What the DECLINE in Luxury Quality means for our SPENDING in 2024

[@KindaSorta451]

The fact that Chanel replicas I’ve been seeing have better stitching and hardware than the original is actually crazy 😅

[@karlaschmid8757]

I think the fact that Hermes is family-controlled and that others are corporate-owned makes a big difference, the latter’s goal is to satisfy shareholders who demand ever-increasing profits.

[@CassieThorpe]

THIS IS SPOT ON

[@Lutifah]

I think people aren’t honest… I have 8 Hermes bags and I’ve had issues with 4. Hermes dealt with it beautifully though. I have 40 Chanel bags… issues with 4… LV. 12 bags issues with none… I have so many friends with Hermes issues but they rarely say anything about it. I realised recently … Hermes bag owners aren’t honest 😂 but I kinda get why ..

[@madeleinep7103]

Why do you think they arent? ​@Lutifah

[@kazyoutubd]

They are traded on stock exchange so still have to satisfy stock holders

[@karlaschmid8757]

@@kazyoutubd The majority of stock is family owned.

[@ODaughterofZionMinistries]

I saw a lady with a channel flap bag in black and she couldn’t fit hardly anything in there so she couldn’t close it and her wallet and phone were sticking out. It didn’t look worth it to me

[@elizabethjackson3176]

I totally agree it should not be that a coach bag has better quality than a Chanel bag, absolutely inexcusable! Good thing I use my mom’s Chanel bags, and because her bags were bought in the 80s and 90s they are fantastic quality! Sad, Sad, Sad

[@londongirl891]

I’ve been buying luxury bags for a few years, and had no quality issues at all luckily. I’ve bought Dior, Chanel, Gucci etc. This week I bought my first ever vintage designer handbag, a vintage Fendi Baguette from around the year 2000. While I’ve had no quality issues with my new bags, oh my gosh the vintage Fendi quality is elite. I’m truly blown away and now I see what everyone is saying about declining quality. I’m going to sell my Chanel classic flap from 2020, buy less and look at vintage more.

[@CassieThorpe]

Wow this is so amazing to hear your thoughts on this from the perspective of usually buying new with no quality issues! 💖💖

[@user-nn9bk4ur3x]

I haven’t had any quality issues with chanel and got a lot of bags this year. My local CA is excellent at looking carefully and inspecting the bags before she sells them to me (i am sure her other clients too) She makes sure everything aligns perfectly and no imperfections. I have seen bags at the boutique and when /if any issues she gives me “a look” and privately tells me, “don’t get it “ if bag doesn’t look great. She obviously explains the reasons, its either the flap, or minor damages or misalignment on the quilting etc. Regarding LV, my CA is great as well, but i had minor issues with my graceful strap, but LV fixed it and no questions asked. To be honest i use that bag to work to carry my laptop and my work life monday- friday. I got a camera box and realized it was not straight, lower part of the bag was bulging on one side. Went to exchange and realized all were the same, so returned. With gucci, one of my bags came with a strawberry charm, chain broke after using the bag for the third time. Took it back to gucci and my CA got me a brand new bag. I think having a good CA makes a big difference on the items we get. My chanel, lv and gucci CAs are the best in the world! Thank you for the video Cassie ❤

[@DemureDarlings]

Same! I’ve had no issues!

[@Jacob-ev7zk]

High fashion brands be selling nylon bags for leather price nowadays 😂 Over my dead body

[@fashionandluxury101]

I agree

[@ragnevi]

But, but, but it's vegan environmentally friendly lookalike faux leather that doesn't kill animals… 🥺 No it's a hoax PCU plastic leather that will look like crap after less than a year while leather will get a patina. What is best for the environment? Buying a bag every 15 year or one new every year? (Still you're gonna buy new bags every year but it feels better that it could last a lifetime.)

[@Izzy-dl9nw]

Genuine vinyl 😅

[@BuyLessJess]

Your dad is the factor that reminds me to like the video. I don’t smile often, but that always gets me.

[@CassieThorpe]

He’s the best!

[@maggyxchuu]

I went into Chanel a couple days ago to look at the classic flap card holder… EVEN THE CARD HOLDER FLAP WAS WONKY. My main concern isn’t even that it’s wonky but how are the sales associates even putting these out on display?? Like we all have eyes, how do the workers who are staring at Chanel flaps all day not notice these apparent defects and putting them out on the sales floor? It’s confusing lol.

[@sarahs7096]

Considering the cost and price increases of Chanel, there should be NO quality issues.

[@gneissschisty]

To your point about lots of stuff being so good they can’t identify fakes - it does seem, like maybe there will be less designer shopping and more mid level brands (500-1000$) that have amazing leather and minimal or no branding.

[@danielle2661]

I think you are right about jewelry. There is still a sort of threshold for "status" jewelry that some people look for. Do you have the right "stack" of a cartier bracelet (love or juste un clou), a decently sized tennis bracelet (brand doesn't really matter as long as it's real), an Alhambra bracelet and maybe one of the upper lines of Tiffany and if you are in your mid twenties or earlier through in a clic clac bracelet (or was that mid 2000's? As an elder millennial I no longer keep up with the whims of the rich and barely legal), but once you get beyond that "starter pack" of signifiers, it really starts to matter less what brand our jewelry is, or where it came from and only that it's spectacular. A spectacular tennis necklace is going to garner stares no matter if it's Cartier, Tiffany, The most recently trendy insta-jewelry brand (ring concierge for example), or freaking Costco. In fact, I find that by the time people have graduated to the big leagues of diamonds and gems, they have also learned the value of a dollar (most of the time) and know the can not only get a diamond of equal quality (because that's just scientific, the best cut/color/IF diamonds are not reserved for branded houses), but also a diamond of a much bigger size (the real goal if we are being honest with ourselves), from a local jeweler with a good reputation than any of the branded houses. When you play in the bigs and you know you can have a 10 carat diamond on your finger from your "personal jeweler" (because spin still matters a bit), than a 6 carat from cartier...both have the same specs and shine like the sun and are basically the same design that you like, well...most of us know, or have learned if you haven't just newly come into money that you don't need the "label" or flashy brand name to get the same if not better. And at that point you are probably also tired of having the exact same stuff as everyone. Having the love bracelet, once so important to signal your status, becomes annoying when you are 1 of 200 wearing it in the same room. The love bracelet, the entire love range, is the Neverfull of Cartier. I said what I said (all in good fun).

[@skrittle555]

They're all blood diamonds. Lab grown is all the rage now. No one in my circles would be caught dead with a real diamond anymore. They're going the way that fur has gone. And thank God.

[@Rattiya55]

My husband had a Hermès Jacket. He wore it last winter . This year he started wearing it for a couple of days, the zipper broke. We brought it back to H store. They sent it to repair department. A week later I recieved an email that they couldn't fix it because the colour of the zipper was from last year. They offered us a store credit the same price of the jacket. 👍

[@jasonmcleod5994]

The issue for me is they often blame you for “mishandling” the item 3 days post purchase for example - thanks D&G or take the item and then get back to you in 3-6 Months - Thanks Gucci 😢 these brands are so arrogant on top of their poor quality!

[@CassieThorpe]

😭😭😭

[@ladyrose3285]

Maybe people should stop buying so called Luxury brands. Vintage reselling and buying that. The hubby has a "Merse" = Man purse or bag all leather had it for 12 years and still going, paid much less than brand names, has some issues about 10 years using it, sent it back they fixed it and it is as good as new. But they say brand names make poor people poorer, how many billionaires really buy brand names? Maybe if you are a Kardashian and some B list celerity, and influencer.

[@skrittle555]

@@ladyrose3285 Old money buy luxury goods. They buy the MOST expensive, custom, handmade items, known as "quiet luxury." You think that plain white t shirt is from Target? Wrong. It's $800.

[@cassiekozma3892]

I’ve been a Louis Vuitton lover and collector for over a decade. Last year my husband’s wallet glazing started to crack and peel so I took it in to have it fixed. They inspected the item, told me a would be a few weeks to have it fixed. 6 months later I get a call to come pick up the item. When we got there I was told that because it was an item they no longer made it could not be fixed!!!! What???? This isn’t the first issue I’ve had with their quality but I’m getting tired of spending money on items that just don’t last like they should!!! I haven’t shopped at Louis Vuitton since.

[@AreYouKittenMeRtNow]

🙄 wow that is unreal!! And It took them 6 months to make that decision? Lmao

[@reutgadmish1835]

So true! Especially with Chanel, I have a mini rectangular from 2022 and the color is rubbing off in the back!!! I never wore it with jeans or dark pants, take such good care of it and it cost me so much money that I know not to buy from them pieces from recent years, I only go for vintage items from Chanel now. I agree that people are starting to look better and question if the quality is worth it and go for more vintage or pre-loved because when you know that someone else used it and it may have a bit of wear , it reduces the anxiety of babying your bag and being upset when it showes sign of wear (some are the complete opposite and want that they'll make the marks) but in the economic era we are now, people are really thinking about their purchases. Love you Cassie ❤❤❤❤

[@CassieThorpe]

So sorry you’re experiencing that with your Chanel bag! Thank you for sharing your thoughts though, glad you agree with the vintage/pre-loved route 💖

[@Epthainguyen]

Goyard fixed all the handles on my bags free of charge. It took at least three months but they came back looking great!

[@sarahhatcher-peters952]

My grandmother always said: “if you can’t walk on it or wear it, it’s isn’t worth much.” For her, it was land and gemstones. The value of currency or stocks can change over night. Land and gemstones, normally do not. Gems are much easier for travel.

[@carrino15]

Government can easily confiscate both land and gemstone if they want to. Value could also be feeling safe, happy and peaceful.

[@drouinjohnny9036]

Bottega doesn’t give your the guarantee on metallic leather……even if they are more expensive…..😮

[@valerieblouch5409]

Coffee with Cassie ☕🇬🇧🇺🇸☕ I remember when warrentys and great customer service were the norm across the board. Now its all about them, their money and margins. It's like buying a car. When they're trying to make the sale you're their new bff. Once they make the sale, they don't know you. We've lost something along the way and we are the worse for it. Thanks so much for looking out for us, Cassie! Much love and hugs to you and yours!

[@StealthWealth2045]

This is why you are my favorite! This video was spot on. Not only is the quality of some luxury bags going down, but the quality of contemporary brands are on the come up. I have also turned towards fine jewelry lately. It might be a getting older thing, but I just know the quality is there.

[@gordonsgrl1]

There were quality issues with Chanel on flap bags in 1986-88 era. My mother and I had 3 bags between us and all of the linings melted within 5 years. They were replaced but it was a known issue. Opening the bag and finding an increasingly sticky interior was a shock. However it was handled quickly

[@ImenBen12]

That's true they had a short period where the back pocket was sticky and their customer service was much better. I wish they continued that route.

[@kristina1112]

I sent in a pair of Chanel sunglasses to be repaired and they irreparably broken them and offered me a $300 credit when the glasses were $700.

[@4SlowFashion]

i think i discovered Chanel's target audience, the people who want to treat luxury as fast fashion for one season and dont care if it breaks. Thats so few people that i don't know how they think they'll stay in business.

[@ymechelle]

My favorite bag is a vintage LV book bag purse from 2000. The quality is unmatched and I get so many compliments when I wear that bag and most my jewelry was passed down from my grandmother

[@loribdezngrl]

Totally Agree on customer care being a key factor when deciding among various brands. I will never ever ever buy another LV bag after buying a limited edition Saumur bag, back in the day, and the lack of customer care when I asked to have it gussied up after having worn it quite a bit. Unacceptable lack of interest on their product

[@maisy4675]

I buy vintage…or literally branch off and buy items that individually that are actually well made. Ex: Max Mara coat, Loro Piana cashmere sweater, Hermes belt…read the labels, touch the materials, try it on, and purchase thoughtfully. As for Jewelry, I prefer independent jewelers that are making unique pieces that are made well and I prefer gold from overseas as opposed to the gold in US/ Europe. It’s time to be conscious about purchases and also be mindful of what we are buying, where are we buying from and who/what is our money is supporting.

[@CassieThorpe]

💖💖

[@fashionandluxury101]

Agree

[@courtcath]

This rings really true for me. I've left Chanel and LV and now I've moved to Hermes and Celine. I want pieces that I can feel good about carrying for a decade or more.

[@dolledupbyj]

Jewelry is always a top tier investment, gold is gold in a sense, whereas quality uncertainty with luxury fashion can be disheartening.

[@rhondabailey4767]

This is some very good information to have. Almost two years ago I took a vintage Gucci bag to be repaired. It came back looking almost like it did when I submitted it. They gave me every excuse in the book as to why they had not addressed certain issues. I am still fighting with them to get a refund for the areas that they ignored. I am sooo disappointed with them. I inherited the bag when an aunt passed away. So I was very excited to have it. I still cannot carry it.They are definitely going down hill.

[@HopelessAndFluffy]

I just want to mention the weight of the chain has nothing to do with the gold quality, as gold is light.

[@literallyheather]

I would be interested in a deep dive into where the various made. Even if it says France or Italy, is it just parts of the bag or the whole bag? Is it in a "workshop" or a factory? 🤔

[@CassieThorpe]

I heard it’s parts of the bag but I think it depends on the brand 🤔

[@katnap7157]

There’s a few documentaries around this, I don’t remember the names but seems like some are made elsewhere and assembled in the countries on the label, or depressingly, some are made in those countries but basically in sweatshop like conditions exploiting vulnerable workers. It’s honestly disgusting that you could be paying so much money for a bag that would essentially be made at a sweatshop with the myth of artisan handwork. Tbh this has really turned me away from buying brand new from the major brands/labels and towards vintage or other smaller brands that are more transparent and actually made by artisans.

[@missd2657]

It's worrying when the quality in the luxury market declining and the quality in the fake designer market is improving - it's will get to a point where there is no difference. By quality I mean the materials being used, less pattern cutting requirements (e.g less pieces used in the new Loewe puzzle bag), logos being changed to easier fonts, bags without feet and logos no longer on the studs, buttons or zippers.

[@CassieThorpe]

It’s sad and I hope that the brands realise that they need to invest in their quality and quality control 💖

[@stephmud]

Love that although you purchase luxury and love doing so, you're not afraid to evaluate those choices!! So smart!

[@TheMrJamesJ]

This is one of the reasons why I follow you, I always know that your content has my back when I decide to make luxury purchases ❤

[@waterbearer4627]

Nice discussion, I agree. I think buying habits are changing. People are buying less fashion trends that brands dictate season after season and more focused on personal style. Having a wardrobe & accessories that will last 5, 10 years or more. Items that are defined by quality over aesthetics. We are more aware of waste and how buying so much cheaper items ends up in land fill. The quality items have value and can be resold or donated avoiding the land fill situation.

[@kendratidwell84]

The reason I found your site was because I wanted to get a luxury purse because I wanted to find excellent quality that will last forever. Was tired of getting cheap bags that last 2 years. Ended up loving your channel even though I’ve had my purse for 3 years and is still looking fantastic cause of your suggestions. It is so important if you’re paying a high price the quality needs to be great and be able to last. I do not have money but wanted to invest in something that will last forever and probably won’t get another one. Quality is so freaking important. Thanks for the channel you’re very entertaining and lovely. 😊

[@amelaine82]

I’ve moved to local businesses. My mother had a fine jeweler that she worked with and they are family owned and take such good care of us. Same think with shoes. I go to a small cobbler in my town which has been there for over 110 years. My bags are local leather smiths that have the most interesting designs and if things do get damaged they rehab them. I know these people and it makes to so much more special to me and makes me feel confident in my purchase. Even if they do go out of business one day at least what I have is quality and will last!

[@ThaSweetHart]

Even with fine jewelry, you have to be careful which brands and jewelers you use. Cartier love bracelet issues are well known, for example. All fine jewelry really isn’t made equal. You really just have to be super vigilant and diligent with anything that costs a lot of money, which I guess we should be anyway.

[@Buttercookiesssss]

I feel like there's nothing left to buy. I only buy certain brands like Chanel, Dior and their prices are so high now. I am not a vintage fan either.. Meh it gets so boring 😢

[@allthatglam57]

I think the problem is that these brands have created such a high ego that, for them, it is almost impossible to confess that the quality problem is their fault, and many of them still relay on the brand name and know that many will buy it because it is from "x" brand, which is also true, but that will start to change over time

[@birkinboy3976]

I can’t agree more I feel like I need to get a magnifying glass and examine each stitch every little detail especially when it comes to CC & LV💚💚💚

[@Kmvxh4wn]

I chose options 1 and 3. I wanted a Chanel classic flap and when I saw I was going to spend $10k for an ok bag, I decided to get a vintage flap and use the remaining money on a cute seasonal bag. My vintage flap is In impeccable shape and like 40 years old!

[@victoriastears1197]

I purchased my very first vintage Chanel classic flap this afternoon, then came on YT and saw you'd posted this which felt like a good sign! I've been going back and forth on whether to buy vintage for such a long time (already own a few store-bought Chanel bags) but it felt like the right time to commit after being pretty horrified by the quality the last time I visited the boutique. Hoping I've made the right purchase and can't wait for it to arrive! 🖤

[@imWillJ]

me at home naked : "this is my adam & eve wardrobe."

[@CassieThorpe]

😂😂😂

[@nmernst]

Hi Cassie some are reporting that the bags are 24 k plated, but the standards are different. So Chanel can't claim that anymore. That said, I am totally not in the market for a new Chanel.

[@susanhoch2677]

This is a great perspective on the quality and cost per value for a product over time. I think that the in-person shopping experience brings in all of the senses which elevated the customer’s ability to select a product based on multiple factors while allowing time to cross-compare with other items. Online shopping is an instant fix that doesn’t allow the buys to access all senses for the quality of a product. It is an art to feel and touch a bag and compare items in a store. Essentially you limit the ability to trust your own senses and are dependent on the manufacturer to supplement their perspective on the quality of a product.

[@cookiedough641]

it's insane that prices are going up so much and quality (for some brands) is falling massively

[@sams3015]

Hi Cass, I need to do a binge when Christmas break is on as I’ve been so busy lately…but I am excited to squeeze this in, what a great topic

[@spvccio]

I want to buy vintage but making sure it's authentic is scary. I don't have enough knowledge to know where to start.

[@a.w5533]

I think other than the decline of quality, companies are forgetting the other important critical aspect of luxury, which is good customer service. It seems like people, including myself, get vastly different treatment at different boutiques for the same brand. I thought that was why these things warranted the $$$, for exceptional CS wherever you go. I will never spend a dime at Cartier for that reason. If I ever get back in jewelry, Tiffany has my heart.

[@coquettecece]

Cartier will not authenticate rings but if you go in and ask to get your ring polished or ask to get it cleaned and they will either do it meaning its real or decline meaning it's not real

[@meggammacisaacrylie7869]

I have Coach bags that are 10-18 years old that look amazing and they have been worn a lot. My latest Coach purse and my Marc Jacobs bag looks much better and more luxurious than a friend's new LV bag. You know the luxury isn't luxury anymore when lower-tier designer bags are holding up and looking better than the classic, high-end bags. Hell, my Michael Kors bags have better quality than a lot of luxury brands these days. One can't help but feel that they're being scammed out of their money. At this point, I'd rather save my money and get bags that will last, even if they aren't high-end designers or shop high-end designers that haven't had those quality issues (or haven't had them often) like Fendi, Gucci or Loro Piana, for example.

[@alexandraw6264]

I regret to inform you, Gucci leather goods have also decreased in quality drastically over the past few years :( I do not recommend

[@hhueter]

i think i'm just not going to buy from chanel. i've not really run into quality issues with fendi (some of their bags are still handmade). but for fendi my plan is to buy things that are unique and something i couldn't get anywhere else (beading, sequins). I mostly just like fendi and ferragamo, anyways. I think it's worth looking at brands that tend to not be as shareholder centered. Or smaller luxury brands.

[@JasJ8]

I recently took my Chanel WOC from 2011 to the store and they did really nice work and I was charged about $120. But we won't talk about how it took five months to get it back.

[@AreYouKittenMeRtNow]

Well at least you got it back 😂 I’m always worried about a bait and switch when sending something in for repair lmao

[@skrittle555]

Many lower end companies offer lifetime warranties and replace or repair the item for free. Y'all are being scammed.

[@JasJ8]

@@skrittle555 Then keep buying your low budget goods. This is a forum for people who actually buy luxury goods.

[@JasJ8]

@@AreYouKittenMeRtNow They returned my item in perfect condition and there were even a few items I left in the bag that were returned to me with the bag. It took months bc they had to ship it back to Paris.

[@bubblesarah]

Everything you said. You shouldn't be paying,££££££ and be concerned about quality This is why I bought my LV speedy vintage

[@CassieThorpe]

Exactly!!

[@ersebethbathory]

I have been buying luxury bags for 20 years (gosh I feel old !), the quality is not the same (the products but also the shopping experience !). I wanted to get a small timeless new (best friend has the employee discount) but in the end I got a vintage rare (navy with red piping) that is absolutely perfect, with 24k gold plated hardware at an auction. I payed less and feel I got a better/more interesting bag…

[@meaty7512]

Totally agree! I personally have been allocating more of my shopping budget for fine jewelry now.

[@CassieThorpe]

Love that!💖

[@AreYouKittenMeRtNow]

I just got a reverse monogram PM… dragging my feet and picking one up later in the game means I was able to skip all the dysfunctional clasp drama and I have to say I’m very pleased with the quality and durability on THIS bag. I can’t be bothered to be precious with something I intend for daily use (though I did get hardware guards) and I must say the clasp on this one is fabulous, the stitching is perfect, I can’t find one single thing off with it and I’m glad I bought it. BUT I think the overall quality has absolutely decreased on a lot of these lines and it’s sad that this bag that I just purchased is probably an outlier now. I loved what you said about Hermes, and it’s one of the reasons I’m quite happy to buy aftermarket … just not jump through their 100k$ hoops for Q bags lol

[@jameshooper3369]

This is spot on. Plus throw in a difficult economic environment and a tightening of spending with crazy recent price increases - some brands are going to find themselves very exposed I think. Poor quality items might do well in the short term for margins but surely gradually devalues the brand over time? Will this ever hit Chanel’s revenue?

[@CassieThorpe]

Yes!! I hope a lot of them start to really invest in quality control 💖

[@jameshooper3369]

I was looking at Loewe at they’ve opened a repair store in Osaka - hopefully with more to come. It could end up being a real selling point for brands to differentiate. Certainly encourages brand loyalty if you like Bottega, Hermes or Loewe knowing they’ll continue to service their products. Also gives an environmentally conscious consumer peace of mind that products aren’t going to be wasteful and short lived.

[@CassieThorpe]

@@jameshooper3369 this is fabulous!

[@violakarl6900]

Leaving quality behind always comes around to bite you imo. Haven't bought big designer yet, but I definitely stray away from Chanel as I've heard so many complaints. And I don't think I'm the only one in this position.

[@jgraz96]

Thank you for being so HONEST. I’ll stick with fragrances and beauty for now.

[@ifeyhome]

Some of the best quality leather bags I've seen are made by Coach

[@ThaSweetHart]

Guys, there are so many cool, less well known brands, and especially handbag brands, that don’t disrespect their customers and will give the quality you pay for. Stop shopping at places like Chanel, LV, etc until they get it together! If you have the income to shop at those stores, and want high end handbags, brands like Moynat, Metier, Joseph Duclos, and Delvaux exist. And they’re just as old, if not older, as many of the popular brands if you’re looking for heritage.

[@marilynfarley9213]

Hello Cassie. I never knew that about Chanel. Wow. At least with Hermes with all that money spent they will honor any bag. My goodness. I learn a lot from your informative video's. Thank u so much lovely. ❤❤💓.

[@alee702]

Curious for your thoughts of when you decide on an item (bag), inspect the item, and then they take it to the back room to wrap it up to bring to the cash register? Do you ever wonder if the one you looked at is swapped out? When a friend asked me this question after I walked out with my purchase, it got me thinking…would they???

[@d.y.e3803]

When products are in such high demand and are therefore more massed produced, quality issues tend to arise whether high-end luxury or not. But, with the egregious pricing of high-end luxury items these days, there's no excuse for low or questionable quality issues. Also, over many decades, folks have come into more disposable income to buy high-end luxury bags as personally, I've never seen the massive amount of interest prior to the invention of the internet. As far as quality, there are plenty of bags and other items out there that are not high-end luxury, but still have excellent quality. If one would just expand one's mind out of the "IT" bag and "IT" designer brand category, then one could still find quality. Greetings from Los Angeles

[@ThaSweetHart]

Definitely agree that people need to look past the same old bags and brands. I don’t get how people don’t get bored with the same rotation of brands.

[@cherieroatz4233]

After watching your other video about 2024 trends, I remembered the new LV collection had launched. Out of curiosity, I had a look online and braced for everything to be sold out. EVERYTHING WAS STILL AVAILABLE. I could not believe it! I don't think that has happened the last 4 years. I think that people are definitely buying less and being more particular in what they do spend their money on with a view to keeping it for a long time rather than a trend they will eventually sell.

[@landsealifestyle3403]

Brands that I’ve had the best experience with after care have been Bottega and Gucci! I’ve had vintage Gucci’s before that I’ve sold and they still looked amazing and the ones I still have look brand new! I also am with you on fine jewelry train since we do have a lot of bags and RTW it’s kind of like you have so much and with everyone just rereleasing old stuff we are kinda bored and then like your point of quality issues. I’m not going to dump 10k on a bag that I have to go over with a fine tooth comb… I’ll just go to a brand that I know will be a higher quality!!💚

[@emajjamarie]

I've definitely been investing more in jewelry. It's like a wearable savings account. Gold is pretty much guaranteed to appreciate, and it's something I will pass down. Plus, if my future kids/grandkids don't love it, they can always take the stones and change the settings or make whole new pieces.

[@KoriEmerson]

As some one in her 40’s . I’ve been around for a bit. I’ve been buying designer for a while. I hands down categorically will NOT buy new. I have a 255 from the 60s. The new ones can’t touch it.

[@PracticalWhimsy54]

You are correct wrt investing in other things such as fine jewelry. I have slipped into that boat also. Recently hit a pearl addiction and with proper research / certification, I know that the value and durability will last for years and years. I have also decided to trim down on my handbags, and look at more moderate brands with super quality.

[@lalc2883]

To be fair, while the quality is declining, i think we should have different expectations between fashion brands and luxury goods brands. In a way, we are comparing HERMES, a leather goods house and CHANEL, a fashion house. Their approach to bags is not the same from the start. The lines are blurred when those leather goods company are part of the fashion conversation: Gucci, Loewe, Bottega Veneta, Prada. There are fashion brands like Alaia, Chloé, Tom Ford that have a great quality but you won't get the same time of services you get at Moynat, Delvaux or Hermes. Regarding a brand like Chanel, i think that high demand and a lack of control in their production facilities is also the reason of the declining quality. Working with subscontractors instead of having their own factories in Italy for example makes them inconsistent.

[@bimblaq]

Loro Piana quality isn’t what it used to be 10 years ago either.. My mom stopped shopping there after she noticed issues with their cashmere & accessories🙁 There are bunch of Italian brands that are similar to Brunello Cuccinelli & Loro Piana that are less internationally known & have better quality

[@haleyraschella3143]

After my granny passed away last year I got all her Gucci purse wneve knew she had so many and her Chanel purse that is in 24k gold and is still in perfect condition

[@ubiquitousflow]

3rd route are people spending at smaller or longstanding contemporary brands.

[@StephNP28]

Love your videos! They are always informative and logical, which is not easy to come by.. haha Also, just wanted to say thanks for the extensive analysis and research you do on many of your videos, it’s appreciated! 😊

[@justkeivin850]

This is so true especially when they convert the euro in different currency is triple up the price so its means its 3x the price+the consumer right now is more vocal they not afraid to call out and boycott the brand that's don't aligned to them anymore

[@CassieThorpe]

True!! 💖

[@allthatglam57]

In my country the price is 5x higher 😢

[@mattbonanza9032]

Another nickel of wisdom from me 🙈...Remember that a lot of chemicals and processes were eliminated from textile industry because they are not sustainable or unethical. I have an H&M red cotton tshirt from 2004 that refused to fade or age and I used it a lot. Nowadays I wash some garments by hands in cold water and they "bleed" colour. I agree that greed contributed to lower quality all around but also fact that chemicals or processes were banned along with fact that clothes making is a labour intensive industry and needs savy but "cheap" workers that are harder to find. Clothing is underrated. Sometimes tshirt costs less than a few kilos of potatoes or pack of eggs. I don't want to underestimate potato or egg makes but tshirt doesn't grow "by itself". People don't realise that.

[@dva5610]

Mid tier brands on sale do it best - Theory, Sandro etc.

[@CyberMercy]

As the Movie says: the way to win is not to play. Luxury for me is Unique if not Bespoke. Anything featured of mass media of any sort for me is no longer a "Luxury" Good merely an Upscale good. I have a bespoke leather jacket, hand made bag and fine jewlry all from brands you've never heard of and never will. Great vidi 😎☕💋

[@xitsperfection]

mornings that I wake up to a new Cassie video are the best mornings

[@dewatamarilyn8297]

We definitely need, update of your jewelry 💎 collection 😍😍✨😍

[@AdamRidgway1]

Perfectly Said. Bravo.

[@suzanneallison6163]

Have you checked our Ring Concierge for fine jewelry? Woman owned, based in NY. They have a couple of locations, great price points.

[@kemi1517]

Another great video, Cassie!

[@CassieThorpe]

Thanks so much!

[@mattbonanza9032]

I think vintage is a great way to see what is long lasting. If it doesn't fall apart after 10 years it will not fall apart for another 10 for sure, perhaps even 20. Same goes for style. If you are not ashamed to wear it after 10 years, it is "evergreen". Another maybe delusional pearl of mine...I realised that Hedi Slimane designed collections are best quality pieces. I bought vintage Hedi Dior and SLP pieces and it is astonishing how long lasting they are. Few post Hedi pieces I got were of obviously lower quality after few seasons after he left. Maybe my experience is limited but I think I am right. Celine I didn't try yet.

[@amybrando2585]

Loooooove ❤ your dad is so like mine. Just the Aussie version but English heritage 🥰

[@londonshoppingtours]

I bought a pair of sandals from Hermes after a while the leather started peeling off and Hermes gave me a full refund in a heart beat, really easy x

[@angiesubiaolivo1972]

Not in the mini jodie, they don’t apply that lifetime warranty to that bag.

[@jaks_bag_attack]

We have to go preloved, nobody can afford the new prices when they are pushing out 20 year old repeats,

[@annabless2447]

Happy Friday Cass Cass!! Have yourself a productive weekend 😊

[@CassieThorpe]

Thank you so much! Wishing you the same! 💖

[@twinningintokyo5487]

The eyeliner though ❤🔥🔥🔥

[@suzyq8777]

Just saw a picture of Marla Aaron's pieces. I have a bunch of her items and they're beautiful!

[@daralop]

From standing in a line to check quality issues….luxury experience is no longer what it used to be

[@Pwebbm]

2024 shall be the year of luxury 'intersectionality'. 💯

[@deekerubo1593]

Cassie, we miss the podcass! 😭😭

[@TheCXBbudget]

I’m a fully fledged YSL girlie now I’m yet 🤞🏼 to experience bad quality from them so they are welcome to take my coins and I’m a black w ghw lover.

[@silah1981]

Consider Delvaux handbags its gold and palladium plated

[@dissolved29]

That’s exactly the reason why over the past two years I’ve drifted towards vintage. I have eg. Fendi and Ferragamo bags ca.2000-2010 and their current stuff is no match compared to those ‚oldies’. Hell, even when I compare my YSL LouLou form 2018 with the ones they sell today I see a clear difference in the leather (bare in mind that mine is is a vibrant bright color and should show wear more clearly than a plain black - still no issues, no visible scratches or color transfer, and I used it loads in all seasons). Still, YSL is my favorite and I find their quality more consistent than the chanels and Louis’. The last time I bought Chanel in store was 2017 and I honestly do not miss shopping there, every time I like the look of something new the feel of it is just not cutting it for me. As for LV, I don’t even care anymore, I’m a basic bish with my damier Neverfull and Alma bb from 2015-2016 and that’s enough, nothing of theirs has triggered my interest over the years. Also, with vintage you can find beautiful quality unique gems - which is also a major win, especially if you’re like me and enjoy simpler styles but don’t want to look same same with 99% of people on the streets. Vintage to the win! 😊

[@Sasha-uu1ep]

What are some really good quality jewelry brands to look into? I've lately been admiring the Bulgari bracelets. Are they worth the price?

[@ImBiasedWithAdovian]

I’ve had my Cartouchiere GM for 25 years. Y’all can pay $7-12K+ til the cows come home