THE BIGGEST *LIE* IN LUXURY: You Need To Know This.

[@SophieShohetOfficial]

Hi friends! LOTS of you have been telling me recently of brands who outsource the making of their goods to China, but still give a sense of things being made in Italy. I got looking into this and found an amazing article online (linked below). So this is my summary of that article. What do you think about this topic? xx medium.com/@adepejumariam/dear-millennial-your-made-in-italy-handbag-may-be-made-in-china-e870d79474d8

[@jillmartin8255]

Hi Sophie, not first, was trying to save a favourite tee shirt from the disaster that it a large drip from a gravy laden roast potato, but not too late today!! Hugs xx

[@SophieShohetOfficial]

@@jillmartin8255 Hello Jill!! How are you? I hope you’ve had a nice weekend 🥰 this week has been so awful with Louis passing 😞 so today we took a nice long walk and then had a pub lunch to cheer ourselves up 😊 Hugs!xx

[@soksannkhem6961]

The quality is there but some Burberry is made in China

[@emmal9534]

Chinese speaking here, making 19€ an hour in China is very high pay, you can safely assume that a factory worker would be making less than £700 a month. Also, fun fact, on Chinese internet, there’s a running joke about how Prada is known for poor quality and that fake Prada often has way better quality. Just fyi

[@janetthomas8244]

I worked in the fashion industry for quite some time in NY. I would never consider buying a "luxury" item because I don't want to pay for a logo.

[@SophieShohetOfficial]

You’re right Janet, at the end of it all it’s the logo we’re paying for!xx

[@maryokeefe5351]

@@SophieShohetOfficial True, yet the brands also pay a fortune for their stores in high-rent districts, shipping, distribution, etc.

[@seabreeze4559]

@@maryokeefe5351 they violate the law including the Trades Descriptions Act by pretending all the production is heritage

[@seabreeze4559]

@@SophieShohetOfficial China allows animal abuse and there are people who've tested the leather and it's CAT OR DOG. Please make a video.

[@alison8606]

What would you consider a quality item? Is it made in a specific place, of certain materials, etc?

[@kath1626]

Handmade leather goods are the epitome of luxury and I'm not even talking about Hermès or Launer (although these two brands do come to mind) but about the workshops in both Florence AND Rome and their products don't cost luxury money. But I bought bags at workshops in both cities that were made for me in a matter of days, nothing off the shelves. They take pride in what they do and those bags are among my most used despite the luxury articles sitting next to them. I agree with everything you said and we're all victims of FOMO. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@SophieShohetOfficial]

This is a very good point Kath. Out of interest, I’m actually going to Florence in September and would love to check out a leather goods place!! Are they easy to find?xx

[@lunaluxaz]

Which leather store websites? Im eager to add some to my collection !

[@tamarfischer283]

If things are made of expensive materials by expert artisans and they take LONG to make, They will be luxury. The fact that so many people are able and willing to spend thousands of pounds for a handbag does not take away from the fact that they are luxury.

[@maryokeefe5351]

@@lunaluxaz A lot of the small ateliers do not sell online. In-person only, they are not high volume producers.

[@lunaluxaz]

@@maryokeefe5351 that makes sense.

[@coding7196]

I read a book called "Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster" by Dana Thomas and it was startling.

[@SophieShohetOfficial]

That sounds like a really interesting book!!xx

[@crustyrash]

It's an eyeopening read.

[@westernnut8407]

Interesting, I just posted a comment mentioning that book as well. It's a real eye-opener and I recommend it.

[@Ulfscher]

Great book, a real classic.

[@AhhhsoNeo]

The book is old, don’t know how any of this is new news??

[@kategould6946]

I started purchasing from small, family owed leather workers in Italy. Del Guidice Roma is my favorite. Not only do they make bags to order, but they also make custom bags and work with you to design exactly what you want. My custom bag is linned in leather and will last a lifetime. And it will outlive all my bags- maybe not my Birkin, but mu Chanel and LV and Fendi for sure.

[@heidijay5902]

Just had a look at their site, I’ve already found a few styles I would like, thanks for the tip I’d never heard of them before.

[@kiwigirl4669]

Thank you ! I just went on their site and there’s some great stuff. ❤

[@noora7773]

@@heidijay5902 me too! I got my eyes on amelia with brown croc pattern, and the bamboo handle would go with it too😌

[@vickyvictoria4u]

I went to DGR and those handbags are beautiful. Thank you for the tip.

[@recklessshalala92]

Hey, Sophie! I live in Romania and I can confirm that Burberry bags and clothes and also Moncler jackets are made here. 90% of the work is done here and then they just add some finishing touches in England or Italy and they put the Made In… stamp there

[@SophieShohetOfficial]

Hello my friend! This is so interesting to know!!!! Thank you for sharing this with us all 🙏🙏🥰🥰xx😘😘

[@valeriemacaron6432]

Yes. Louis Vuitton as well. Just search on google. Made in Romania. Shoes.

[@ariadnasaftoiu3967]

They actually say Made in Romania. Purchased a down jacket from the Moncler website and had the Made in Romania tag

[@seabreeze4559]

@@SophieShohetOfficial many of these companies sold up to the chinese so they're forcing changes in production, should be illegal to do it e.g. mulberry is now chinese

[@Vjestica7]

Burberry was also producing (not sure if they are still doing) some of their trench coats in Bosnia and Herzegovina. But it was written on the label. Considering the difference of how low the cost of workforce there is to produce that trench and how much Burberry charges is really crazy.

[@EvieAswiti]

I remember when Alex from HRH said designer bags are out and tacky now and it’s lived in my head rent free ever since. Now this video confirms it for me!

[@davisholman8149]

I am around very successful individuals (medical device sales) & most of the time, they choose quiet luxury, nothing that causes attention to themselves. There is an underlying attitude that blatant branding is tacky tbh.🤷🏽‍♂

[@portialipton]

It does make me chuckle a little Sophie that it's taken about a half a million pound investment in all this stuff before this has occurred to you.

[@SophieShohetOfficial]

😭 I totally didn’t realise!!xx

[@feetjiefit6353]

so true 😂😂❤❤

[@Jaiem_]

Oh wise one. Why would anyone assume a bag labelled ‘Made in Italy, isn’t?

[@gh6863]

I go to a shop in Florence where they make beautiful bags. Many are in croc, lizard, ostrich etc. They all cost less than a boring Chanel bag, even the croc! I have visited the factory and seen how much love and care is put into every item.

[@katiehowick1505]

Would u mind sharing the name? Thanks

[@hinas_for_life]

Hello from Tokyo !! Chanel's clothes are said to be sewn in Eastern Europe and the label sewn in in France, they bend the rules just like you mentioned, LoL

[@mariacabral3967]

Very good information. On one of my trips to Turkey as a tourist I did a tour of a leather manufacturer the factory / warehouse was massive full of beautiful leather goods. The coats did not have the designer name / tags but they were being shipped to the designer houses. That was an eye opener for me 🙄😊

[@crustyrash]

One thing I noticed with LV is that their packaging (e.g., orange store bags) is made in China and the dust bags in India. It makes me wonder about the rest of the products are what parts are made by workers not getting treated properly.

[@girlwithanindianemerald2021]

This way I stop buying luxury products 😅Plus LV after take over Hermes start make same colour packaging to have even chipper price in production lane 😑 😒 this huge corporations every year have race to make bigger profit 📈 and bigger and bigger so they must make products even chipper way and sail for more LV take the piss when I want buy a one bag for £7000 and in the advert what they made bag be make with 3D hands crafted parts ok and the real bag coming with just print on it !!!! My sail assistant explained to me how the bag I see be made only one for advert and is not available only print versions for £7000 with I say no way thank you and this how ending up my buy luxury stuff every months now sometimes in a wile if I really like something but sometimes going 1 year I don't get nothing and hurra I'm still living 🙂

[@aokiQ]

My vintage chanel bag feels more luxurious than my current chanel bag, I can tell the attention to details and craftsmanship is next level, I heard from a intern for The Row, they buy vintage clothes to study them, and how they make these pieces back in the day, you always think everything will be more advanced, because we have better technologies now, but no a lot of skills were lost to massive productions over time! It’s truly sad!

[@maryokeefe5351]

So true. People i then invested in quality and kept their clothes for many years. There was no fast fashion back then.

[@xiwenchen189]

I sew using vintage clothing patterns/methods and I can't bring myself to shop fast fashion except for the super basics (lingerie, socks). Vintage clothes have the most gorgeous pleating details, buttons, and lace millinery, all of which fast fashion brands eliminated to reap more profits. Just Shein's production speed is nauseating, people treating clothes like disposable paper towels. And what's worse is America/Europe's unwanted clothes end up clogging developing countries' shores and creating greenhouse gases.

[@maryokeefe5351]

@@xiwenchen189 Good for you! Love this, except I am too tall and too busty for most vintage. But I agree with you about the quality of construction. Built to last!

[@annet4539]

It is/is it.. just better to buy something produced in your own country. It just seems these "designer labels" mostly make fun of us.

[@gail4972]

Thx for this video! I've noticed Gucci going down in quality... Not to mention all the "Fakes" out there!!

[@cschof4351]

Your not just paying for the bag , you pay for the logo , the high end retail space and décor ,salaries , their over the top fashion shows that normal people buying their bags are never allowed to attend , the list goes on .

[@danishpastry6137]

Totally agree, some of the shop space is so expensive! Just imagine how much you have to pay to have a concession in somewhere like harrods? And generally speaking, there are huge mark ups on most clothes and bags. Anyone who has worked in fashion retail will tell you that. As for the quality, some Chinese factories can produce good quality goods, but their overheads are less, so they can undercut other manufacturers.

[@Sunset553]

I don’t know about your Hermes conclusion. To me it seems their exclusivity comes from hiding the merchandise shelves from the customers and making you jump through hoops. They use classic sales techniques, similar to car dealers, they have you wait in an area full of shiny new models you weren’t planning to buy. They make you wait and wait.. They tell you they can’t take your offer at first, maybe they show you something less than what you asked for. They build suspense. I don’t understand sales, but I’ve been put through the process before, before they produce the item you asked for. Why all that build up? It had to be some manufactured way to distinguish themselves from a company where you can just walk up and find it on the shelf. You just know you were special enough to get the handbag. And all they had to do was leave you hanging while they go do some other work. That’s your exclusivity. That and believing that they make everything by hand locally. maybe they do.

[@corneliali7747]

yeah. Hermes's mind game is annoying.

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

Unfortunately, this is all undoubtedly true and I worked it out some time ago. I don't buy luxury anymore, apart from books. It is particularly enraging that the workers get so little from the huge profits. The rumours about the Chanel factory in Europe are particularly revolting. Even actually being made in Europe does not appear to guarantee integrity in manufacturing. Thank you for the video!

[@xiwenchen189]

I read somewhere that Chanel jewelry really took a nosedive when Lagerfield sold previous factories who were making the beautiful high end quality products that didn't lose stones/beads. I'm a recent college grad working in illustration/product design and can't afford luxury above Coach level. I find these new prices on all luxury brands to be ridiculous, especially since they have such horrible product defects and the clothes feel cheap. Still, I'm annoyed by all these posers crying over 'made in China.' It's no secret that American companies wanted to shave off costs and take advantage of countries without strict labor regulations.

[@sidviscus]

Sophie, you have consistently been my favorite fashion channel on KZbin for years. I watch you more than any other fashion channel, including vloggers who are multi millionaires who own several mansions and enormous wardrobes of designer clothes - I find your channel more fascinating. Never stop!

[@kateevans4886]

Well done Sophie! Someone needs to say the Emperor has no clothes eh? I refuse to buy Chanel and LV even though I could afford it….quality is not good enough!! I applaud your video for calling it out💖💖💖👛👛👛

[@Emanuela1003]

Hi Sophie!🥰Loved your video (as usual), you made a very good point! 😍 Luxury isn't luxury anymore, but there are still some truly luxurious brands around, such as Launer! Another similar brand is Pelletteria Artigiana Viviani, which was founded in 1965 in Florence. They are all about true quality and exceptional craftsmanship! Their bags are handmade and custom-made, too, and that's why you usually have to wait a month or two to get your bag... But the wait is totally worth it! Lots of love from Rome!😘

[@veronicamcelprang5010]

Thank you very much for this video! This is exactly why I have not started my luxury journey. The materials and construction do not align with the cost. When younger I sewed most of my clothing, so I have great appreciation for craftsmanship. The labor cost cannot justify these prices. (Coughs in Gucci.🙄 ) In my opinion, the fakes have gotten so much better because they have real scraps of the raw materials. It is a hard pill to swallow knowing that the "difference" in the fakes versus the real items is where it is purchased not where it is made. These design houses are absolutely "out of pocket". Cheers from the southern USA!

[@westernnut8407]

Well put GRIT!

[@jenniferelyse5134]

Absolutely. I learned how to sew as well and I cannot abide by some of the prices for the quality of item we get for it. It feels like a huge joke.

[@barttrodd7918]

There was another article I remember reading that talked about how some luxury companies in Italy would traffic in sweat shop workers from places like China to work in warehouses in Italy and then threaten the workers with green cards. This allowed them to pay them little money and maintain the “made in Italy” line. And when the companies get raided, the workers get deported back to their country of origin and the company “pretends” that they were not aware of it. I have no idea if this is still done, but I do agree that there is a huge difference between “made in Italy” and “ethically made in Italy” with fair wages. Love the video ❤ it’s definitely a conversation starter!

[@jenniferelyse5134]

I love that you expanded into this after my video request. It’s refreshing to see someone talking about the truth behind this industry. It’s why I question buying a product for the name when super fakes are exceeding the quality these fashion giants are able to produce. It makes me question all of it.

[@ogjalena]

Unfortunately these reasons are why I prefer more contemporary items, however there are some very lovely contemporary items that look classic and refined also. Not always just trend.

[@pincopallina9913]

dear… Italian bags are made in Italy near Florence where there are many Chinese-owned workshops with Chinese artisans. The companies deliver the material measured to the millimeter to pack the bags to avoid that more than what was commissioned is produced. The staff is exploited and underpaid as in China. Each bag is paid one twentieth or one thirtieth of the store price. It has been years now that not even the product made in Europe guarantees respect for the workers.

[@seabreeze4559]

domestic slavery is the name

[@kimroller3609]

This needs to be emphasized A LOT more when people get on their soapbox about items being crafted in Europe as opposed to Asia. Same exploitation.

[@kathrin9674]

true.

[@therealshakeen]

One of my patients predominantly lives in Milan and owns a business where his factory manufactures the labels that get stitched on designer garments and handbags. This includes mostly Italian brands, but also Burberry. He told me they get all the merchandise from various places, including China, Indonesia, etc and their job is to sew on the labels. The labels of course will say made in Italy.

[@TheOlliverr]

Regarding cost of goods, as someone who has worked in luxury retail for over 10 years including experience in buying. Luxury retail mark up is 400%. Ie a bag that costs £2000 probably cost the brand £400

[@juneyan]

I bought a Gucci bag last year and when I was checking it out, the zipper pull came right off before I could even use it! Luckily they fixed it for me but now I really think twice before purchasing anything "luxury"!

[@katem6562]

Sophie had this problem with two Chanel purses she bought in the pandemic and she did film them and it was so clear that they didn’t actually care about quality of the product! Very off putting

[@coggieskaz7115]

Wow. I have a Gucci bag I bought in the 80s and still have. I tried to sell it thru a resale service, and they said it was too old. Shoot. I should just keep it.

[@jag5798]

Same with Italian Olive Oil in the grocery. I was told by an Italian when living in Rome, that most oils come from Sudan and then they add a higher percentage of oil from Italy and claim it as Italian. I relay that to leather and silks. A cow is a cow and a silk worm is a silk worm in most cases. Its just where it may be stitched and printed that claims it as “made in.”

[@fluentasperity]

I learned this while studying fashion design. But to be fair, it is also the experience that you pay for. They spend millions on marketing, rent the biggest stores on the most expensive streets and areas, the packaging, dressing celebrities, the runway shows… All this goes into the price of an item. So it’s just a decision for us on what we are willing to spend our money. What is really not okay is the downfall of quality which we have for a couple of years now. But then again, we can decide to buy from brands that focus on quality.

[@loloholmes2793]

It's not just limited to handbags & clothes, even Mackenzie-Childs is now manufactured in China but that doesn't stop them from pricing their large Salt & Pepper Shakers at $128.00. Their quality has gone down since they outsourced to China too.

[@seabreeze4559]

same happened with royal worcester and other ceramics

[@lindacgrace2973]

Precisely! I remember my Grandmother's Gucci. A totally different brand than it is today, and today's Gucci does not fare well in a comparison. Therefore, to get the quality I want, I get everything custom made. My tailor has a mannequin of me and all I have to do is send a photo and request fabric samples. Once I approve a sample, he whips up whatever I need. Yes, buying my clothes from a tailor in Hong Kong takes longer. I'm fine with that. It's amazingly cheap - even using the best British and Italian wool and high-quality silk (the guys in Hong Kong genuinely understand silk!). I even get my jeans custom sewn. For accessories, I buy vintage and I'm much happier with the quality.

[@lk4132]

Oh this is wonderful. To me what you describe is true luxury and exclusivity. Things made either by ourselves or a tailor. As opposed to the cookie cutter, dime a dozen overpriced "luxury" items in snobby locations sold by snobby people.

[@lindacgrace2973]

@@lk4132 Thanks! I am quite thrifty. A friend of mine was quite surprised that I buy custom clothing; but honestly, it's much cheaper in the long run. I get exactly what I want at the price I would pay for off-the rack, and much less than what "luxury" costs. Save money - hire a tailor!

[@mahofischer]

A friend of mine used to work as a reporter at a German TV station, and she told me that some of French luxury brand items were made in Turkey. She and some TV crews were able to go inside the factory to see that in person. I still like those brands, but I think twice before I make any purchase now.

[@lingscookingescapade]

Omg really?

[@scruffyo4460]

Which luxury brands were they?

[@glockenrein]

I’ve read before that the better fakes are simply produced in the same Chinese production sites as the originals. Same materials, same workers just produced secretly after hours.

[@annamari545]

I agree with you except I don’t even think those fakes are made in secret. My suspicion is that the people in charge of the Chinese factories simply take some of the items produced and sell it themselves, so they can keep the money.

[@ariadnasaftoiu3967]

I keep seeing Tiktok videos of DHGate bags (the better quality ones) and I must say I haven't seen one that actually looks real. To someone who hasn't purchased anything authentic maybe, but I've seen something wrong with every item I've seen. That being said, my authentic Prada 2005 reedition has differences between the two triangles on the bag and on the pouch. Very sloppy. Had it double authenticated just to be sure. My LV Multi Pochette also has sloppy stitching on the round coin purse. So quality has gone down a lot. But I personally don't believe in this theory

[@supersharpblades5673]

How can they be fakes then, if they’re made in the same factory and made exactly using the exact same materials?

[@mitzilivingston8147]

@@supersharpblades5673 Great question!

[@SandraOConnor-x9c]

So, Sophie, knowing what you know now, will you still purchase the "luxury" brands you've mentioned? Well done and thank you for making me see sense! I think I'm honestly well and truly done with these brands now.

[@dimanadimitrova2764]

A lot of brands like Coccinelle, Dolce & Gabbana, Valentino, Versace are made in Bulgaria too. And you can find a lot of local Bulgarian brands selling clothing made with designer fabric and it will say on the label made with ‘Versace silk’ or ‘Dolce & Gabbana lace’. This ties to what you said for the meter fabric - not only they make so much of it that it lowers the cost but they also sell the fabric to local designers. I have a very dear friend who works for the same manufacturer that makes Coccinelle bags and they do work for Hermes too. Hermes is also outsourcing!! They just do it in a way that it not so obvious. And since Bulgaria is part of the EU it’s even easier for those brands to outsource. Furla merchandise is also manufactured in Bulgaria but I from what I’ve seen they are transparent and the labels don’t claim ‘made in Italy’.

[@ariadnasaftoiu3967]

Bulgaria is part of the EU

[@kjadebass]

Good video outlining some of the issues with the fashion industry and luxury in particular. I think what irks me the most is the exploitative nature of it all, and the workers in the factory either getting underpaid OR the vast amounts of profits these companies are seeking to make off the back of hard working people, women in particular. I believe fashion is art and that is worth something, but not to this extent. But where do we go from here? I personally have decided never to buy a Chanel classic ever again. And I almost feel like it justifies buying high quality replicas just to stick it in their faces, but I know that's controversial too. Would be interested to hear your thoughts on this. Do we, as consumers, do more due diligence on companies and support those who are paying fair wages and making reasonable profit margins? E.g. 20-50%? I don't know the answers!

[@flohough1870]

Great video Sophie! All of these points make me question the ethics of these companies. What else are they doing that we don't know about in regards to labor, materials, etc? I hear that all the time about the fake market, but the more I see and hear about the big names, I am less inclined to think they are exempt from that as well.

[@jillbaker988]

Great video - totally agree! I have bought LV in the past - my most recent purchase (a wallet) had a sticky zip and the SA said she would order one online & get it delivered. When it arrived, the second one was even worse! I phoned LV and had to travel to Selfridges to return it. It took 3 attempts to get a small card wallet costing over £400 in perfect condition. That was my last “luxury” purchase! 😢 Really enjoy your videos Sophie! 😊

[@premeyumlife443]

Thanks for sharing my lady. 🙏🏼❤️😘😘😘Sandy

[@ritaroad]

In the US this has been common knowledge for years. A coat will be made in China but add the buttons in England and the coat gets a tag Made In England. In southern Italy beautiful sewing skills have been passed on through generations of women. They average 25€ per coat from Max Mara. So that $2,000 coat was made in a woman’s kitchen.

[@davepedroza6355]

I work in the industry to this day, 16 years now. Now I design a luxury line and can confirm that some things do cost 10 times less than what they are sold for. But as a consumer , there are some brands that stand out in terms of quality and I either wait for a good sale or pay the full price if I feel I cannot get it any where. At the same time we are buying into the idea and the fantasy of the brand not just the item. But I agree just because it is made in Italy it’s not a sign of quality. You have to know how things are made to really know what is quality and what is not quality.

[@bianca5873]

Here in South Africa we have amazing leather artisans that make bespoke handbags… just for you and just how you like it… that’s true luxury if you ask me

[@Riderules73]

I believe this leaves us luxury afficionados with a real dilemma. What to do? Only buy vintage? I am at loss as to what the ethically right thing is to do.

[@katem6562]

Italian law is abhorrent making the claim that a product made 90% elsewhere is ‘made in Italy’. It’s off putting and insulting to customers who are buying the brand for the perceived quality and longevity

[@vickybaley7971]

Insightful video Sophie! I actually heard this from someone who worked in manufacturing and when on China they saw a worker with Valentino shoes on their cart and i couldn't believe that the brand would allow their items to be made there. Opens all of our eyes who love luxury!

[@tlk5807]

The masses (me included) have been roped into brands not quality. There’s a KZbinr who’s revealed that these brands make bags that cost less than a $100 and not that great quality but cost $$$. He’s even been fooled by one brand he thought used top grain leather but when he recently took it apart he found it was not. It would have been nice to see a Launer bag or like it on your shelf.

[@sunnydee67]

This is so educational and it is making me really question what luxury items I will be buying. Thanks Sophie ❤

[@tamaralopicic4866]

That’s one reason I am buying SENREVE!

[@radicalaccounting]

ever wonder why so many people come out with perfume? The lowest markup is 900%, with the bottle costing way more than the perfume. Plus everything you say about luxury...thanks.

[@DisneyMarkUK]

Sophie apart from Porsches and Range Rover’s I’ve stopped buying expensive stuff as it’s just tat. I’ve not bought a Louis Vuitton bag in 2 years and I don’t miss it. Great video as always x

[@kati16--19]

I’m really angry on LV. The bottom on my wallet in 2 years lost completely it’s color of leather and for change it or repair they request 70 euro and it is not the final price! This is insane! It’s 1/4 of the price of hole wallet

[@SunriseInParadise]

By European law, you don’t have to state where something is made. But, if you do state, only 50% or more needs to be made in that country that is being labelled, some countries changed it to 60%. Dior were caught making their products in Romania, and finish them in Italy, and their CEO said we are not breaking the law. But they sure are deceiving the customers though, suggesting that it is only made in Italy or France. Louis Vuitton, also make their bags in China, they make the expensive and difficult part and time consuming part in China and finish them in Italy or France to have the “Made in France, Italy” label. Even Dana Thomas mentioned this in her 16 year old book, “ DELUXE How luxury lost its lustre”. Even Hermes play around, one craftsman doesn’t make the bag from start to finish, other Hermes workers have confirmed this, the leather pieces come ready cut for them. The true luxury is rare, and if something is available immediately and everywhere, then it’s not luxury, it’s just standard.

[@SophieShohetOfficial]

You make many interesting points, thank you for sharing your thoughts 🥰xx

[@d.y.e3803]

@@SophieShohetOfficial This producing of bags in countries other than what's on the final product has been going on for decades.

[@fashionablelena8696]

I thought this was all common knowledge. Maybe it’s because I’ve always been interested in the business side of fashion. If you look up a company like Estée Lauder, for example, you will find all of the “luxury” brands that they manufacture. The Fossil brand as well. Cars are the same. A car’s parts parts are manufactured in many different countries. Once you begin delving into it, you’ll go down an extremely deep rabbit hole.

[@missd2657]

This is true. The most time consuming part of clothing, shoes and bags is the patten cutting, so your designer made in Italy leather shoes are cut in China and then put together in Italy and there you have it - made in Italy. But this is also why the fake have become so sophisticated because patterns didn't used to leave the very secure Italian, French, British warehouses in order to be duplicated. You would think that with all these fakes going around they would bring all the manufacturing under one roof, but they save so much money this way, they would rather cheapen their brand with fakes all over the place then pay the European wages.

[@sstraw7224]

Sophie - Watch some of Tanner Leatherstein's videos were he literally deconstructs Hermes, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Loewe, etc - many, many ultra luxury bags/wallets and gives his expert opinions of the total cost of materials and manufacturing/labor - and more importantly - his opinion on the quality of craftsmanship and leathers used.

[@landsealifestyle3403]

Also with the cost of the bag and markup… you have to pay for marketing and the different departments of the fashion house like design team and even paying for celebrity endorsements and then paying the people who work in those stores and then paying for the rent for these brick and mortar stores. It’s not just how much the bag cost to make.

[@paulmurphy42]

Keep 'em coming Sophie! I'm gonna watch this one again - especially the bit at the start about the politician! xxx

[@Bdhstl95]

I former LV Client Advisor said this in a video in regards to ‘made in France’ Regarding cost, so much more overhead like cost of stores, sales staff, marketing, promotion, etc, go into cost of product.

[@Nivienne89]

Love your shirt, where did you get it? The link you posted isn't related to that item!

[@gh6863]

AND! How is it luxury to have to queue or make an appointment before being allowed into the shop, and then being treated rudely!! Or told they have no stock of bags etc!

[@OliviaAngelaTudor]

I read an article a while back saying that Christian Louboutin shoes are actually made in Romania. But as the last step in manufacturing they send the shoes in France to glue the red sole and that allows them to state the shoes are made in France. Luxury fashion is a lie overall. Manufacturing place aside, the materials used aren't that expensive at all unless we're talking haute couture. When you're buying a luxury bag or any item, you are paying for the marketing campaigns, for the luxury stores in premium locations, for the sales associates that look you down, for the influencers that are getting free bags and fancy trips in luxury resorts. You're basically paying for this fairytale illusion and a 10th of the cost is actually the price of the item you're buying. To make matters worse, in order to keep this illusion of exclusivity and scarcity, many of these brands have been known to destroy their goods rather than sell them in outlets for a lower price. Chanel is famous for burning down their handbags or cutting them before throwing them in a landfill when they don't sell. Also if an item is defective some brands would rebrand those products and sell them in high street pop up stores. You'd never know you actually bought a pair of Dolce and Gabbana shoes for 150 euros.

[@Diana-vp3zr]

I wonder if that's the new rich to these companies, buying things that you don't care if it breaks because you have money to spend and waste. I heard someone mention, if you're taking care of your bags you're not rich enough

[@PriHL]

Or you like your items enough to care for them. I care for my things regardless if it's bought from Chanel or H&M. If they trash their items then they are, well... (you can think yourself here what). And a high planet polluter on top of that because they will replace the item multiple times due to lack of care.

[@lizzyq-r8062]

Can I just point out that Made in China doesn't automatically mean poor quality or cheap, there are amazing Chinese designers and manufacturers - it's a huge country and fashion manufacturing is a huge part of their industry. There are sweatshops in Leeds too. I'm not saying that brands aren't cost-cutting by exporting labour, because they probably are, but just adding that context

[@helenho8160]

I think when people throw around "made in china" as a derogatory term, it is usually stemmed from xenophobia and sinophobia combined.

[@indiradahan]

This is very true. Many high-end silk products are made in China.

[@kkon8966]

Anything chinese i would not touch with a stick. The most unethical manufacturers of all things. Their products are poor quality, made with stolen technology and tainted with chemicals.

[@mimismom5464]

I choose to avoid products made in China because much is cheap. Also because China is one of the largest polluters in the world, steals trademarked ideas, treats animals cruelly and violates human rights.

[@mberloui]

Thank you for taking the time looking into this. I had experience the cheap luxury quality too. I was wondering how could it be possible. If i personally didn't purchase from the store i would assume it was counterfeit. What you explained it totally makes sense now. Thank you again

[@k700i]

I would say Luxury brands used to create their items in limited quantity, making it focus more on the craftsmanship rather than mass producing them. I totally agree with you on this; however… let’s not stigmatize the fact that items “made in China” necessarily mean poor quality; there are items made from there that are quite substantial and are very well made. Also some brands would hire employees from China to work in Italy; to only be able to claim “made in Italy” but that’s a whole different rabbit hole.

[@lk4132]

I remember hearing about the 'made in china'. The only reason we associate it with poor quality is because we want fast, cheap junk. And whatever people want, china can make. If people wanted long lasting, high quality items, made in china would deliver that. It's not just clothing, but sports equipment and other things. I wish people cared more about longevity of the things they own as opposed to running after silly trends and famous vapid celebs who are all laughing at the regular folk for trying to emulate exclusivity and luxury on a beer budget

[@xiwenchen189]

@@lk4132 Agreed, I don't know why viewers have to buy everything an influencer or celebrity is spotted wearing. It's bizarre that even with all these beautiful aesthetics such as dark academia, cottage core, etc. people want to copy others for validation/10 minutes of fame. People complaining over shein quality are the ones who cannot accept that a $12 dupe can't be the same Lirika Matoshi strawberry dress sold for $490. The real dress is made in the designer's home country, Kosovo, with fair wages and beautiful fabrics. 'Quiet luxury' is the most snobby pretentious trend, no one who sees logomania or beige fast fashion garb is being fooled.

[@k700i]

@@lk4132 100%!

[@rsynnn5041]

I think most of them are expensive due to ads, promotions with influencers, fashion runways and store rents

[@sashanj848]

Sadly, a lot of these high-end brands have been cutting corners for quite a long time. Im surprised that people have not caught onto this. People get so hung up on the labels. That they forget about quality. Theses high-end brands aren’t loyal to their customers. Sadly, that’s what people think when they buy these brands. LV, Burberry, Fendi & especially Prada being the biggest offender. Miss a line seams, poor quality, control & overpricing products. To create a exclusivity, that really doesn’t exist, only in peoples minds, and they fall victim to it because they like it. LV stopped making their best canvas bags back in 2006. When they claimed that they were making better substantial pieces. That’s When they actually started making their canvas bags thinner then paper.

[@simoncarter6281]

Hi Sophie , I love your channel alot , as I'm a luxury watch enthusiast. They should be a trade law , as if they are 100% made in Italy , it should be made in ITALY , and shouldn't be made in China . Keep up with your great video's . Simon x

[@KayRobinsonElliott-nq6br]

Really disturbing! Thank you for the info, Sophie. On a personal note, when I visit Chanel in New Bond Street, London, I am made to feel like a queen. I haven't experienced anything quite like it anywhere else and it is very definitely luxurious!

[@SchlichteToven]

Chanel executives are the queen. You're just fighting for scraps at their table. They'd step on your face with their stiletto heels if you didn't buy stuff off them.

[@NA-rq9rz]

Hermes is the biggest scam in luxury. I think it appeals to those with self esteem issues, those who are ok with degrading themselves for an item, just to prove to the world they have “prestige”

[@PriHL]

What I've always said.

[@cynthiag1557]

I am in the process of making my own lingerie brand with handbags, and bath and body products, and I've found so many of these luxury items do so many shady things regarding their manufacturing.

[@sarahhacking3120]

I have a post-graduate in fashion production and this is 100% true. However, it’s more than just a zipper being put on in the “made in” country, most countries have laws that a “significant change” has to take place in order to be able to place a “made in” tag inside an item. It’s slightly different for each country though. And it’s not just luxury that does this, it’s all brands. However, being “made in China” isn’t a bad thing or an indicator of bad quality, if anything, items made in China are great quality. Everyone started outsourcing to China back in the day because it was cheap, but when everyone invests in the same place, they get top of the line manufacturing and become really good at manufacturing a lot of different items.

[@Taylor987-h8j]

I don’t think it’s the quality that people are necessarily concerned about, but slave labour. When you pay thousands for a bag you expect that the “happy” people making it are paid a living wage. A lot of us justify the price over fast fashion for that reason.

[@mintruth]

It's SIMPLE...Some OF these BRANDS are CHEATING and SOME are NOT...DO your RESEARCH before PURCHASING!!!

[@hannah50353]

Spot on Sophie ❤

[@catherinezilber7677]

True luxury are bespoke items. A perfectly fitted boot made to your last is luxury not a designer label.

[@KS-zd4ew]

Honestly I don’t care whr my bags are made as long as the materials and craftsmanship is of luxury level equivalent to the price that I’ve paid for

[@KarinaSwan]

Hello Sophie, what you said in this video is absolutely right, I can attest to that as well, I studied it way back in fashion school. The luxury brands came to this some time ago, but they couldn't just do it fully because they would've lost their "luxury" quality credibility, so yes, they came up with that rule of making parts of it there.

[@amberstephens6167]

Most fashion house aren't family own any more and that can make a big difference on the quality of the products. I think Hermes is still family owned that is why their products are good.

[@marinabrennan7750]

Some brands like Stella McCartney that position themselves as luxury have disappointing quality. A few years ago my husband gifted me a dress that retailed for $2,000 in the US. I took it out of the dust bag as soon as it arrived from Net A Porter, put it on, and sat on my couch to put my shoes on. As soon as I bent down to fasten my shoe, a stitch popped! The thread they used in manufacturing of the dress could not withstand a slight pressure. I had to get it fixed. Another pair of SM pants I bought lost a button because of the poor quality thread. Needless to say, I no longer buy any of her clothes. Which is a shame because she positions herself as an ethical designer. My preferred way to buy clothes is to go to an atelier that makes stuff to order. I love to come up with a design, choose the fabrics, get fitted, and wait for the garment.

[@PriHL]

Same with the luxury homeware company I used to work at. I once touched a cushion and the tassel came off it, I mentioned this to someone higher up and she said that's because these are made of the finest materials and are therefore delicate. I haven't heard bigger bull but I of course totally expected to hear it. It's all a blown up bubble. I buy things because I enjoy them, I enjoy luxury and good looking things but think that it doesn't really matter from a quality, eco or ethical point of view if I buy from Chanel, Stella McCartney or Primark. With all price segments it's better to assume low quality, greenwashing and worker rights abuse. The truth will finally come out about all of them - Chanel being the latest case. As far as I know, at Stella McCartney they do experiment with alternative and more eco friendly garments but so are many smaller and more affordable brands without a prestigious name attached to it. From that perspective it's much more ethical to support those people, often without generational wealth and privilege who try to give us more planet friendly solutions in good quality.

[@marinabrennan7750]

@@PriHL yes it’s better to experiment with smaller brands. For sure. Sometimes you just want the design. The Stella McCartney dress in question was the limited edition Amal dress that was produced after Amal Clouni wore it to the royal wedding. When SM made the dress available I asked my husband to buy it for me which he did do. I’m size 2 US and in terms of the fit, it was a little too loose on my frame and the thread is not of great quality. It’s made of heavy viscose which Stella touts as “forest friendly.”

[@PriHL]

@@marinabrennan7750 yeah, all those buzzwords, what does it even mean "forest friendly" in scientific terms? I'm sure if we'd asked, we'd get another total nonsense answer, deflection or none at all. And yes, the looks of many things are really amazing, so often this is a reason for buying them.

[@marinabrennan7750]

Actually SM explains what it is on her website: “Since 2017, all the viscose we use has come from FSC-certified wood pulp and Canopy-approved suppliers - forests that are managed in accordance with strict standards, protecting them from deforestation by maintaining forest cover, conserving biodiversity, engaging Indigenous communities and that are supported by rigorous audits.” She is famous for always improving materials for her garments. I wish she was just as meticulous when it comes to garment construction

[@PriHL]

@@marinabrennan7750 That's something worth delving deeper into to see what it means in concrete terms, so we can judge based on our knowledge when another producer tells us something similar, whether it may be true or not. What do they mean by strict standards, what are the rigorous audits about, what results have they achieved in protecting the forests etc.

[@noora7773]

This almost makes me think that one should always only buy luxury bags without thinking what the brand is and only judge the bag by how well it has been made and how the material looks. This would make it hard to purchase anything online because you can't touch the bag. Of course many youtubers do videos where they talk about leathers and give their opinion on if they think a bag is well made and high quality. Recently I bought an everyday leather bag from a brand called Cuoieria and it was made in Florence Italy. I think it was 110 euros. That leather felt really good and durable. Judging by the price I would assume someone was paid quite a low salary for making it, but watching this video makes me think buying a more expensive item, costing thousands, wouldn't in anyway guarantee that the workers are paid more! We need some kind of system where consumers would get honest information about which are the working conditions and which brands really aim for quality in their production! It has been somewhat more visible in clothing industry, but luxury bags come behind...

[@westernnut8407]

I agree and unfortunately, the pandemic made it impossible to touch and feel the quality in some cases. Order online and take your chances!

[@blktauna]

See the problem is, you equate designer goods with luxury goods. They are not the same thing. Luxury is bespoke, fine cratsmanship, amazing materials. Designer is whatever tat they decide is what they are selling that season. Occasionally the worlds overlap but less and less so these days.

[@xiwenchen189]

I'm happy that I was too young to buy into the luxury bag collecting when it was more reasonably priced. While there are some limited edition bags I find cool like the limited collection LV key pouch shaped leather purse, I won't be buying it. Clearly the mass market has decided to overlook skyrocketing prices for subpar badly made junk. I prefer to custom tailor my own clothing from scratch and buy purses from small ateliers. Reasonable prices for bags that last.

[@txusytxus3742]

It is an European commerce law: if an item is finished in Italy, for example, the stamp must say "Made in Italy". The finishing country stamps the "Made in...".

[@MegaMadMind]

I know for a fact that many brands including LV produce leather goods in Istanbul, Turkey. I was there in person. They cut the leather and do the sewing for many brands.

[@Platina]

Sophie I normally agree with you. Except the comment about Hermes being the definition of luxury. Hermes' model for their consumers is a scam based on manufactured demand. It's model of selling is closer to a pyramid scheme than anything that is actually sophisticatedly designed to cater toward a defined user and their need.

[@reen964]

So will you stop buying brands such as Dior , Prada , LV , Chanel etc ? Even with Hermes , I think it’s a game to make it feel luxurious . I was told the SA don ‘t male a penny commission when they sell a Birkin or Kelly .

[@lareinadecorazones6563]

Why do you keep buying, then?

[@soksannkhem6961]

Burberry made in China.

[@christopherfeatherley]

Burberry is very weird. They have some products made in Italy, such as their bags, while some products like their shoes are made in China 😅 I wouldn't be surprised if they're all made in China with all parts assembled in Italy. But hey, at least they're partially honest about it 😅

[@salpipanman8997]

Yup. I have comments a few years back to one of Sophie’s Chanel’s about buying a Burberry wallet from a Burberry store , to find out after my holiday that it had made in China tag inside of the wallet 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@adrianna.adrianna]

Yeah. I think, once I bought a winter jacket at Burberry Outlet and it was made in China. The quality was quite good though

[@aokiQ]

And many more you would be shocked! They wouldn’t say because they signed confidential agreements.

[@Olenka_prozorova]

I personally have a Burberry bag, it was purchased in 2023 and it is made in Italy.

[@JustWatchMeDoThis]

Costco sells luxury from the grey market including Chanel!

[@tessarion6984]

$2K Luxury bag that was produced for or under $200 🫣 but hey… $39 Zara bag production cost is probably under $5

[@Abby-Brock]

I agree that these prices are astronomical and I don’t own anything on this level of luxury myself, but we also have to remember that you’re not just paying for the bag materials. You’re paying for the shipping to your country, the SA’s salary, the building rent, the cost of the box and dust bag, the marketing, the CEO’s salary, etc.

[@michelleludwig6939]

This model is used by most retailers though.The average fashion nova item is usually marked up by OVER 400% 🙊.

[@suzannetahmassebi9989]

I think the biggest question is will you continue to buy luxury items/ these brands now you know the truth?

[@lindasvenssonsmith4794]

But it is not just the costs for fabric. There, it later costs, machinery, electricity, and a whole design team coming up with new ideas for every season or how many thire lounge are. Feels like there is a new bag coming out every month. And the brand are putting their logo on

[@mellel5594]

I have only bought designer leather goods and never high luxury leather goods because I have known for a long time that it's the brand that's expensive and not the materials or craftsmanship. Once I noticed the "Made in China" labels on some excellently made leather goods, and also after learning that many designer and high luxury companies use factories in China, I decided to just figuratively and literally cut out the branding and buy directly from the source. And believe me, I pay a very small fraction for what sells for hundreds and thousands of dollars on the market. Now I'm able to look really good and still have my money invested properly.

[@silverkitty2503]

Can you imagine buying a designer bag for someone as a gift and were it to break like after two weeks? It would be so embarassing. Plus the idea of paying more used to mean it was ethical that people who made these things were looked after.

[@joemichael5155]

The only thing I’ve bought is an LV Pocket organizer because I like their wallets. I’m not paying those crazy prices for a bag.

[@gh6863]

I have been to a factory in Italy where they make Chanel bags. They also make for Asprey and other brands.

[@jo_overjoyeod]

this is why i buy Hermes and longchamp. many things in between are a bit of a waste of time and money.