated nicely than be snubbed. That is the way to earn a sale.
Good post. I had the same experience as you did. I was on a wait list for years at Rolex and honestly felt that they did not want me as a customer. The whole experience with the dealer was so off-putting that one day I went to Omega across the street and got a fantastic Planet Ocean. Great watch, great customer service, and out the door with what I wanted in 30 minutes. Rolex has jumped the shark..
@@maxine2798 I live in a country without nationalized care. I do not qualify for ACA plans either and I certainly don't make enough for private insurance.
Yup dental care isn’t cheap. I’ve spent thousands on crowns and a couple implants, and cleanings every 3 months. I buy high quality rep bags now, the real ones I have look no different.
@Quit3Cut3 Glad you were able to get dental work! Seriously I don't mind having a not designer purse with all the work I put it through. I'd feel foolish using one that cost a few thousand every day.
A friend of mine put her small black purse on my table. I didn't even notice it was LV. She said did you see my new purse it's LV. I said where? She pointed it out and said it cost $1500 I said what!? I thought it was a pencil case lol🤷♀️
@@joiil4814unless you live and work in a big city with people that would notice that sort of thing, then you buy it because u make enough to afford it and you genuinely love it and and know the quality. It’s not to flex in a middle or working class area, where no one looks twice at it and it depletes your savings or worse you stacked it on a credit card. Worse still, it’s the wrong color, wrong material, and you hate it, but hey you got this bag and it will surely help u for in. I dunno. 🤷🏼 foolish but genius on the marketers side.
My husband bought me a coach leather bag. 20 years ago. I still have it and wear it. It is soft leather all black no monogram beautiful. I still get compliments and it looks like they use to care back in the day. Still looks new. It is a bag you wear when you go out.
My cousin is a model and gets brand bags tossed at her left right and center, so she gave me one of her Guccis. Honestly, it's a nice bag, but quality wise no better than the 75 dollar Guess bag I own and honestly, some of the even cheaper bags in my collection, you're essentially paying for the name at this point.
I never forgot the quote from pretty Woman, when she come home devastatet and he says: Shops are not nice to people, they are nice to Credit cards. I always think of this when I see shops saying: Happy to have you Here, we missed you, etc.
@@stealthistip culture is OUTRAGEOUS. The parking garage deserves my tipping, you make my coffee, yes tip. But if I went to a fridge and grabbed my meal, no you don’t deserve a tip.
@@tarreemhacaruso2687some people that don’t tip are the same people who talk down the waiters and waitresses (breaks my heart to see friends treat staff that way) If the servers are good they definitely deserve a decent tip always
@@stealthisThey are not thieves taking your money 😂😂 you absolutely choose where to spend each and everyone of your dollars If you find restaurant you enjoy and the staff is good, that’s the type of establishment that deserves a tip Good quality businesses grow, and it keeps the workers happy and shows that you appreciate their efforts
Some people have not ever worked a job dealing with the general public and it shows Same type of people who are a big shot at work and assume the general public gives a rats ass what they do for a living People like people who are down to earth, you treat people good and you get the same back Treat people badly and good people see right thru it and act accordingly
My latest Italian bag is built like a tank. It does not show any logos. When I am out in public women admire it and wonder what brand it is. I have only found it for sale in Italy. Their web site is only in Italian.
great video. as a bag maker am agree with everything you said. and I'll add one thing on what you said: if you want feel luxury go to a bag maker and ask him to makes a special bag for your with your personal preference for material quality and color and design and everything. and with your own name on it. that will be special enough and would cost not more than a normal bag. and it would works for you for years.
@EdisMurillop what you get from the famous brands has nothing to do with quality, you pay that extra money just for the status of the company, you pay that extra money to could use their name in your lifestyle. that extra price you pay for it is just to buy a higher status level in society. I am a bag maker and I can guarantee you that famous brands do not give you better quality.
This!! I post a comment about custom made stuff every time I stumble upon a discussion about luxury goods. Getting something made especially for you, in high quality materials, with great craftsmanship at extremely competitive prices from a local artisan is where it's at. I discovered this purely by accident, and will never be caught playing the designer label game.
How am I feeling about luxury these days... well, my 5 LV bags have been in storage for months, and my current daily driver is a cute little green shoulder bag that I paid a whopping $20 for at Walmart if that tells you anything 😅 Luxury has lost it's appeal for me, I just can't look past the quality issues and ethics concerns anymore. And the audacity of designers to raise prices every year while delivering worse and worse products is just disgusting. Luxury goods are no longer any better than 'lesser' brands, and let's be honest- we've _always_ just been paying for the logos. My LVs and my Walmart bag are both vinyl, but at least the Walmart bag is 60% recycled material and didn't cost more than a mortgage payment. To me, luxury means buy-it-for-life items that can be passed down. Vintage Coach and Dooney are luxury in my eyes, but almost no bags made today would qualify. Maybe Hermes, but I have less than zero interest in ever participating in the humiliation kink that is the Hermes journey. That's another thing that soured me on luxury, the narcissism of these brands. Like where do you get off lol. It's just ridiculous when you really think about it. I can honestly say I do not want any more designer items unless they're vintage. I also just feel kind of gross carrying a designer bag when so many people the world over are struggling to survive. I'm pretty much done with luxury.
Facts dude. I only buy Coach, and only every few years. They are polite and their bags are still durable and well-made. I went to a LV store many years ago and the guy treated me like dirt and I've never given them a second thought since. Plus the ones my friends have these just look so cheap and just slapped together.
I used to be a label/designer snob. Nowadays, my favorite stores are Ross, TJ Maxx, Marshall's, and Burlington -- in that order. I can spot by sight and feel a quality item in a snap. My designer handbags now sit in my handbag display closet, and I haven't touched one in years.
I’m amongst the youngest generation exers, I have an education and a hyphenated last name, we were the ones who started making the same pay as men, we were told we could have it all and I have for the most part. I would never think about taking my hard earned money to impress or prove myself to shop owners or salespeople. I do see teenagers who want $1200 handbags when they work at department stores and don’t make that in a month. I literally will not pay more than $100 on a bag. I live in a very beautiful home on the side of a mountain and folks might think we spend on items like this but we just don’t. Bills, savings, retirement and college tuition are very important. I buy RL and Liz, we shop at Marshall’s and TJMAXX. I will tell you that Polo shirts hold up, their sweaters are high quality, any private school moms know that…my children lived in that stuff until they got old enough to want to pick their own styles. Some things are worth the extra but I will not simply pay for a designer name.
No one is forced to play a game to get any bag from Hermes. Not handing out items to any and everyone simply bc they want it and gave the money sounds like luxury to me.
@@ThaSweetHartit sounds like discrimination to me, if someone has the money and is only interested in a bag, but it is implied they need to shop more frequently and often by an SA. It’s also not a luxury to not be able to pick the specifications of your bag. dacob did a very good video on this, it’s ratchet to see how much a client rings up before you feel like being honest about getting them the bag they asked for.
It is luxury because you can’t just buy it on a whim even if you have money to burn. But for me the Birkin and the Kelly are bags only my Grandma would use, they’re so overrated for such a simple design! And the inspiration for the Birkin, Jane Birkin trashed her bag whilst others keep it in pristine condition is just laughable! 😂 And the Kelly inspired by Grace Kelly just proves my point that the style is so dated! Hermes tried to make their designs current with these weird concepts but for me are just gimmicky and ended up a big failure! Unless you decide to dress up like an old lady then I guess Hermes is the bag for you! There are other styles in their collection that are more modern looking but I cannot believe these people would wear their bags open because it’s just so difficult to open and close it is beyond me! Have you ever seen a Birkin on display with its flap tucked in the compartment of the bag? Never! It’s not a well thought of design and Hermes is laughing all the way to the bank forcing their clients to buy their non moving items which for me is the most clever marketing strategy! 😊
@@hankypandathanks! Thats what I meant! You have to spend more than what a Birkin bag costs to get invited to purchase one. That’s really silly if you ask me. Then you do this… just to prove a point that you CAN afford one just like Michelle said in her video 😢
Obviously I cannot afford luxury bags, but I remember for quite a while I was obsessed with couponing at CVS pharmacy, but I would spend money to save money, by spending money on things I did not need. I eventually quit that foolishness cold turkey, and I started getting emails from CVS pharmacy saying, "We miss you. Come back". I told my mom, "They don't miss me, they miss my money"
the luxury i have is: by the age of 48 i paid my house off, no car loans, no credit card debt, i work because i like to work and i dont have to hustle. when my husband an i were not so great financially i was hoping to have those "luxury" stuff.... now, i laugh at them.
Michelle, this video was such an eye-opener! 💡 You revealed so many truths about the luxury industry that we often overlook, especially how ‘exclusivity’ has become just another mass-market trap. Your insights really made me rethink my perspective on luxury brands. Thank you for sharing this honest look behind the scenes-I’m looking forward to more content like this!
I don't always wear makeup, however when I do, I wear a foundation with soft in it and it covers my problems areas and it helps the reoccurring psoriasis problems that pop up on the edges of my facial skin. I got it from Walgreens. 😊
I used to work in fashion. What you said is true. True luxury is still available but not to the masses. Bespoke services are true luxury. No one is the same.
Guess and Coach makes better quality bags than many high fashion house actually. The Chanel bag has nø craftsmanship. Made by machines in production line. This lady in the video is smart and wise. Listen to her and Ditch the labels folks and make better choices.
@ still has more craftsmanship than a chanel bag ergo more value for it's price however I completley agree with your statement. There are cities or towns all around the world where a simple shoulder bag can make you a target.
Luxury is traveling and financial freedom. Not slaving at a job to buy “things”, limited vacation and free time. It’s all psychology. Emotional spending at its finest. Thanks for dropping gems 💎
I love how you expose these luxury brands to make most consumers think before buying them. People have become more materialistic and desperate to impress others that they need to hear this.
A few years ago (2018) video is still on RUclips so you can search it, Payless did a social experiment to see if consumers (influencers) of high end goods really new what they were purchasing. Payless called the fake store (Palessi) modified the labels, designed the store really fancy. The catch, ALL the shoes were from Payless (low priced shoes). Big grand opening event, fancy red carpet, expensive horderves, nice looking models. One by one, the shoppers came in. Purchased the $15.00 shoes for $500.00 and up. Comments were heard, how wonderful, great Italian quality, etc., Well, by end of day, they were told, the store was a fake and the products were from Payless not Italian handmade. Moral of this: those who pay $2000 and up for items, don't really know quality, they just hear the name Gucci, Prado, Valentino and pay what is asked for low end unattractive products.
Birkin’s are a dime a dozen in Asia. It’s really crazy how many they are, even in the resales shops, you see at least 50-75 in one shop and they’re all authentic. It amazes me how people think they’re so luxurious when it’s so commonplace. Also I designed exotics and fine jewelry, I buy raw materials direct from the manufacture all over the world and let me tell you, if you knew what I knew you would NEVER pay retail for any of this STUFF. They have people in a chokehold whilst they are cashing in!
I’ve heard this, but I’m curious. I’ve never heard about the “Hermes game” in Asia. Is it the same as it is the US? Do the boutiques in Asia get sent more bags vs the boutiques in the US? Considering we know Hermes bags are a finite resource I’m curious how such a large concentration could end up in Asia.
Yes! Absolutely true. Took a coach bag with me on a year-long trip to multiple countries in Europe over 12 years ago. Did not have to worry about the bag at all through any weather or situation and it is still in wonderful shape! Still have and adore that Coach bag to this day!
@Pursey...I am carrying my black Coach made of thick, smooth black leather with quality findings. It's at least 30 years old and looks like the day I bought it
I found an LV bag, Burberry vintage bag, coach bags and more at the thrift stores. I have so many luxury items I never paid full price for and I don’t get the hype
@@Coffeetime1991 I think thrifting is the way to go as my late mother had us accompany her to the Salvation Army store for luxury clothing. My sister and mother wore the best of the best clothing and accessories. I still support charity shops as an adult.
I went to a small store that had mid range (Barbour, foxford, Magee, etc), for a pair of pants and I have NEVER been treated so nicely. Honestly I don't know if it was the sales person or the store, but I would go back just because of how respectful and nice the sales associate was.
i LOVED THIS VIDEO. There so many people who tie their emotions into their belongings. I used to be one of them. When I released that I bought so many things over the years that just collect dust, I stopped purchasing. Retailers prey on those emotions and do a good job at it. When I see the giddy expressions of unboxings, one would think they just ended cancer ..
You’re a crusader Michelle! Please DO NOT STOP making these videos. I have to admit that I got sucked into buying luxury bags. I still love them but I just can’t justify spending 3-4k on a bag. Entry level bags are now in 2k 😮. So I buy preloved. But the preloved pathway has its own issues that could take away from the whole luxury experience. This video is an awakening for me Michelle. The labor scandal is appalling. So much greed. Definitely slowing down with bag purchases. I will just enjoy what I have now. Thank you sis 🙏🏼❤
This is why I LOVE YOU! You keep it real like an older sister. I have learned so much from you these past years! Please continue to make videos like this to call these luxury brands out and educate our younger youth!
@@dialmstyle A major problem is that we need the magic again. The Arts generally and fashion and film especially NEED hope and fun and optimism again. Like 2000s Spiderman energy. We're sick of the era of the hipster where nobody is allowed to enjoy anything authentically. I even used to do this myself until I realised, wait, this is stupid because 1. either I'm wasting my time on something I don't even like or 2. I'm in denial if it's something I do like, why not just enjoy it? Life's too short.
I studied advertising during my time in university. One of the things we learned is something about different ways to add value to brand names, so people will associate the name to worth something and willing to pay for the high price.
What luxury means to me: Good health Good relationships Owning my own home Being 100% debt free Being able to afford experiences vs. buying things. Having peace of mind Not feeling the pressure to compete with anyone else
I do believe the luxury houses are feeling the pinch right now due to the economy and scandals. We are all feeling the effects of inflation and luxury is not on the average person's radar anymore. I own LVMH stock and it is not doing well now, with this said, LVMH is clever and they will figure out a new to draw people back in, but for now the stock is bad.
Definitely true. But I hope luxury sector and every sector in the economy sours and will force three companies to shake up and adapt while we adapt as consumers waking up.
You're so right. The quality you were once paying for (many, many decades ago) when you purchased a high-end brand is long gone. Gone are the days of these brands being craft leather workers. It's mass produced with a label slapped on
I never ever comment on a post . This is my very first time You brought so many things to the light . I had to break my rule. I have to say an outstanding job !!! Your explanation of what really is important and how you expose what is actually going on is eye opening . I even love your kind suggestion for how to purchase luxury items as an alternative, if you feel you still want too.
I'll never forget the looks on my daughters faces when I took them to Fujian to see the manufacturing facilities. All their beloved brands from Nike to "hype" brands, all made in 3-to-4 story buildings turned into factory floors filled with machinery and a handful of people bustling around each station.
I got caught up in the rabbit hole but now I’m so turned off by it all, the whole Dior thing really opened my eyes, back to mid range brands their more fun anyways ❤
You are amazing. I love how you tell it like it is. I hope young people see this. I have never bought a brand new luxury item. In fact I waited to buy all of my Louis Vuitton bags preloved. The reason why is because I’m very good at restoring things including houses, furniture, cars, toys, handbags and basically anything that requires detailing and cleaning. Last week I helped my brother restore his vintage car wheels and tires and they became brand new again. That’s why I buy pre loved. It’s the art of putting in the work and time to restore something back to its former glory. My lv collection is small. I only get what I need. I put a lot of time and energy into restoring my bags, accessories and that’s the buzz I get from restorations. My lv journey took years to happen. Research and thinking about a purchase for months or years. My collection is steam lined and minimal. Nothing I do t need. After all, I use my bags until they literally fall apart which is so awesome to me. Cause I know I truly got my moneys worth and still reuse my lv things. When my first speedy fell apart, I turned it into a vase to add some lovey faux ferns. Another time I just shopped online and replaced the handles myself. Another time I used the canvas to make 2 placemats for my table. That’s sustainably at its finest. 😊
I only shop now at Ross and TJ Maxx, but just occasionally. Most of my stuff were purchased from Goodwill and Salvation Army..😂😅 Merry Xmas and Happy New Year to you, Ms. Michelle..😊❤
Yep. When I see the prices vs quality at regular stores, I just can't make myself fork over the money lol. I get super nice, comfy, practically new clothes at Goodwill. A whole season for max 100 bucks.
I was SO into luxury I had at my peak around 15 bags - I now have 4 all canvas LV and rarely wear them. My purchases were made in my early 20s - and when I was in a point in my life where I wanted to show people I had value and status - I was in a very bad marriage to someone who also happened to share my image conscious sentiment. I now prefer coach bags, esp thrifted ones from 20 or so years ago- I prefer unbranded leather pieces, and I have tried a few contemporary brands like Tory Burch (quality is so so) I won’t go back to higher luxury because I know longer see it as having made it, I don’t live in the same bubble and I see that most people truly do find buying a coach to be a luxury where I am in the Midwest. I loved this video and all the points you hit.
I love Dooney & Bourke, and every single one of those bags have lasted me over a decade, no repairs needed. I would never waste the money on "luxury" or prestige brands when the mid tier brands are just as good, if not better.
I bought my first Chanel and Dior bags at 40 years old. In Houston they were just cold and detached and the experience was just like any other shop. In Dubai they were amazing, they showed me all their bags, let me try all the models. I am very happy with my bags and I love wearing them. The colors and the accessories are adorable. I have to say that they wear and tear just like any regular cheap bag so yeah, not much difference there! Also I have bought these boots from Chloe, they are sooo chic and I get compliments all the time wearing them. And I just love the way they look. I like to buy shoes from the brands because I love how amazing they look but I also find them extremely comfortable.
So true! I definitely fell through the rabbit hole and I have several purses I really love. The last bag I purchased when I was in Europe recently because it was less expensive and I got my VAT tax back. However, I’m going to enjoy the pieces that I have and stop the madness. You really explained that extremely well. Thank you for your transparency. I’ve definitely learned my lesson.
I once had money to spend on luxury, not anymore; however as a result, I do recognize all that you are talking about as being true. The quality is no longer the same and I would not recommend anyone wasting their time or money on such things anymore. It seems all for clout, attention, and self-importance that is displayed in a video. Anything can appear good in a video. You can actually feel the lack of quality when you see the items in person.
You cannot believe the amount of beautiful Coach bags I have gotten from Thrift stores & yes I verified they are real & in beautiful shape. The thrill of the hunt & the deals I got just make me so happy plus the excellent quality of bags, got a Juicy Couture tote, Rebecca Minkoff suede satchel, some as low as $30.00.
your take on everything was so refreshing and concise! I love how you pointed out a person's worth is not tied to what someone can or cannot afford.... definitely will be looking into a preloved LV as i've had my eye on one for awhile
The saddest thing about those 'luxury' bags is that no one will know whether it's a knock off or not, because they're that common place these days. I'd rather spend that kind of money on a leatherworker to design and produce a bag just the way I want it.
I absolutely love your page- direct, sensible, logical, intelligent, informative, and you’re not trying to sell anything to us just giving us expert opinion. I love that you do make great points about valuing our own experiences before bowing down to a label.
Thank you for this! These brands are living off name reputations made before the First World War, when the rich could buy custom made things that the common person could never hope to get. Those names were *purchased* in the mid century for brand development. Is it custom made for you? No. Is it made out of the best, most special materials? Also no.
The luxury journey is over for me. It’s a mass market and I feel silly carrying the bags around. I kept a few. Vintage Chanel and some silent luxury pieces and that’s it. It’s not fun anymore, the quality is off and I rather put my money towards travel and stocks. By the way Kering stocks are cheap at the moment 😂
My granddaughter doesn't even think of things like: A reputable furniture store, everything is now throw away. It seems like longevity in anything is a thing of the past. I love antiques... We need more "craftspeople" artisans!
Thank you so much for this video! I appreciate the exposé and the confirmation of both the value of being a nice and humble person as well as what I suspected, being that Coach is just as high quality (I think much higher in many cases) as many much more expensive brands. Sadly, I still feel like I "need" the Neverfull GM Spring in the City in Sunrise Pastel. 😅
For the longest time I wanted a chanel flap bag and then I thought where am I going to wear it? I'm retired and live very comfortable life but I go to walmart and the grocery store. I'm very happy I never did get the bag. It would be sitting in a closet collecting dust.
Here's the thing about fast fashion. If the item costs as much as a cheeseburger, the customer won't value it over a long period of time, and it will get tossed away, easily. That's why there's mass dumping grounds now, like what you can find in the Atacama Desert. If it didn't make you say ouch when you bought it, you'll just add it to the environmental statistics. The end consumer is to blame for that.
Yes, margins on all "luxury brands" is about an 80-96% markup from its original production price. Sometimes Truth Hurts, I know but there is only Absolute Love 💜 in Truth 🧚🧚🧚✌🏽 For an example some sources provide, a B.urberry scarf, t shirt, item, literally costs $6.99 to make, yet consumers are charged like $150.00, etc. Depending on the retail location. There is only up to about 2 or 3 exclusive distributors of all Luxury Brands. Happy Truth Seeking! Things to look for when searching for your next brand: Leadership, Mission Statement, Ethical Standards, and Private vs. Public 😘
When Bernard took over, I saw that high end stores recycle, reduce and reuse! I mean I am not rich but I swear I only saw the same fashions I grew up seeing. He didn’t reinvent the wheel.
There is a women in Northern California is sueing Hermes for not allowing her to purchase a Birken bag unless she spends thousands on crap she doesnt want, something about anti-trust. I hope she wins! Those are unfair and illegal business practices
Love the reality in this vid. I am learning about the materials used, stitching, design, etc and am not impressed with so much of the 'luxury' bag market at this time. Some stuff just looks so bad! However, in vintage 'luxury', I find truly beautifully designed and made bags. I appreciate a bit older BV and Loewe the most. Also recently spent £12 (ebay) on a vintage leather bag made 30 years ago by an Italian saddler, so we can find real quality and style where we're not so invited to look.
This couldn’t be more true. As a handbag designer for 30 years, I’ve seen firsthand the costs of creating accessory bags, suitcases, and handbags. The idea of luxury brands being “exclusive” has faded-they’ve gone mainstream like so many things eventually do. While I’m echoing sentiments already shared, I deeply resonate with them. I greatly respect handmade, American-crafted products-pieces born from human hands and creativity, not churned out by machines and falsely labeled as “exclusive.” Let’s face it: the luxury industry often boils down to making the wealthy even wealthier. If you’re fortunate enough to spend that kind-of money, why not redirect it toward something meaningful? Support an incredible charity, local church, wildlife conservation, or projects like building wells to provide clean water. There are countless ways to make a real difference instead of fueling the illusion of exclusivity.
I’ve only purchased 1 Luis Vuitton and it made me happy. Later got a Gucci, and the horse bit hardware unlinked and I never got another luxury brand. I like Dooney and Bourke, Coach , Longchamp and even Pom Pom London.
I just found your video. Thank you for this valuable info. To me it seems luxury brands target people who cannot afford them and have low self esteem. It is all an internal battle with ourselves.
That’s the reason why I stopped buying from LV in my country. I’ve bought a considerable amount including houseware and after my 3rd rude/ irresponsible SA, I told myself that’s it! I have more fun going to Loewe and BV even just to see what they have in store! Glad I’m already sick and tired of monogram and what I have right now is fine with me in fact I sold some of the useless LV bags I had and it was liberating! 😜
They should pay me money to carry those uncomfortable and heavy bags.😂😂😂
@@iwabell4434 🤣🤣🤣 winner!
i own nothing with a brand name, i dont wear make up or jewelry, or dye my hair!
@@abolishthemonarchynow right! I've never even had my nails done in a salon. When I worked in retail, women grossed me out with all the ISH stuck under their fake nails! I know someone who died of an infection she got from the nail person who accidentally stabbed her skin on her toe during a pedicure and in her body the infection went wild. It would not be worth dying for!!
Yep!
My Ralph Lauren travel tote weighs a ton, because It is made impeccably with heavy canvas and leather. I never have to replace it.
In my twenties, I wanted a "luxury" bag so much. I saved and saved. In my thirties, I finally could realistically afford one, cash down with no credit card. I couldn't do it. I didn't want to drop that kind of money in a single purchase. Now, in my forties, I realized luxury means being able to live a life without debts and not throwing my hard earned money away for what are simply mediocre items with a name attached to it.
This being able to work when u want and not being chained to a lender is key
This is actually my goal in life 🎉 hope you're doing great and enjoying life ❤
Very well 👏🏼 said agreed 👍🏼
So the point is some of us have to go through these stages in order to realise debt free is more important.
Wise decision.
You aren't their free walking advertising board either.
While celebrities are paid to wear them.
I wanted a Gucci bag until a close friend of mine’s basically fell apart. She sent it to Gucci for service they kept it three months and told her she had to pay almost $500 for the repair. The purse was maybe two years old when this happened. She asked Gucci to return her bag without completing the repair. She took the bag to a local shop and they fixed it for $50 bucks.
Same goes for jewelry. Go to a local jeweler and have them make a copy. Pay less and get better quality materials.
I will never understand y folks pay soooo much for a bag with someones last name on it…😅 my parents are very well off. But never bought us designers. We had custom tailoring, private schools, travel and boarding schools. I am an adult now n i dont buy peoples names on bags.
There r quality leather bags that costs less n r more beautiful.
I’ve personally had amazing experience with Gucci, my shoes fell apart after a year and they replaced them with a brand new pair. I’m surprised she had a bad experience with Gucci, they seem to be the only luxury company that still try to give customers the luxury experience (ie really pleasant associates who want to give walks in a beautiful experience). I do agree so much with the points of the video though, affording luxury doesn’t make you special whatsoever.
I bought a Gucci wallet. It scratched so easily I’ve only carried it twice. Luckily I didn’t pay full price abs bought it on the Real Real but i couldn’t believe the lack of quality
@@aeiou0123honestly custom tailoring is better value for money and better quality than what you’d buy from big name brands. Get a good relationship going with a seamstress and they can make you custom designs! The real rich person hack lol
My friend bought me the cheapest necklace Tiffany sells (less than $250 USD at the time) when he went to New York for a vacation. It’s basically the souvenir item for people who can’t actually afford Tiffany’s but want to purchase something. I loved him for it because it was so nice of him to think of me and I certainly couldn’t afford anything from Tiffany’s either, and $300 was a lot of money for either of us back then-still is. The chain was too short so he took me to our local Tiffany’s to get it lengthened. I was embarrassed to go in because I thought they’d be snobby and look down on us two rubes with our (relatively)cheap souvenir. They treated me and my necklace like it was a $100,000.00 piece of jewelry! Taking me to a sit down booth to work one on one with a jeweler to make sure I got it just how you wanted it and were so kind and welcoming. Now THAT’S luxury!
Customer service at Tiffany is actually very good they don’t play the snob game like Hermes
Nice post and nice friend!
The difference in staff training.
That is a lovely story.
Mine (authentic) also has a smell inside! I don't know what's going on because none of my other products have the smell of the *regbags* bag. Called LV and they said it is normal and I can wipe the inside with a damp cloth. I thought the lining was suede but it's actually microfiber so I'm going to look for ways to remove the microfiber smell because the smell is keeping me from using it often.
I’ll never ever buy another designer bag again in life . I’m embarrassed to wear the ones I have and they’re sitting in my closet collecting dust. Now quiet luxury without logos, I can do. But even then give me a replica cause truth be told, there are no longer replicas, they’re all made in the same factory.
Hi family. Then you can send or sell them to me. And or we can trade. I have triple AAA quality replicas
@@saqueradry3629IKTR 😂
You can sell.the bags online and get some of your money back.
i own nothing with a brand name, i dont wear make up or jewelry, or dye my hair!
Replica is just a word
I like 3 things:
1. Real jewelery (everlasting and durable)
2. High quality clothing (natural fibres where possible, great build quality and form)
3. Exclusivity (nice looking items that not so many people have)
I don't care if it comes from a big brand name or not
Exactly I’m the same way
Me too, some un trendy German label clothing is outstanding quality😊
The only thing I like is perfume high end or cheap doesn't matter but it's the only thing I would spend out on.
@@Goldieslaxx9 True, I've always been iffy about fragrance dupes/clones, but I did discover one that is a literal 100% match to the real thing but last longer, and is 8 times cheaper. So that one is my ONE exception lol, for now.
@@Leukick I usually buy the real fragrances they have many online retailers who sell them cheaper I found a bottle of Shalimar 3oz eau de perfume for 47 dollars and now the same website is selling it for over 100 dollars. Same with Mon guerlain I got two bottles same retailer for 37 dollars and now they want over 100 dollars for it. I find a lot of good prices on eBay too specifically with perfume monkey they used to have their own website but now they just sell on eBay. I got a bottle of Lolita lempicka sublime for less than 20 dollars it was limited edition. I've been ordering from them since 2005.
I'm so glad I didn't buy that Chanel bag last year, but a road bike instead. That was a real luxury purchase for me
That’s HEARTWARMING
Literally and figuratively
It stopped being luxury, when Influencers were being gifted handbags.
That’s what did it for me. To see entitled little brats being gifted these handbags for free, when I worked hard for mine, made me lose respect for the brands.
Very very true.
Agreed. What’s it worth if you can just gift it to these folks
Yes yes and yes!!!
Mac cosmetics was ruined that way for me. Not that it's luxury but when they were giving lipstick to influencers I quit buying it.
True luxury is not having personal loans, payday loans, credit card balances, overdrafts or student loans.
I would like to say that the LV I bought from *regbags* for less than $100 is of excellent quality. I have used it for four years, on planes, buses, everywhere. I made a point to smell the bag and compare the stitching colors. It is the most authentic I have ever seen. To this day, the bag is still going strong. It has been abused but the material is still great.
I sold most of my bags and now only use the *preluxz* Clutch. Perfect as an errand bag or evening bag. I am still an avid bag lover, thank you for your video and let more people know about it
Don't forget car payments
I have never been concerned about if others have fakes and replicas, unless they are trying to pass them off as real to sell them. I also don’t think replicas and dupes are that horrible as they push brands to be innovative (the classic monogram print was created in part to fight off counterfeiting) which benefits us as design lovers.I guess I can understand folks not wanting the same bag as others, but if it’s a good *jklux* it would make sense that more people would want it, authentic or not
And no car loans.
Save first, buy later.
Time is luxury. I feel sorry to see people lining up outside a store as free advertisement for brands, and still give them your hard earn money
Its ridiculous
Great point
💯amen🙏🏼🫶🏼
You can't protect most fashion designs unless it has a brand name on it. Making generic type clothing actually doesn't hold up in court, it needs to have something to identify it
I do too. Even at the outlets people lining up and queing it was horrible
This is why I don't buy these high end bags. I buy from a local leather company in my area that makes handmade handbags and wallets. Made right in America and very high end for an affordable price
That's luxury IMHO. 🎉🎉🎉
Agree❤
Send us the link to this place that you go to
Would share the information? I would like to purchase a few products.
I like your idea best
The sales staff at LV are usually rude to me and treat me like I cannot afford the merchandise. I usually walk out without a sale. I went into Rolex to buy a watch but they said that I needed to be placed on a list and screened to see if they would sell me the watch. I went down the street and bought an Omega instead. The sales staff at Omega were amazing. They even let my 18 year old son try on watches and made him want a watch. I purchased an Omega Seamaster for him as well. I would rather be treated nicely than be snubbed. That is the way to earn a sale.
👍👍
I bet there are nice LV sales and nasty Omega sales. It really is just the individual salesperson's work ethics and attitudes.
Good post. I had the same experience as you did. I was on a wait list for years at Rolex and honestly felt that they did not want me as a customer. The whole experience with the dealer was so off-putting that one day I went to Omega across the street and got a fantastic Planet Ocean. Great watch, great customer service, and out the door with what I wanted in 30 minutes. Rolex has jumped the shark..
i saw websites that *regbags* that carry lv and chanel new collection! like exact blue print and looks like high quality too.
I bought a Rolex with no problem. Maybe they've changed since the early 2000's?
Luxury to me is dental care. Medical treatment. Not items i can find a perfectly useful, affordable versions of elsewhere.
Most countries have nationalised medical care. It is great to have but it isn’t a “luxury”.
Healthcare shouldn't be luxury.
@@maxine2798 I live in a country without nationalized care. I do not qualify for ACA plans either and I certainly don't make enough for private insurance.
Yup dental care isn’t cheap. I’ve spent thousands on crowns and a couple implants, and cleanings every 3 months. I buy high quality rep bags now, the real ones I have look no different.
@Quit3Cut3 Glad you were able to get dental work! Seriously I don't mind having a not designer purse with all the work I put it through. I'd feel foolish using one that cost a few thousand every day.
A friend of mine put her small black purse on my table. I didn't even notice it was LV. She said did you see my new purse it's LV. I said where? She pointed it out and said it cost $1500 I said what!? I thought it was a pencil case lol🤷♀️
😂
@@joiil4814unless you live and work in a big city with people that would notice that sort of thing, then you buy it because u make enough to afford it and you genuinely love it and and know the quality. It’s not to flex in a middle or working class area, where no one looks twice at it and it depletes your savings or worse you stacked it on a credit card. Worse still, it’s the wrong color, wrong material, and you hate it, but hey you got this bag and it will surely help u for in. I dunno. 🤷🏼 foolish but genius on the marketers side.
😅😅😅
My husband bought me a coach leather bag. 20 years ago. I still have it and wear it. It is soft leather all black no monogram beautiful. I still get compliments and it looks like they use to care back in the day. Still looks new. It is a bag you wear when you go out.
My cousin is a model and gets brand bags tossed at her left right and center, so she gave me one of her Guccis. Honestly, it's a nice bag, but quality wise no better than the 75 dollar Guess bag I own and honestly, some of the even cheaper bags in my collection, you're essentially paying for the name at this point.
I never forgot the quote from pretty Woman, when she come home devastatet and he says: Shops are not nice to people, they are nice to Credit cards.
I always think of this when I see shops saying: Happy to have you Here, we missed you, etc.
I think the same about tip culture. Do you really care or are you being fake nice to take more of my money?
@@stealthistip culture is OUTRAGEOUS. The parking garage deserves my tipping, you make my coffee, yes tip. But if I went to a fridge and grabbed my meal, no you don’t deserve a tip.
@@tarreemhacaruso2687some people that don’t tip are the same people who talk down the waiters and waitresses (breaks my heart to see friends treat staff that way) If the servers are good they definitely deserve a decent tip always
@@stealthisThey are not thieves taking your money 😂😂 you absolutely choose where to spend each and everyone of your dollars
If you find restaurant you enjoy and the staff is good, that’s the type of establishment that deserves a tip
Good quality businesses grow, and it keeps the workers happy and shows that you appreciate their efforts
Some people have not ever worked a job dealing with the general public and it shows
Same type of people who are a big shot at work and assume the general public gives a rats ass what they do for a living
People like people who are down to earth, you treat people good and you get the same back
Treat people badly and good people see right thru it and act accordingly
I've never owned a bag like this, I used to get unbranded leather bags from Italy which were affordable and durable
Same i got 2 bags in venice quality leather that have lasted and only spent 160 bucks for both total
My latest Italian bag is built like a tank. It does not show any logos. When I am out in public women admire it and wonder what brand it is. I have only found it for sale in Italy. Their web site is only in Italian.
Name of the website please
@sydneyfairbairn3773 Name of the website please
great video. as a bag maker am agree with everything you said.
and I'll add one thing on what you said: if you want feel luxury go to a bag maker and ask him to makes a special bag for your with your personal preference for material quality and color and design and everything. and with your own name on it. that will be special enough and would cost not more than a normal bag. and it would works for you for years.
Love the perspective from a bag maker. I agree with you, this goes for anything, clothes, bags, make it unique to you! xo
@EdisMurillop
what you get from the famous brands has nothing to do with quality, you pay that extra money just for the status of the company, you pay that extra money to could use their name in your lifestyle. that extra price you pay for it is just to buy a higher status level in society.
I am a bag maker and I can guarantee you that famous brands do not give you better quality.
It just won't match the style and design of a designer item.
100% agree! I would rather have a custom made bag than a Hermes!
This!! I post a comment about custom made stuff every time I stumble upon a discussion about luxury goods. Getting something made especially for you, in high quality materials, with great craftsmanship at extremely competitive prices from a local artisan is where it's at. I discovered this purely by accident, and will never be caught playing the designer label game.
How am I feeling about luxury these days... well, my 5 LV bags have been in storage for months, and my current daily driver is a cute little green shoulder bag that I paid a whopping $20 for at Walmart if that tells you anything 😅
Luxury has lost it's appeal for me, I just can't look past the quality issues and ethics concerns anymore. And the audacity of designers to raise prices every year while delivering worse and worse products is just disgusting. Luxury goods are no longer any better than 'lesser' brands, and let's be honest- we've _always_ just been paying for the logos. My LVs and my Walmart bag are both vinyl, but at least the Walmart bag is 60% recycled material and didn't cost more than a mortgage payment. To me, luxury means buy-it-for-life items that can be passed down. Vintage Coach and Dooney are luxury in my eyes, but almost no bags made today would qualify. Maybe Hermes, but I have less than zero interest in ever participating in the humiliation kink that is the Hermes journey. That's another thing that soured me on luxury, the narcissism of these brands. Like where do you get off lol. It's just ridiculous when you really think about it.
I can honestly say I do not want any more designer items unless they're vintage. I also just feel kind of gross carrying a designer bag when so many people the world over are struggling to survive. I'm pretty much done with luxury.
So true
Yeah people are really struggling in this economy, it makes you appreciate the value of your money and not to just splurge it on some bag.
@ especially if it’s something that you have to take what they give you. No thank you I will find better uses of my money.
Same. I have a LV storage and I have been carrying my $10 canvas Fanny pack for the past three years.
Facts dude. I only buy Coach, and only every few years. They are polite and their bags are still durable and well-made. I went to a LV store many years ago and the guy treated me like dirt and I've never given them a second thought since. Plus the ones my friends have these just look so cheap and just slapped together.
I used to be a label/designer snob. Nowadays, my favorite stores are Ross, TJ Maxx, Marshall's, and Burlington -- in that order. I can spot by sight and feel a quality item in a snap. My designer handbags now sit in my handbag display closet, and I haven't touched one in years.
Tjmaxx sells Gucci and Burberry now. It's still too expensive IMO so I just stick to affordable coach bags from the outlet I ain't ashamed 😅
I’m amongst the youngest generation exers, I have an education and a hyphenated last name, we were the ones who started making the same pay as men, we were told we could have it all and I have for the most part. I would never think about taking my hard earned money to impress or prove myself to shop owners or salespeople. I do see teenagers who want $1200 handbags when they work at department stores and don’t make that in a month. I literally will not pay more than $100 on a bag. I live in a very beautiful home on the side of a mountain and folks might think we spend on items like this but we just don’t. Bills, savings, retirement and college tuition are very important. I buy RL and Liz, we shop at Marshall’s and TJMAXX. I will tell you that Polo shirts hold up, their sweaters are high quality, any private school moms know that…my children lived in that stuff until they got old enough to want to pick their own styles. Some things are worth the extra but I will not simply pay for a designer name.
Playing games for a Birkin or Kelly from Hermes is NOT LUXURY!
No one is forced to play a game to get any bag from Hermes. Not handing out items to any and everyone simply bc they want it and gave the money sounds like luxury to me.
@@ThaSweetHartit sounds like discrimination to me, if someone has the money and is only interested in a bag, but it is implied they need to shop more frequently and often by an SA. It’s also not a luxury to not be able to pick the specifications of your bag. dacob did a very good video on this, it’s ratchet to see how much a client rings up before you feel like being honest about getting them the bag they asked for.
I agree. What the manufacturer is doing is creating exclusivity.
It is luxury because you can’t just buy it on a whim even if you have money to burn. But for me the Birkin and the Kelly are bags only my Grandma would use, they’re so overrated for such a simple design! And the inspiration for the Birkin, Jane Birkin trashed her bag whilst others keep it in pristine condition is just laughable! 😂 And the Kelly inspired by Grace Kelly just proves my point that the style is so dated! Hermes tried to make their designs current with these weird concepts but for me are just gimmicky and ended up a big failure! Unless you decide to dress up like an old lady then I guess Hermes is the bag for you! There are other styles in their collection that are more modern looking but I cannot believe these people would wear their bags open because it’s just so difficult to open and close it is beyond me! Have you ever seen a Birkin on display with its flap tucked in the compartment of the bag? Never! It’s not a well thought of design and Hermes is laughing all the way to the bank forcing their clients to buy their non moving items which for me is the most clever marketing strategy! 😊
@@hankypandathanks! Thats what I meant! You have to spend more than what a Birkin bag costs to get invited to purchase one. That’s really silly if you ask me. Then you do this… just to prove a point that you CAN afford one just like Michelle said in her video 😢
Obviously I cannot afford luxury bags, but I remember for quite a while I was obsessed with couponing at CVS pharmacy, but I would spend money to save money, by spending money on things I did not need. I eventually quit that foolishness cold turkey, and I started getting emails from CVS pharmacy saying, "We miss you. Come back". I told my mom, "They don't miss me, they miss my money"
the luxury i have is: by the age of 48 i paid my house off, no car loans, no credit card debt, i work because i like to work and i dont have to hustle. when my husband an i were not so great financially i was hoping to have those "luxury" stuff.... now, i laugh at them.
Michelle, this video was such an eye-opener! 💡 You revealed so many truths about the luxury industry that we often overlook, especially how ‘exclusivity’ has become just another mass-market trap. Your insights really made me rethink my perspective on luxury brands. Thank you for sharing this honest look behind the scenes-I’m looking forward to more content like this!
Same for makeup the drugstore has totally upped their game
I don't always wear makeup, however when I do, I wear a foundation with soft in it and it covers my problems areas and it helps the reoccurring psoriasis problems that pop up on the edges of my facial skin. I got it from Walgreens. 😊
I used to work in fashion. What you said is true. True luxury is still available but not to the masses. Bespoke services are true luxury. No one is the same.
Guess and Coach makes better quality bags than many high fashion house actually. The Chanel bag has nø craftsmanship. Made by machines in production line. This lady in the video is smart and wise. Listen to her and Ditch the labels folks and make better choices.
A coach bag is a splurge for some and can make you a target of theft in some parts of some cities. But the bag can be used daily for 10 years or more.
@ still has more craftsmanship than a chanel bag ergo more value for it's price however I completley agree with your statement. There are cities or towns all around the world where a simple shoulder bag can make you a target.
Yes I love coach they def step their game up since the 90s
@@mzeyeyes I love coach too!
Coach all the way people! Support quality
Luxury is traveling and financial freedom. Not slaving at a job to buy “things”, limited vacation and free time. It’s all psychology. Emotional spending at its finest. Thanks for dropping gems 💎
If you like travelling, yes.
@@thelaziestbeeif you don’t?
I love how you expose these luxury brands to make most consumers think before buying them. People have become more materialistic and desperate to impress others that they need to hear this.
A few years ago (2018) video is still on RUclips so you can search it, Payless did a social experiment to see if consumers (influencers) of high end goods really new what they were purchasing. Payless called the fake store (Palessi) modified the labels, designed the store really fancy. The catch, ALL the shoes were from Payless (low priced shoes). Big grand opening event, fancy red carpet, expensive horderves, nice looking models. One by one, the shoppers came in. Purchased the $15.00 shoes for $500.00 and up. Comments were heard, how wonderful, great Italian quality, etc., Well, by end of day, they were told, the store was a fake and the products were from Payless not Italian handmade. Moral of this: those who pay $2000 and up for items, don't really know quality, they just hear the name Gucci, Prado, Valentino and pay what is asked for low end unattractive products.
I love that video. It's the ultimate troll!!
@@DRventura333 As the old saying goes 'There's a sucker born every minute.'
Birkin’s are a dime a dozen in Asia. It’s really crazy how many they are, even in the resales shops, you see at least 50-75 in one shop and they’re all authentic. It amazes me how people think they’re so luxurious when it’s so commonplace. Also I designed exotics and fine jewelry, I buy raw materials direct from the manufacture all over the world and let me tell you, if you knew what I knew you would NEVER pay retail for any of this STUFF. They have people in a chokehold whilst they are cashing in!
@@user-vj2jl1sc6u 💯💯💯
I’ve heard this, but I’m curious. I’ve never heard about the “Hermes game” in Asia. Is it the same as it is the US? Do the boutiques in Asia get sent more bags vs the boutiques in the US? Considering we know Hermes bags are a finite resource I’m curious how such a large concentration could end up in Asia.
@@jessicadawson2353more rich people in Asia
I think about it sometimes…
Love my coach for this reason, quality and price point is amazing! ❤😊
Yes! Absolutely true. Took a coach bag with me on a year-long trip to multiple countries in Europe over 12 years ago. Did not have to worry about the bag at all through any weather or situation and it is still in wonderful shape! Still have and adore that Coach bag to this day!
Yup, I have a pink leather satchel Coach bag that I have used for 10 years. I use it everyday and it is still nice to this day.
@Pursey...I am carrying my black Coach made of thick, smooth black leather with quality findings. It's at least 30 years old and looks like the day I bought it
@@laurielenig9939 I hear vintage Coach were amazing and made very well!
I’m loyal to Coach. I have some bags that are a couple decades old and then I have some bags that are 10 years old.
I found an LV bag, Burberry vintage bag, coach bags and more at the thrift stores. I have so many luxury items I never paid full price for and I don’t get the hype
I've found several at estate sales as well.
@@Coffeetime1991 I think thrifting is the way to go as my late mother had us accompany her to the Salvation Army store for luxury clothing. My sister and mother wore the best of the best clothing and accessories. I still support charity shops as an adult.
I went to a small store that had mid range (Barbour, foxford, Magee, etc), for a pair of pants and I have NEVER been treated so nicely. Honestly I don't know if it was the sales person or the store, but I would go back just because of how respectful and nice the sales associate was.
Love my coach for this reason, quality and price point is amazing! ❤😊
i LOVED THIS VIDEO. There so many people who tie their emotions into their belongings. I used to be one of them. When I released that I bought so many things over the years that just collect dust, I stopped purchasing. Retailers prey on those emotions and do a good job at it. When I see the giddy expressions of unboxings, one would think they just ended cancer ..
You’re a crusader Michelle! Please DO NOT STOP making these videos. I have to admit that I got sucked into buying luxury bags. I still love them but I just can’t justify spending 3-4k on a bag. Entry level bags are now in 2k 😮. So I buy preloved. But the preloved pathway has its own issues that could take away from the whole luxury experience. This video is an awakening for me Michelle. The labor scandal is appalling. So much greed. Definitely slowing down with bag purchases. I will just enjoy what I have now. Thank you sis 🙏🏼❤
@@gc7031 Hi Grace! I’ve had to come to a realization with my own spending habits as well! Thanks sis! 💕
My real luxury- Just got back from a 10 day retreat in Bali, next stop Morocco!!
"They sell you a dream" So true!
This is why I LOVE YOU! You keep it real like an older sister. I have learned so much from you these past years! Please continue to make videos like this to call these luxury brands out and educate our younger youth!
Thank you 💕
@@dialmstyle A major problem is that we need the magic again. The Arts generally and fashion and film especially NEED hope and fun and optimism again. Like 2000s Spiderman energy. We're sick of the era of the hipster where nobody is allowed to enjoy anything authentically. I even used to do this myself until I realised, wait, this is stupid because 1. either I'm wasting my time on something I don't even like or 2. I'm in denial if it's something I do like, why not just enjoy it? Life's too short.
@Seabreeze....truth💖✨😉
I just wanna say I love the background music. Makes me realize how few creators use Classical music. Great video and message too.
Love this video. You are on point on everything!
I studied advertising during my time in university. One of the things we learned is something about different ways to add value to brand names, so people will associate the name to worth something and willing to pay for the high price.
What luxury means to me: Good health
Good relationships
Owning my own home
Being 100% debt free
Being able to afford experiences vs. buying things.
Having peace of mind
Not feeling the pressure to compete with anyone else
I do believe the luxury houses are feeling the pinch right now due to the economy and scandals. We are all feeling the effects of inflation and luxury is not on the average person's radar anymore. I own LVMH stock and it is not doing well now, with this said, LVMH is clever and they will figure out a new to draw people back in, but for now the stock is bad.
Definitely true. But I hope luxury sector and every sector in the economy sours and will force three companies to shake up and adapt while we adapt as consumers waking up.
You're so right. The quality you were once paying for (many, many decades ago) when you purchased a high-end brand is long gone. Gone are the days of these brands being craft leather workers. It's mass produced with a label slapped on
They are good at making you think these things are rare, but 100s of millions of people have the same bags
True
I never ever comment on a post . This is my very first time You brought so many things to the light . I had to break my rule. I have to say an outstanding job !!! Your explanation of what really is important and how you expose what is actually going on is eye opening . I even love your kind suggestion for how to purchase luxury items as an alternative, if you feel you still want too.
Including the OUD the world's most expensive wood they're claiming is totally fake as they cannot afford the real one on my channel
For ysl leather goods I don’t care. It’s a classic and elevates elegant wear
I'll never forget the looks on my daughters faces when I took them to Fujian to see the manufacturing facilities. All their beloved brands from Nike to "hype" brands, all made in 3-to-4 story buildings turned into factory floors filled with machinery and a handful of people bustling around each station.
You’re right these are WANTS not Needs.
and it's okay to want...😊
I got caught up in the rabbit hole but now I’m so turned off by it all, the whole Dior thing really opened my eyes, back to mid range brands their more fun anyways ❤
It is not exclusive when everybody has it. It becomes cheap in my eyes.
You are amazing. I love how you tell it like it is. I hope young people see this. I have never bought a brand new luxury item. In fact I waited to buy all of my Louis Vuitton bags preloved. The reason why is because I’m very good at restoring things including houses, furniture, cars, toys, handbags and basically anything that requires detailing and cleaning. Last week I helped my brother restore his vintage car wheels and tires and they became brand new again. That’s why I buy pre loved. It’s the art of putting in the work and time to restore something back to its former glory. My lv collection is small. I only get what I need. I put a lot of time and energy into restoring my bags, accessories and that’s the buzz I get from restorations. My lv journey took years to happen. Research and thinking about a purchase for months or years. My collection is steam lined and minimal. Nothing I do t need. After all, I use my bags until they literally fall apart which is so awesome to me. Cause I know I truly got my moneys worth and still reuse my lv things. When my first speedy fell apart, I turned it into a vase to add some lovey faux ferns. Another time I just shopped online and replaced the handles myself. Another time I used the canvas to make 2 placemats for my table. That’s sustainably at its finest. 😊
@@nicolestewart this is awesome!
I only shop now at Ross and TJ Maxx, but just occasionally. Most of my stuff were purchased from Goodwill and Salvation Army..😂😅
Merry Xmas and Happy New Year to you, Ms. Michelle..😊❤
Yep. When I see the prices vs quality at regular stores, I just can't make myself fork over the money lol. I get super nice, comfy, practically new clothes at Goodwill. A whole season for max 100 bucks.
Never see anyone say this but it's everything I think! So refreshing to see a real, realistic and down to earth opinion on this topic
Luxury should be comfy, cozy and relaxing ❤
Right
Jolee..then I am in it!!! In my bed watching videos. All is well💖
Also, I always remind people that the sales people often can't afford to shop in these stores either, so don't let them make you feel inferior
I hate the whole concept of “exclusivity”. Quality, longevity, and style should be for everyone.
that will be in the afterlife of heavenly luxury
I was SO into luxury I had at my peak around 15 bags - I now have 4 all canvas LV and rarely wear them. My purchases were made in my early 20s - and when I was in a point in my life where I wanted to show people I had value and status - I was in a very bad marriage to someone who also happened to share my image conscious sentiment. I now prefer coach bags, esp thrifted ones from 20 or so years ago- I prefer unbranded leather pieces, and I have tried a few contemporary brands like Tory Burch (quality is so so)
I won’t go back to higher luxury because I know longer see it as having made it, I don’t live in the same bubble and I see that most people truly do find buying a coach to be a luxury where I am in the Midwest.
I loved this video and all the points you hit.
@@MargaretQ thank you so much for sharing your experiences! It’s so important to know who you are…without the fancy things!
I love Dooney & Bourke, and every single one of those bags have lasted me over a decade, no repairs needed. I would never waste the money on "luxury" or prestige brands when the mid tier brands are just as good, if not better.
What are the mid tier brands?
I bought my first Chanel and Dior bags at 40 years old. In Houston they were just cold and detached and the experience was just like any other shop. In Dubai they were amazing, they showed me all their bags, let me try all the models. I am very happy with my bags and I love wearing them. The colors and the accessories are adorable. I have to say that they wear and tear just like any regular cheap bag so yeah, not much difference there!
Also I have bought these boots from Chloe, they are sooo chic and I get compliments all the time wearing them. And I just love the way they look. I like to buy shoes from the brands because I love how amazing they look but I also find them extremely comfortable.
So true! I definitely fell through the rabbit hole and I have several purses I really love. The last bag I purchased when I was in Europe recently because it was less expensive and I got my VAT tax back. However, I’m going to enjoy the pieces that I have and stop the madness. You really explained that extremely well. Thank you for your transparency. I’ve definitely learned my lesson.
Fantastic analysis. Lots of truth here and thanks for sharing.
Seems like we are in the era of Fast Luxury Fashion. Dacob is also speaking about this on youtube. This is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
@@dee24874 thanks for your comment!
I once had money to spend on luxury, not anymore; however as a result, I do recognize all that you are talking about as being true. The quality is no longer the same and I would not recommend anyone wasting their time or money on such things anymore. It seems all for clout, attention, and self-importance that is displayed in a video. Anything can appear good in a video. You can actually feel the lack of quality when you see the items in person.
You cannot believe the amount of beautiful Coach bags I have gotten from Thrift stores & yes I verified they are real & in beautiful shape. The thrill of the hunt & the deals I got just make me so happy plus the excellent quality of bags, got a Juicy Couture tote, Rebecca Minkoff suede satchel, some as low as $30.00.
Not finished the video yet but you’re so real for this. Thank u big sis! ❤ u!
Great video, luxury is a state of mind🙏🏽😊
your take on everything was so refreshing and concise! I love how you pointed out a person's worth is not tied to what someone can or cannot afford.... definitely will be looking into a preloved LV as i've had my eye on one for awhile
The saddest thing about those 'luxury' bags is that no one will know whether it's a knock off or not, because they're that common place these days. I'd rather spend that kind of money on a leatherworker to design and produce a bag just the way I want it.
I love a designer bag, but there is no reason they need to cost over a few K, and there is no reson in 2024 that they are made from baby calves
They'd make them from humans if they could
Just buy Coach. They're reasonable and their bags last forever
Your BEST VIDEO. This is the reality of the modern luxury companies.
Note, its STILL fun to OCCASIONALLY purchase some select luxury goods that you really love.
@@anthonyrommens366 still agree 💕
@@20thcenturyboy85 thank you 😊
I absolutely love your page- direct, sensible, logical, intelligent, informative, and you’re not trying to sell anything to us just giving us expert opinion. I love that you do make great points about valuing our own experiences before bowing down to a label.
@@dnvrrr 🫶🏼
Thank you for this! These brands are living off name reputations made before the First World War, when the rich could buy custom made things that the common person could never hope to get. Those names were *purchased* in the mid century for brand development. Is it custom made for you? No. Is it made out of the best, most special materials? Also no.
your editing is awesome! laughing and loving
The luxury journey is over for me. It’s a mass market and I feel silly carrying the bags around. I kept a few. Vintage Chanel and some silent luxury pieces and that’s it. It’s not fun anymore, the quality is off and I rather put my money towards travel and stocks. By the way Kering stocks are cheap at the moment 😂
Second this! I feel the same way.
Buying Kering rn is a real gamble, even GS has listed them as Sell
Yes this! I spent my $40k on stock and not bags
Simonè...do you think maybe we're maturing!?!
My granddaughter doesn't even think of things like: A reputable furniture store, everything is now throw away. It seems like longevity in anything is a thing of the past. I love antiques... We need more "craftspeople" artisans!
Thank you so much for this video! I appreciate the exposé and the confirmation of both the value of being a nice and humble person as well as what I suspected, being that Coach is just as high quality (I think much higher in many cases) as many much more expensive brands. Sadly, I still feel like I "need" the Neverfull GM Spring in the City in Sunrise Pastel. 😅
This came at a perfect time for me. Thank you!
For the longest time I wanted a chanel flap bag and then I thought where am I going to wear it? I'm retired and live very comfortable life but I go to walmart and the grocery store. I'm very happy I never did get the bag. It would be sitting in a closet collecting dust.
I paid of my debt instead of buying a Chanel jumbo flap best decision I made
@@helena3631🙌🏼
Smart decision. I rarely use mine.
Exactly
@ebonynaomi1085 You can send it to me😅
Here's the thing about fast fashion. If the item costs as much as a cheeseburger, the customer won't value it over a long period of time, and it will get tossed away, easily. That's why there's mass dumping grounds now, like what you can find in the Atacama Desert. If it didn't make you say ouch when you bought it, you'll just add it to the environmental statistics. The end consumer is to blame for that.
Yes, margins on all "luxury brands" is about an 80-96% markup from its original production price. Sometimes Truth Hurts, I know but there is only Absolute Love 💜 in Truth 🧚🧚🧚✌🏽 For an example some sources provide, a B.urberry scarf, t shirt, item, literally costs $6.99 to make, yet consumers are charged like $150.00, etc. Depending on the retail location. There is only up to about 2 or 3 exclusive distributors of all Luxury Brands. Happy Truth Seeking! Things to look for when searching for your next brand: Leadership, Mission Statement, Ethical Standards, and Private vs. Public 😘
This video is a gold mine. So much realness and information that they should honestly teach kids in school.
I really respect you making this video so many know this but wouldn’t dare say it out loud.
People NEED to wake up
Best video ive watched on luxury fashion. Thank you.
@@tinakris7893 thank you!
Time is luxury. Dope video
he variety of textures in the *amzaccs* pack is impressive. From smooth leather to textured suede, there's something for everyone.
Thank you so much for this informative video !
When Bernard took over, I saw that high end stores recycle, reduce and reuse! I mean I am not rich but I swear I only saw the same fashions I grew up seeing. He didn’t reinvent the wheel.
@@AEady24 EXACTLY! I agree! Nothing to see here! 😂
There is a women in Northern California is sueing Hermes for not allowing her to purchase a Birken bag unless she spends thousands on crap she doesnt want, something about anti-trust. I hope she wins! Those are unfair and illegal business practices
Spend your money on experiences, not things.
@@natasha83196 💯
Wise words! Thank you. ❤💯
God bless you & the success of your channel, the truth will set many people free.
Love the reality in this vid. I am learning about the materials used, stitching, design, etc and am not impressed with so much of the 'luxury' bag market at this time. Some stuff just looks so bad! However, in vintage 'luxury', I find truly beautifully designed and made bags. I appreciate a bit older BV and Loewe the most. Also recently spent £12 (ebay) on a vintage leather bag made 30 years ago by an Italian saddler, so we can find real quality and style where we're not so invited to look.
Great video, bags sitting in boxes in closet!
So true!
Poor people want to look rich than figuring out how to become rich.
I do want a YSL bag but ill chill with a coach because the leather is top.
I’m almost 60 and luxury was for the wealthy, famous or not. Service and quality were the reasons. I agree with you about what’s happening today.
Excellent video, and I 100% agree.
This couldn’t be more true. As a handbag designer for 30 years, I’ve seen firsthand the costs of creating accessory bags, suitcases, and handbags. The idea of luxury brands being “exclusive” has faded-they’ve gone mainstream like so many things eventually do. While I’m echoing sentiments already shared, I deeply resonate with them.
I greatly respect handmade, American-crafted products-pieces born from human hands and creativity, not churned out by machines and falsely labeled as “exclusive.” Let’s face it: the luxury industry often boils down to making the wealthy even wealthier.
If you’re fortunate enough to spend that kind-of money, why not redirect it toward something meaningful? Support an incredible charity, local church, wildlife conservation, or projects like building wells to provide clean water. There are countless ways to make a real difference instead of fueling the illusion of exclusivity.
I’ve only purchased 1 Luis Vuitton and it made me happy.
Later got a Gucci, and the horse bit hardware unlinked and I never got another luxury brand. I like Dooney and Bourke, Coach , Longchamp and even Pom Pom London.
I just found your video. Thank you for this valuable info. To me it seems luxury brands target people who cannot afford them and have low self esteem. It is all
an internal battle with ourselves.
That’s the reason why I stopped buying from LV in my country. I’ve bought a considerable amount including houseware and after my 3rd rude/ irresponsible SA, I told myself that’s it! I have more fun going to Loewe and BV even just to see what they have in store! Glad I’m already sick and tired of monogram and what I have right now is fine with me in fact I sold some of the useless LV bags I had and it was liberating! 😜
Loewe is owned bu LVMH