BREAKING LUXURY NEWS‼️ LVMH | CHANEL | POLENE | THE ROW

Wowza! The luxury landscape is shifting, for sure. In this video, I share some hot news about LVMH's recent decision to invest in Polene Paris... and Chanel's acquisition of a minority stake in The Row. Watch the entire video to find out more and get all the details! Weight in on the conversation by leaving a comment with your thoughts!!
Hope you enjoy!~

[@atmd.2023]

Polene’s current prices are already pushing them out of the contemporary market and into the designer realm. With LVMH joining the picture, I feel like we’re about to see the current prices go even higher.. while the quality continues to suffer.

[@DD-ln5no]

Does a brand's prices make them contemporary or is it the era in which they were created?

[@atmd.2023]

@@DD-ln5no in the handbag space, contemporary typically refers to the pricing. I can understand the confusion though because of what contemporary refers to when it comes to art, designs, etc.

[@Awesome68ful]

We should avoid chasing after less quality highly priced goods 😅

[@lillygirl7238]

I understand corporate profit but I do not support monopolies because it prohibits smaller brands from remaining competitive...classic David vs Goliath struggle.

[@vanessahodges6702]

The Row is not a reachable brand for everyone as much as Polene was. Polene was more affordable and had that quiet luxury feel. But given the quality issue like other big houses and the price increases no one’s going to want to continue buying. I fell into the trap of getting the Margaux 10 but after receiving it I could not mentally nor financially justify spending $3100 on A piece of leather. I ended up returning and went on to buy a coach bag especially since Coach is really hitting it out of the park lately.

[@freakyfriday3059]

You’re so right. I had to return LV and Gucci for quality issues so many times. I buy Coach for my daughter, no problems at all. Recently bought the Coach Brooklyn for MYSELF. Price and quality on par!!!

[@DD-ln5no]

Have you seen their new empire bag?? 👀 definitely a Margaux dupe

[@katemiller7874]

Love coach this year.

[@DD-ln5no]

Right? They have been sooo good for a few years now!

[@MadinaVadache]

The Row is totally overrated. Now there’s a lot of small brands look like row, which is half a price for what they selling. Plus remember Mary Kay Ashley was married French politician guy so they’re all connected. It’s all about connection.

[@jasminebaby3375]

I just checked my receipt from purchasing polene bag in Spain 2018 for $200 and now the same bag is going for $500. Wow, unbelievable!!

[@hellocatwalkcity]

😮

[@marshawilliamson8602]

I do like these type of videos. Quality craftsmanship is a top priority for me. and it’s essential for up-and-coming brands. The behemoth that is LVMH is too powerful and broad.

[@katcankan7129]

Good catch. Very interesting. These corporations like to "be in" every price range of an item 💜

[@kham6006]

That Margaux bag is nice but 7,0000-looks like an old drs bag! The price is ridiculous

[@Twertyuu]

Gotta admit though, the marketing for the Margaux is really successful.

[@Twertyuu]

LVMH has been investing in smaller contemporary brands for a long time, so it is not a surprise they are now investing in Polene. Some contemporary brands (ie. Charles and Keith) has bought back their shares from LVMH and has been doing well without LVMH's backing. And with so many smaller investments under their umbrella, LVMH may not necessarily interfere much with the creative direction of the brand, but the quality will most likely be affected as these brands have to now aim for a higher profit margin than before.

[@deadliza2034]

LVMH ruins Everything they touch!

[@katemiller7874]

Everything they touch turns to gold

[@Sonnysbunny]

From what I’ve read Polene hasn’t been able to keep up their rapid expansion rate as there are quite a number of reported quality issues at the moment along with poor cs complaints. Wondering how this move will affect their already declining quality control and poor customer service issues. Thank you for the update!

[@hellocatwalkcity]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts! It will be interesting to see this all unfolds.

[@marianguyen2779]

Defeats the whole purpose of opting for Polene. I’m going to try other brands.

[@blktauna]

Good think I don't like any of the Polene bags. They are also getting a lot of negative press on quality currently. I also don't get the hype on the Row. Nothing looks like it fits and the pricing is extortionate. The less independent houses there are, the worse it is for us.

[@hellocatwalkcity]

I agree, as customers, it’s far more beneficial to have more independent brands to shop with.

[@Awesome68ful]

So is Chanel’s quality but the prices continue to soar.

[@blktauna]

@@Awesome68ful Chanel is overrated and I haven't dropped a penny on them since I got a perfume for my mother in 1994

[@JJ-od6nt]

I purchased my Polene mini Numero Huit for $280 in 2022. Am shocked to see the current price is $470!!!! So disappointed that it's fallen into the corporate traps of expansion and profits, its no more a unique and affordable boutique brand (which was the very charm of it).

[@bnb0510]

LVMH will eventually own everything. The man is smart and knows what he’s doing otherwise his business would’ve failed long ago.

[@katemiller7874]

Yes. Agreed. Then prices will sky rocket like they did with Tiffany’s

[@LBDBeauty]

I don't think consumers will be turned off by these larger companies investing in the smaller brands. Luxury sales are down for the first time and the larger companies are trying to maintain their profits. I do believe that, eventually, the prices of the smaller brands will reach or even exceed that of the larger brands and then shoppers will, once again, turn to new, up and coming, more affordable brands. It's a cycle that will repeat itself again and again. Polene, Loewe...even Coach, have already significantly increased their prices. Either way, we the consumer, lose.

[@MadamMMStyleIcon]

Oh wow! I don’t have polene bag yet but I was on the fence on getting one. Thanks for sharing this insightful information.

[@nancyelfar7401]

I never like it when big companies acquire smaller companies. It loses that personal touch for me. I lose the connection with the brand

[@hellocatwalkcity]

I can understand that sentiment.

[@TheHopefulminimalist]

Thank you for the message in this video. I appreciate it! Interesting to see what happens.

[@JacquelineB-vs9xx]

It just means that the prices at Polene are going to skyrocket in price. I remember when my first Louis Vuitton speedy 35 was 600.00 dollars now it’s just outrageous.

[@DesireeGonza]

So horrid. LVMH owns everything. I’m boycotting any brand that belongs to LVMH.

[@lamjay5189]

Once big company acquired them, price increased. I personally hate this idea.

[@sandys4509]

Great video! Thank you for sharing the news. I am not a big fan of either polene or the row , but it will be interesting to see if they will go through some changes after being partially acquired by the big ones. Also, I can’t imagine Chanel acquiring the row- their styles are so dramatically different. 😂

[@reneehampton7665]

People have already started talking about the quality of Polene. I have been looking at Polene forever over two years. Just can’t figure out what bag I would purchase. Yes, the price has been increasing. I think it will skyrocket if LVMH take over. I have luxury bags, but have only purchased one in the last year. I have become bored with some of the brands. Chanel was never a favorite of mine.

[@kdgeckoknits274]

Many, if not all, luxury brands started off small. Polene will become the same, as their popularity and image grows, so too will their prices. It's all becoming quite crazy.

[@Fabulousafterforty]

Nooooooooooooooo. LMVH can’t own some of Polene😢😢😢 There goes pricing and quality due to LMVH pressure. I’ve always had a lot of respect regarding The Row in that The Row was controlled solely by the Olsens and didn’t sway to the wants of other stake holders. The essence of these brands is threatened now with minority stakeholders as powerful as LVMH and Chanel.

[@kellyjones5496]

Thanks for the information . I had already heard the news but I really like the way you produced the video . I will still purchase a polene bag soon. Hopefully the will fix their quality issue.

[@keikei533]

Hi Hannah! Thank you for the informative video. I think it all boils down to the CEOs of Polene and the Row. Maybe not now but in the future, do they want greeds to take over their companies or do they really want to make a difference in the fashion industry. Well, it’s just my two cents 😅

[@katemiller7874]

They are all greedy dear

[@Jennifer-pb7zq]

Glad i was an early supporter of polene. This news is not good. Its like a forthcoming for the future

[@manishajayawardane7635]

Thank you for the correct info in the fashion industry. We have to see if Polene and The Row does or doesn't lose momentum in the future (but I hope it doesn't happen with these big fashion brands involved behind them). It depends on the actions the CEOs (The major shareholders of their brands) of these contemporary new and upcoming brands take, not being influenced by either Chanel, Loreal or LVMH. Let's just hope for better quality (and no changes to these contemporary brands style) and no to hefty price increases.

[@user-te2jj9jh4f]

Minority interest is money injection into Polene. It doesn’t have controlling power on the brand yet. It’s a way of LVMH to either tap into the middle market or maybe their way of destroying the middle market. LVMH has all the money to acquire any of these midrange companies. However they won’t be able to do a hostile takeover unless Polene is a public company. Of course it all depends on the CEO of Polene. Do they want to become instant billionaires or do they want to leave a legacy of their company?

[@dtropea2063]

Thanks for a video. Traveling to France soon and have no desire to go to the large luxury brands. Very interested in local Parisian brands.

[@user-te2jj9jh4f]

There are other century old Parisian brands that are very well known by the locals. Polene is a very young brand made popular by KZbinrs.

[@mirjamboleij3668]

Check out Atelier Auguste

[@hellocatwalkcity]

Have a wonderful trip!

[@Awesome68ful]

How about sharing some local Parisian brands 😊 Happy holiday.

[@808spicysushi]

If Arnault grabs Polène, the quality will drop significantly. It happened with Louis V.

[@abusta4780]

Interesting info but I never really liked Polene’s style or bags. Anyway there are other mid-luxury brands that have a more interesting style esthetics 👌

[@JessicaDessus]

And somebody who worked at Louis Vuitton for years and I was a brand ambassador for Bottega. I’ve sold all of my bags I’m so over luxury brands, so for them, this is smart.

[@MelissaAdams-Wade]

Great informative video.

[@WhatLeslyeLoves]

I think we can all expect price increases, but I certainly hope that both brands are still allowed to call the shots because clearly they’re onto something. But like many others, I share the sentiment that I don’t prefer LVMH owning everything. We shall see what happens.

[@HandbagFoodie]

I am interested to see how these changes affect the brands’ pricing & popularity. Thanks for sharing!

[@hellocatwalkcity]

Yes and I think it’ll be interesting to see how the luxury market evolves overall. There seems to be a shift happening.

[@MissYoMaMa]

Every time i hear anything about mr fat cat Bernard the hoarder of money and power, i HATE him more. He ruins everything he touches by making it into fake luxury/ fast fashion. I am so worried about the Row. The fact that chanel (another fake luxury house) is involved scares me. Yes i believe these corporations are monopolizing “luxury”

[@HandbagDiva]

I’ve never really liked any Polene bag I’ve seen. Had seen enough of them a few years ago when every YT luxury channel was sponsored by them. As for the Margaux bag, I just don’t get the hype. Who wants to carry a bag the size of a suitcase? Now Coach has copied it & people are going cuckoo over it🤷🏼‍♀️

[@bagloverlux]

Wow! The Polene and LVMH is a surprise.

[@stacyb6461]

Interesting information. Thankfully I think both the polene and the row are pretty boring.

[@juliel4096]

No one would have heard of Polene until the burst of social media.

[@youheartmel]

random but my aunt worked for the row in 2009, that's how i first heard of the brand. i used to get sample pieces from her previous design positions at seven jeans and true religion lol

[@DeeHigginbotham-mv3gc]

If LVMH has a minority stake today, they will own tomorrow. I think Polene will become like LV sooner than later and that is not a good thing. The Row will be gobbled up by Chanel eventually . It will be a bad day for the Row.

[@loriacupuncture]

Great video by the way.

[@nealanderson7475]

I have recently gotten interested in The Row, It really feels like the time for quiet luxury for me.

[@Satine_Moisant]

Well, there goes the quality of Polene...LVMH will grind them to make everything cheaper, faster. I'm out. Not liking LVMH ruining Polene...eventually. Wait for it.

[@loriacupuncture]

It could go either way depending On their continued perceived desireability. If Polene improves quality and can justify price increases while still remaining affordable for most buyers they will win some lose some. The Row is owned by the Olson and they have the Ring of Power and they’re not sharing.😂

[@dcoughla681]

The main problem is that LVMH will now flog Polene to death ie stores everywhere, affordable price point to pump up the volume, especially at Christmas time, followed by a slump & dump as they move on to other newer brands.

[@kitk4tsworld]

Some of the row’s bags have gone up today. Margaux and park totes went up! Idk if it has anything to do this but I’m bummed.

[@hellocatwalkcity]

Oh interesting! Thanks for sharing!

[@kitk4tsworld]

@@hellocatwalkcity you’re welcome! Yea I just noticed it today as I was browsing through the website. I know for a fact that Margaux 15 soft leather went up from 4350 to 4700 and the medium park tote from 2390 to 2600. Margaux is not even available to be purchased for and it’s always out of stock. Once a while I’d see it restock in certain colors but that’s far and few in between and now prices have gone up! It’s so disheartening.

[@Trangha746]

Bad news! I like them to stay the same. More unique on their oơn. Thank you for sharing!

[@gobyfish1399]

As long as the mentality of the fashion industry is - we can only make quality products at a extremely high price, and that has been proven to be a lie, its not that expensive to make "luxury", smaller brands will feel the only way to survive economically is to join a conglomerate. We will see if that works, or the industry will collapse under the weight of too many brands, too many products, too high prices, and not enough customers.

[@madokaor3611]

This is interesting. Thanks for another great video.

[@KennethKent-m3p]

Polene seems to be having serious quality issues with everything from stitching to leather so I wrote them off. Returns are a nightmare. As for Tye Row, I didn’t know they existed until recently, and the prices are scary. Big pass.

[@hellocatwalkcity]

Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@deedeeb9112]

I love this content (luxury house v contemporary house and the finances drama🤓) Anyway, I had heard about the row situation on Bloomberg and they were expressing the same concerns you were. Will prices go up? Etc. I am also curious as to how Polene and LVMH got to the table? What is Renault’s big picture idea? Will he revisit in a few years and buy more shares? Should we hurry up and buy our dream polene bags, before he says let’s charge more? So many questions. I feel like it would be so cool to pick his mind about certain business ventures, especially this one at the same time I would pick the polene sisters’ mind and ask them why did you it? Anyway love your content, keep up the good work!

[@SK-gr2rm]

This was a great video. Thank you.

[@cecigmz]

I am disappointed Polene first caught my attention as a lovely small business focusing on quality. Thanks for sharing the video.

[@pari0305]

What are the current up and coming brands that are less known ?

[@hellocatwalkcity]

There are so many! I’m still discovering new ones every day, but for previous videos on some lesser known brands I covered, you can check out my playlist kzbin.info/aero/PLkQE3CWJQkvS7z75CV6_oxuF7j1-tgs0T&si=LkespAhXOFRmqYgp

[@ryeofoatmeal]

nah polene starts to get mainstream these days. I've seen them in my vicinity. and they also get counterfeit which is crazy. it's still expensive in my currency but I would say some low to mid class can afford a polene bag if they save the money. but now, it's so darn expensive that I would rather not buy. in fact I can get away with other brand which are more subdued with better quality

[@ashleytaylor7210]

Polene’s designs still make them ‘quiet’. I am curious to see what the prices will look like in 2 years.

[@hellocatwalkcity]

I agree they’re still a quiet brand/aesthetic.

[@helenhall299]

Interesting times!

[@u2v22]

I've actually already seen videos of Polene's quality going down - both in leather and craftsmanship! Was considering getting a Polene bag a year or so ago but not so much anymore. Tanner's video review of Polene is already a (bit) dated...

[@loriacupuncture]

One more question, could you do a review or give your opinion of the Balenciaga mini city pls? I’m really curious about the quality and the style. It seems like it went out now back in so may be a classic. I have heard it wears quickly. Waddya think?

[@katemiller7874]

It’s def a classic she may not say that tho a lot of people are still angry at balenciaga because of a lame campaign a couple years ago.

[@loriacupuncture]

@@katemiller7874 thx for the reply

[@crustyrash]

I’ve seen it with Moynat and Tiffany, how the look and feel of the brands have changed. Now Poilane, what brands doesn’t he own or have a piece of?

[@maisy4675]

I think it’s gross. They are eating up the smaller brands and trying to set the prices at the expense of creativity and quality. Good riddance

[@jenv6846]

I’ll stick with my bags from unknown French and American middle-class companies. I just cannot fathom spending the amount that Chanel and LVMH demand for something I will inevitably damage or that makes me a target.

[@TheSuperflychic]

The Row looks meh. $7K USD no thanks. Polene's price increase will probably lose their loyal customers..

[@Babi305Fla]

I think The ROW ready to sale

[@MadinaVadache]

I am sick of LVMh really is disgusting, and creepy Arnold🤮 thank God they don’t own Chanel should stay private

[@MadinaVadache]

Differently selling your soul to devil is not gonna benefit them

[@minipleasures96]

i don't really like the aesthetics of Polene

[@Westtexasbelle]

A lot of their handbags don’t seem functional to me.

[@abusta4780]

I agree with you👍everybody on KZbin is raving about polene but I just don’t gravitate to their bags……I find their style boring

[@stacyb6461]

Same. Extremely boring

[@katemiller7874]

Agreed

[@kimaholland3423]

ThankGod they have never heard of the small Dutch Brand 'Rituals Amsterdam 'at LVMH 😉

[@SteffiHammerich]

Nothing against the video itself, but the title „breaking news“ misled me to click on your video as I thought something very current was coming out (according to the meaning of breaking news). The Chanel/the Row deal was made public 2-3 days ago, and the polene story is more than 2 weeks old, from end of August. So I just wanted to comment in order to suggest to use a bit more accurate title next time. Just as constructive criticism, cheers 🤓

[@hellocatwalkcity]

Thanks for the constructive feedback!

[@Luxuriousaddicted]

Definitely no more quality as LVMH might pass all their products to the Chinese workers or China factory I believe. My Christian Dior loyalty program Platinum Tier gift set is made in China but not France or Paris. That's really disappointing.

[@mindbodysoul8214]

GREED & CONTROL

[@Trangha746]

Their own!

[@gnori001]

Thanks for the video! Very informative and helpful. I’ve been wanting a Polene bag but just haven’t pulled the trigger. After seeing this video, it might be the time to do it before another price increase or something else happens 😬

[@doreennz]

I don't own any of the Polene or The Row, and definitely will not be buying them now. I tend to support brands that has nothing to do with LVMH

[@hongily25]

No I think they will grow bigger. They don’t have a choice.

[@Giannas1096]

I think I’m just going to use a straw bag. LVMH is ruining every brand they touch.

[@hellocatwalkcity]

Straw bags are great! 😂 👍

[@jotjotzzz5357]

I’m guessing Sellout just by looking at the thumbnail. I bet these brand SOLD OUT. Which is true. Polene is crap now anyway. But The Row?!! Damn

[@pamp.5590]

People used to mock The Row! I’m so proud of how far it’s come🥰

[@deedee3961]

Everyone has a Louis Vuitton now. It's not luxurious special anymore, so I would not pay a hefty price for them.

[@Babi305Fla]

Poor Quality Higher Prices 😂😂😂 its OOOver Baby

[@loribdezngrl]

Over saturation of so called “luxury” co’s in the market.. at what seems like lower quality and higher prices.

[@hellocatwalkcity]

Absolutely

[@mimipeq3000]

This is sad NEWS :(

[@hellocatwalkcity]

I don’t love it either. It would have been much cooler to see how these newer brands carve out unique paths for themselves.

[@linlee5162]

Alarming, not liking it🥺

[@Truth1561]

She's no longer Kate Middleton. She is Catherine, Princess of Wales. I expected more of you as you are normally so collect and polite.

[@hellocatwalkcity]

Thank you for the nudge! I have to get used to her new title.

[@shylady8711]

I'd choose The Row over Polene. I think all Polene bags makes anyone look 40 and up. For me it's all in the design. If the bag is hot, they will have no problem in sales. It doesn't matter if you like the lesser known brands or more known ones. Like the classic chanel bag. It looks good on everyone including 10 year olds. That bag will always sell.