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 😅

[@DD-ln5no]

@@Awesome68fulprecisely! I enjoy quality I can feel.. supple leathers and lush suedes... I don't care if it's contemporary or luxury.. although I prefer contemporary these Days for many reasons

[@atmd.2023]

@@Awesome68ful it’s unfortunate how many people do chase high-price low-quality bags, all so they could rock certain brand names 🤷🏻

[@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.

[@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.

[@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]

😮

[@PhTify]

And this was before they were acquired by LVMH. Imagine what will happen now

[@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).

[@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.

[@deadliza2034]

LVMH ruins Everything they touch!

[@katemiller7874]

Everything they touch turns to gold

[@giulitorelli]

Why do you think?

[@marianguyen2779]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@katcankan7129]

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

[@lamjay5189]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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?

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@TheHopefulminimalist]

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

[@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.

[@MaggieMagnoli]

I absolutely love my Polène bags!!! I’d be really sad if they pushed the price point into the luxury market

[@cecigmz]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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”

[@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.

[@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🤷🏼‍♀️

[@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.

[@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. 😂

[@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.

[@SusanLee-m5k]

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.

[@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

[@808spicysushi]

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

[@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.

[@TheSuperflychic]

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

[@anye76]

As a person who works in the financial insurace sector, I can say that when a corporate behemoth touches your brand/company, it's all for profit. The faces of said brand will remain at the helm for some time but slowly will be bought out and behemoth fully takes over. They care less about anything that was. You become chattel. Case in point, when Cristina Carlino sold Philosophy to The Carlyle Group. The quality changed. Having been a die-hard user of the brand for nearly a decade before the sale, I knew when it changed. I quit buying the products that I loved. Bottom line these beloved brands will change & generally not for the better. They add to the massed produced junk and behemoth gets another notch in their belt loop.

[@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.

[@juliel4096]

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

[@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

[@Jennifer-pb7zq]

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

[@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.😂

[@bagloverlux]

Wow! The Polene and LVMH is a surprise.

[@SusanLee-m5k]

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?

[@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.

[@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 👌

[@MelissaAdams-Wade]

Great informative video.

[@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.

[@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

[@Trangha746]

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

[@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

[@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

[@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...

[@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.

[@MadinaVadache]

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

[@nealanderson7475]

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

[@Giannas1096]

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

[@hellocatwalkcity]

Straw bags are great! 😂 👍

[@MadinaVadache]

Differently selling your soul to devil is not gonna benefit them

[@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

[@loriacupuncture]

Great video by the way.

[@Babi305Fla]

I think The ROW ready to sale

[@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!

[@kristinnecessary9435]

The news about Polene is concerning but IMO The Row is already well into designer/luxury price territory. Much higher than Polene even after recent price increases and caters to a different customer.

[@hellocatwalkcity]

Oh absolutely, The Row was always marketed as a high luxury brand with the prices to match. The question is whether they will be able to maintain their quality and also their minimalist aesthetics that drew a certain customer base to the brand.

[@stacyb6461]

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

[@madokaor3611]

This is interesting. Thanks for another great video.

[@mindbodysoul8214]

GREED & CONTROL

[@Talktounever]

Polene looks like marshalls or madewell bag

[@kiwimike2330]

The big luxury brands are doing just fine contrary to what everyone on KZbin says, they’re only down in China because the Chinese economy is imploding. Their sales aren’t down for the rest of the world. It’s also why smaller brands are doing just fine, because they’re not exposed to market in China to the same degree. Louis Vuitton has 460 stores worldwide and 62 of them are in China, it’s this heavy exposure to the Chinese consumer market that is causing the small percentage drop in overall sales, it’s not a worldwide luxury slowdown like many KZbins incorrectly state.

[@hellocatwalkcity]

Oh for sure, they’re doing fine. They’re still making tons of money each year, but the trend line is negative. You’re right about the slowdown in sales China but the story is broader than that. For example, the Kering Group announced that profits could be down up to 30% in the second half of the year due to “uncertainties weighing on the evolution of demand from luxury consumers in the coming months” Also LVMH owns quite a few fine wine & spirits brands and that sector has also fallen in sales across Europe and US. So while the Chinese economy is definitely a big part of the financial performance of these luxury conglomerates, my point is, there are other factors as well. Some analysts are even saying that the rise in interest rates have squeezed “aspirational consumers” preventing them from entering the luxury market as they would have in the past. And there’s also currency fluctuations that have not been in favor of these European luxury brands. Finally, unsteady/falling stock prices show the overall lack of confidence in this market by investors. I owned LVMH stocks for years, seeing constant growth - but then sold everything last year, which I’m glad I did.

[@CJ-sin]

As a customer you can don’t buy their products if it is not affordable anymore. You still have a choice.

[@gigiflavoroflife]

Thanks for the update! LVMH taking stake in Polene makes it less appealing. 😒

[@hellocatwalkcity]

I think many will feel the same. 😣

[@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

[@helenhall299]

Interesting times!

[@SK-gr2rm]

This was a great video. Thank you.

[@Ellie-eq86q]

It is time to find a substitute. I bought the half moon bag like 4 years ago, it was just started and it was fine. I won’t spend more than 600 dollars for this level of bags. I would rather invest more to buy a luxury brand which can maintain the value longer…

[@hellocatwalkcity]

I agree their pricing is now creeping into new territory. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@Tvso9813]

The Olsens have GREAT taste but that bag is not 7k even with marketing.

[@kimaholland3423]

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

[@Babi305Fla]

Poor Quality Higher Prices 😂😂😂 its OOOver Baby

[@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.

[@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 😬

[@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!

[@hongily25]

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

[@Trangha746]

Their own!

[@pamp.5590]

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

[@five2smallfry]

I don’t get the hype on Polene plus I hear much issues on their quality. Glad I’m not a fan.

[@loribdezngrl]

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

[@hellocatwalkcity]

Absolutely

[@deedee3961]

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

[@MissNessybach]

FrançoisE Bettencourt Meyers. François and Françoise are not pronounced the same.

[@hellocatwalkcity]

Thanks for letting me know!

[@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.