The Luxury Shopping Industry's Biggest Lie... that every woman fell for

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

I cut out a 10 minute portion (in fear the video was getting too long) about the production being moved to China it’s all very hush hush but it again adds to the air of luxury legitimacy that a lot of bags are 95% constructed in China and brought back to Italy or France for that final ‘made in France/Italy label which all very much feeds back into the heritage and origin story that I was sold for so long. If you haven’t yet checked out this book I highly recommend ❤

[@Julia36D]

Ahhh wish you’d left this in to be honest! I’ve known this for years and many other people know this too. Only the last bits are added on in Europe and then a label added. Basically you’re paying for an expensive made in China bag.

[@amandabradley8435]

Luxury is such an illusion.

[@yeahweburnstuff]

THIS is why I am moving to buying from tiny Italian artisinal 'slow fashion' brands whom I KNOW make everything in small ateliers in Italy.

[@Arlene4HO]

@@yeahweburnstuff Yes, when I was in Italy, those were the places I shopped at.

[@Eatsleeprun_rescuecats]

This was probably the most important bit.. made in china isn’t luxury regardless of the cost . It’s a big con..

[@mrsjaynesarah1923]

I think you're right about Hermes still being exclusive, but the fact that tacky celebrities (like the Kardashians) have multiples make me second guess that.

[@coggieskaz7115]

Agree. When I see those bags mostly being used by reality TV personalities, it is a total turnoff for me.

[@jennifermcmillan2588]

I think Hermes is silly … who begs for a bag that you will also have to pay for , I can’t imagine putting that much effort into anything unless the end result was they gave it to me 😂and then it’s still not worth it , just exhausting … well the Kardashians prob don’t have to beg 😂. Like I said earlier “ luxury “is being able to obtain whatever you want when you want it .. also the quality , which has we all know… has gone to 💩!

[@rawrberrys]

Or Jeffery Star... 🤮

[@AdrienneMint]

I agree with you. Its like if the Kardashians use it, i dont want it anymore.

[@Arienrhod]

@@jennifermcmillan2588Oprah had to beg. And they refused to open after hours for her.

[@WendyRoth-r3c]

Status is an illusion. It’s a concept created by marketing people. I know, I was one. If you are a self-confident good human being, wearing some companies logo is meaningless. Buy what you like within what you can afford & stop obsessing over things that aren’t important.

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

👏

[@douglasgriffiths3534]

Word. (Jan Griffiths).

[@deborahcurtis1385]

It's so strange because so many are caught up in the status of having a particular logo. But I've had huge success in finding bags I love, which are vintage or at least preloved, and are from relatively small or unknown brands AND for cheap as chips! Because the bags aren't the right brands, or styles, I don't have the cachet to get into certain groups. But what are they talking about anyway? I watch YT influencers going to Paris and they ALL are just going to the big brand's shops and what are they doing? Buying more bags. Not going to the Louvre. It's so vacuous but I like it as light relief from watching videos deconstructing the state of Israel the treatment of the Palestinians, the late stage of capitalism and where we're heading, not to mention the theory of is there such a thing as objective reality? Are we all occupying virtual reality? So I dip into the handbags crew when I can take no more, it's familiar...but the thing is, it's like going to Las Vegas. The attractions look different but the products inside are essentially the same. In the end, they're just bags or shoes. Why and how we invest so much time and energy into them is kind of mystifying but it's got something to do with wanting to belong, and wanting to have a niche in a wider hierarchy. It's also about snobbery. Snobbery is about making assumptions about people based on a very small amount of information. What I love about Caitlin is she has dared step out of the dominant paradigm and found it wanting. This is so satisfying, it's far better than anything else. I also watched a YT video "Why I hate Bernard Arnault" it's well worth a look. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p16slWusjdSkn6c

[@lindap7719]

Well said. 🌻

[@HarrisPilton789]

Agreed!

[@ubiquitousflow]

There's a news documentary on Hermès on KZbin, "The Secret of The Luxury Dynasty". When one of the heirs said the goal was to convince shoppers the price doesn't matter, Hermès lost a bit of its glow. I kind of hate that the perception of luxury today is to serve the ego and make one feel superior to others

[@Himmiefan]

There are some hilarious videos on KZbin by former Hermes employees talking about the scam of having the customer buy a lot before the store would sell them a Birkin. One person actually used a loaf of Wonder Bread in the place of the Birkin.

[@HK-cp8tm]

Hey, are you able to link the documentary? I cannot find it. Thank you!

[@mscourtney616]

A loaf of bread?! Thats hilarious! 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂​@Himmiefan

[@sct4040]

From 2012-2019, I bought and loved luxury handbags. Since the pandemic, I no longer care. Life is too short for me to focus on such trivial things. I kept 1 Gucci patent leather satchel and sold the rest. Best decision ever.

[@BalletShoes-c1k]

I still have the Speedy I bought 40 years’ ago (had zip replaced) in a department store BEFORE there ever was a LV Store 😳. Yes, I’m old 😬.

[@esterdrass4964]

I watched a video on a young woman that saved and saved for her Chanel bag. She went to the shop and the bag they handed her to check over as a purchase was, I guess lopsided. She said one side was longer than the other and the quilt stitching didn't match. The inside stitching was lopsided and off key. She went on about these visible issues and the bag in USD was about $8000 (I believe that same bag is now more money). Apparently, NO ONE in Chanel noticed it but the person about to spend the money sure did. She eventually bought another bag from Chanel but after just over a year it began to tear inside. Now I see more and more videos of where these bags are made and perhaps it explains why the fakes are such good copies. It's very clear that their target customer are people that cannot afford their bags. The fact they all overlook the poor qualities of their bags at such outrageous prices should be an eye opener as to what they think of us.

[@HappyCrackers]

Thats a shame. Part of luxery shopping is the experience. I love the attention. I love the displays. I wish the products were nicer. Its just frosting on a dirt cake.

[@esterdrass4964]

@@HappyCrackersThat was the original intent, an experience. Now, buying a high-end bag or a cheap bag is no different. I saw on another Chanel. Or was it this one? Anyway, Chanel and LV I believe can be purchased at some TJ Maxx shops.

[@miriamhavard7621]

Yes

[@gigitiger6283]

How the elitists feel about consumers, hmmm first off they will have you line up like cattle and that's before walking into the shop.....

[@Iquey]

You're right about the card holders though. The cheapest card holder you can get is either a rubber band and a Ziploc bag, or a trident gum folding set of 20 pieces of gum. Once you eat all the gum it comfortably holds about 6 cards. It perfectly fits bus cards and credit cards so you can store things discreetly in the gum cardboard paper.

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

😂 👏

[@tippytoe1250]

I too was brainwashed and sold on these luxury brands. I’m just now happy that I’m over it all. I feel so at peace now.

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

👏 🥳

[@superuchic3153]

The money ive spent on luxury goods … probably could have been a down payment on a condo… now i know better and feel cleansed

[@pinkybird808]

I think wealthy people hate others looking for status 😂 but I feel at this point social media makes the cycle of trends so much faster in an effort to be different. Quiet luxury came and went and now looking for smaller designer brands also feels like a mass movement, almost a “I’m not like other girls” kinda thing but really everyone is doing it. Just buy what you love.

[@seabreeze4559]

like how there's no new fashion it's all been recycled vintage since about 2010 but vintage youtube is in denial

[@necrobabe6190]

There's non wealthy people who also hate that. I'm one of em.

[@cleocatra1242]

I really could care less than what a wealthy person (who is actually wealthy irl )owns private jets, resorts, huge corporations hates about my outfit, I am just one of the ordinary peasants who wears designer off the rack.

[@ElizabethNonsuch]

As a Brit, I have to say here, there is definitely a difference between the sartorial choices of the aristocracy compared with nouveau riche - aka anyone from a reality tv show. The 'quiet luxury trend' seems to have identified this distinction perfectly - the aristocracy simply don't walk around head to toe in Chanel or LV, or if they do, there are no logos anywhere. New Money people really haven't got the natural (learned) ability to look understated and refined and so walk around head to toe in logos, literally displaying their new-found wealth like a badge of honour. What I do find really disturbing is that because the CC logo and LV logos (etc) have become so ubiquitous recently, the 'aspirational' shoppers among us (those who think that if they have a Chanel handbag, they'll ultimately be happier for it) end up in so much debt just to make it look like they can afford all this stuff. It's such a con. Owning a Chanel 11.12 won't make you happier, nor will it actually make you part of "the rich".

[@lyndseywilliams3618]

I went shopping awhile ago for office appropriate clothes and couldn’t find anything that fit. Walked in Coach a bit demoralized and told the sales associate, “I can’t find anything that fits so i decided to look at bags.” She lost it laughing at me and knew exactly what I meant.

[@ubiquitousflow]

That sucks. They never should've treated you that way

[@AnitaMRoberts-xh4de]

Many of us have weight issues & bags always fit!

[@lyndseywilliams3618]

She wasn’t being mean. We were laughing together. She had a similar, but opposite problem. I’m quite tall and she was very petite. Clothes just aren’t made for us.

[@katejames5061]

I work in market research and went to Coach focus groups years ago. The Coach execs in the back room were *laughing* at the women in the groups who are their actual customers. “Where did she get that bag? The outlet???” And “SHE’s not our customer.” They don’t want older women, bigger women. So gross.

[@ubiquitousflow]

@@katejames5061I'm not surprised

[@sinhueherrera8984]

I remember since I was a teenager something I never understood was why these so called “luxury” brands would give their products to any celebrity even when they weren’t talented. I remember thinking back then “if they are giving these to celebrities and reality show people, I doubt they are really luxury since they aren’t being represented by anyone who actually has some sort of impact in the world” And now I know I was correct, the fact that they use trashy celebrities like the kardashians tell us all we need to know: they just care about the money. Also, it’s sad to see how each generation is like more obsessed with getting these items, I remember I watched a video of an “influencer” crying because she was able to buy her first Gucci bag…. Like WTF? Why do people idolize these things so much?

[@msullivan3531]

This is exactly why quiet luxury is a thing now. The most expensive bags I own are from the Tory Burch outlet store. They’re still upgraded quality so I know they will last and I only buy the ones that aren’t covered in logos. I don’t care how much money you have, spending insane amounts of money on a purse is just ridiculous.

[@falsehoodbasher7240]

it's cruel 🙄

[@deborahcurtis1385]

I'm not a particularly big fan of Tory Burch, but I agree with your sentiments. I've got the dllemma however of having a LV bag that my mother gave me, it's vintage but needs repair. If I replace the vachetta leather I'm just going to look like the latest desperado with a fake. So it just sits there...

[@auzzygirl8175]

From watching many KZbin videos, it seems that even if a person gets an 'appointment' at Hermez, they rarely come out with the exact bag in the exact leather, exact colour and with the exact hardware that they want and are made to feel honored to be able to spend thousands of dollars on something that they really didn't want or even like. Then l hear of people who are so neurotic about the bag if they do take it out for fear of scratching it our getting it stolen. As for ' wearing ' a bag. Where did that come from? I wear my clothes and shoes, l 'carry' my bag.

[@douglasgriffiths3534]

I have a blue and gold Van Cleef and Arpels "Alhambra" necklace that I got when my mom passed away. She got it when I was a kid. It has a little logo tag that's part of the chain on it. I know how much these necklaces go for now, and I have no idea how much mom paid for hers. Maybe dad got it for her. She used to wear it with a certain blue dress. I love it and wear it quite often, even to work. (Jan Griffiths).

[@PrincessHVHHDSSS]

I never bought a small, expensive bag like that. I bought myself a 1 bedroom apartment to live in, instead. As a hairdresser, my income is very humble. Great chat. Keep being magnificent. Love Princess Holly of Australia, hairdresser and free 🕊🌿🌳🌱🌲🍀🍃🌴

[@valma7702]

Yes, that.

[@opalbeach9626]

Ya, Chanel is going back to where it used to be. I remember 20+ years ago I used to work close to the Chanel Store on Fifth Avenue in New York, and the doorman used to open the door for you. No waiting on line outside the door. I am not waiting on line to spend $6000+

[@Snitchich]

When I see lines for Chanel, LV, Hermes, Dior etc, it feels so mediocre.. it doesnt make sense to spend $5000 and have to stand in line for that. I would want the full luxury experience

[@gigikc6503]

ME EITHER so ridiculous SORRY I’M NOT WAITING IN A LINE TO SPEND MONEY

[@maryamgreenidge7116]

Exactly! I would expect nothing but white glove treatment if I’m buying “luxury”. You don’t even have to wait on line zara! But at Chanel, cmon.

[@LifeAccordingtoMaria]

I busted out laughing at the Marc Jacobs quote about LV being the McDonald’s of designers. Honestly when I see the China and Turkey fake market flooding the world with their $50 a purse knockoffs its sad how they have “normalized” carrying a LV on your arm. To me now, unless it is a vintage piece, I automatically assume any woman rocking a newer LV is fake. Chanel is a close second. Can’t believe how many young women are sporting the classic double flap now straight off the cargo ships.

[@danishpastry6137]

I once saw a young woman with a Chanel bag that almost looked like an LV multi pochette but with the CC logo, it was also made in a Prada-esque nylon material. I don't know if she thought it was fooling anyone though...

[@mrvgstyle2442]

Marc Jacobs did not make that statement. He was Louis Vuitton's creative director from 1997 to 2014. His own label is a subsidiary of LVMH/Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy. He wouldn't make comments like that given the brand's positioning and long-standing relationship.

[@bnb0510]

Meh LV is easily replicated. I personally don’t think Chanel bags are. Jewelry yes. Anyone that knows authentic Chanel can tell imo.

[@radhiadeedou8286]

I don't know anything about fashion but LV always seemed tacky to me, maybe because I have an aversion to logos

[@jeanneobbard]

Smoke and mirrors... albeit, pretty smoke and mirrors. 😉Deluxe is one of my favorite books, I'm so glad you read it! I loved what Hello Catwalk City said in one of her videos - she said that "luxury is anything beyond the necessary." This means that something small ike matching underwear is luxury; a nice restaurant meal is luxury; a beautiful piece of jewelry is luxury and it doesn't matter what brand it is or how much it cost. I love that perspective because it means luxury really is available to most people in some form, and it doesn't need to be an overpriced bag.

[@krk6216]

I think framing ANY scarf with a cool pattern is actually a fun idea for wall art. I’ve seen some cool ones at the thrift and passed on them because I’d never wear a scarf. Using a cool vintage one as wall art is kind of smart. It doesn’t need to be “luxury”

[@torey4322]

I think it’s a cool idea also!

[@Mrskess]

I liked that a lot as well, not for the brand logo but for how unique and pretty it looks. It doesn’t have to be luxury expensive scarves, but any that you love the look of.

[@flonotflow]

I feel about luxury now like I did about tattoos. I used to want one but now that everybody has one, I don't care anymore. Tanner Leatherstein did a video about a small town that was nearly ruined when a major luxury company decided to just take their manufacturing somewhere else...that really turned me off. I'm done. As for the handbag question--not only they are a great accessory, but you can lose or gain weight, the handbag still fits. It's a great way to dip your foot into the luxury water without worrying about it not fitting later on.

[@SaharaKnows]

It’s mind control. It’s leather with a metal label. A brand is a marketing tool to charge you excessively more. It’s all made up. But humans desire the need to fit in and inherently want to be told want to think and do. Not to mention the influence of excessive consumerism and social media. It was special and you cherished the pieces.

[@Fabulousafterforty]

Fabulous video!! I just got back from Italy and I wasn’t interested in high end designer hand bags. I found a boutique in Florence that is family run and owned and purchased from them. One of the owners who worked with me picks all the leather herself from Italian tanneries and the bag was hand woven and stitched in Tuscany. Her son was learning the business and her brother was helping my husband. That’s what I want to put my hard earned dollars. In a family business. No one will know the brand bag I have, and that’s ok. it’s just a beautifully made bag that makes me feel good using it❤

[@dvn.pod.2023]

I completely agree! I went to Rome last year, and purchased two high-quality leather hand bags from a local artisan, and it didn't cost an arm and a leg either!

[@karthikavadivel7047]

We can’t dissociate luxury and accessibility . If any working woman can walk in and buy luxury and it once used to exclusive to royalty , we should not consider that as a degradation in brand value , it is an upgradation in removing societal hierarchy that sets a portion of the people from the rest . By constantly battling against it and making yourself exclusive by finding more authentic brands/ products that make you feel luxurious, you are also subconsciously putting yourself in a higher place than the rest of the “common”/ mainstream population . Question is , isn’t that just as toxic of a mindset ? Brands and logos are nothing but associations to an idea of “I am more special” . Is it worth the price tag or not is the only real question there is !

[@eat.food.not.friends]

In my opinion it reflects what we see everywhere. The gap between the rich and everyone else is widening, and brands need to position themselves and find their place. What is your market, your target group? Where can you position yourself? Sell high quality and small quantities at astronomically high prices to the really rich? Or lower the quality and produce high volumes, and still sell at inflated prices to people who can't afford true luxury. And Hermes has positioned itself. Gucci and Luis Vuitton want to keep up appearances. The lie of our time is that luxury has become available to everyone. But it is nothing more than an illusion. What we think is luxury is actually luxury to keep the upper middle class in the hamster wheel.

[@Rachelleluluful]

I used to be more into luxury designer handbags more. But now I’m wayyyyy more into contemporary handbags. You get so much more for your money and the designs are just as beautiful IMO.

[@MsKatze]

I'm so glad I've never been into designer fashion, or handbags for that matter. I've always been a mini backpack kind of girl. As an outsider, to me, that mini crossbody from Hermes literally looks no different than something you could find at a place like TJ Maxx. That's why I never understood why people spend that kind of money, and honestly I don't think the average person on the street would recognize that it's a designer bag unless it's plastered in logos.

[@kayjay882]

The same looking bag in TJ Maxx is a look alike of bigger brands. That is what they do and I do love tj maxx

[@SusanSaysSomething]

I've been collecting vintage handbaags (and clothing) for decades. The quality is amazing.

[@alleyinn1]

Great video. I cant help but think much of the backlash against luxury is bc the gatekeepers have dtermined that the "wrong ppl" have acquired them Thats a major driver of the quiet luxury and anti-logo, anti-luaxury mindset

[@kat_thefruitbat]

I found and followed your channel right after you left the luxury fashion scene, so I’d personally love to see a future video sharing more stories like the one you mentioned here (the sales person rushing you along at the store to sell to the next customer) if you’re up to it! I found that story so bizarre and appalling because 1.) that’s horrible customer service, 2.) their customers pay a lot of money, 3.) and it’s shocking that customers put up with that kind of treatment (and keep coming back for more!). I would love to hear about more past experiences like that, and any other insights you have from the luxury scene (such as situations you look back on today and think thoughts like “wow, I can’t believe that happened”, or “wow, I cant believe I put up with that”). It’s ok if you’re not into the idea though! I so appreciate and resonate with your new definition of luxury- a focus on quality + ethical + sustainable production, special details, custom fit, and artistic design -This is the criteria we should be using to identify what constitutes “luxury”! 👏 After all, there’s absolutely nothing fashionable or luxurious about human rights violations, unethical wages, environmental pollution/destruction, etc. 🚫 Love you and your videos- this was yet another great one! 🤗👏

[@kelleyr8702]

Oo

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Thankyou so much for this feedback! I’ll add a video similar to this to my list ❤️

[@kat_thefruitbat]

@@CaitlinPawlowski You’re awesome! Thank you! ❤️

[@jordankate4848]

Great topic Cailtlin I started buying “luxury” in 2020 and the last item I bought was last year. I only have 5 designer bags and 6 slgs. This is small compared to others but I felt like I needed to buy because of the content I was watching on KZbin and have the extra money because of the pandemic and it’s safe to say that I am done with buying designer. To the point where I am planning on selling 2-3 of the bags I have and potentially 3 of the slgs. The prices are becoming ridiculous and I cannot keep up as there are other things I deem as “luxury” to me. I want to travel more, and invest in my clothing and shoes. You can’t wear all the bags you own on a given day but clothing and shoes are something that I will wear on rotation day to day. I watched Steph from Handbaholic video this morning where she asked other KZbinrs “if your house was on fire, which 1 bag would you save?” And I couldn’t answer because I guess, I don’t love any of my bags for their purpose or beauty. And not being able to answer this question myself, tells me that it’s time to move some things on and find bags that I love, designer or not 😊

[@carrino15]

I can relate to some of your point. I made the expensive mistake buying cute and too small bags for my actual lifestyle. I went 15 years without buying bags as i wear backpack. But yeah those small bags and the delicate lambskin just scares me, same with vachetta...and if im too scared to use it, it might be a sign that these stuff was too expensive for me to buy.

[@CaroleBoulware]

The irony of Marc Jacobs saying that about LV makes me cackle

[@zoeo9356]

😅

[@patriciateague8677]

The thing is wearing designer clothes does not always fit a typical lifestyle but shoes, handbags and jewelry are things that can fit into any lifestyle. I can honestly say that I've only become interested in designer items for a few years mostly because of KZbin. For most of my life I haven't lived in areas where I could even go to a designer store so KZbin really introduced them to me. I'm still less brand focused than I am design focused.

[@JenniferKingston-i4r]

1000% percent agree with you! I think a lot of people are turning off luxury because of the price, quality and mass production. Nothing is exclusive. When I watch KZbin and the people walking around Milan - so many have Kelly's or Birkin's - we are being sold a myth! I always laugh when people think they are special when "their" SA sends them texts etc. - hello - they are casting a net hoping one of their sucker customers will take the bait. It's all about commission and people think they are the only one!?!?

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

👏

[@AbiR01233]

I feel now days no matter what handbag you buy in a years time society decides that bag is horrendous. I purchased my first designer item working 2 jobs and studying full time in 2018 and I was very proud of that purchase… now in 2023 how dare I be seen carrying a Gucci Marmont in public. Yet it’s lasted the test of time, perfect size, goes with every outfit I put on. So not worth buying into trends anymore because next year it’s cheugy 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@natgigi3649]

I completely agree with the contain of your video.. Some luxury brands has turned into "fast fashion brands " for wealthy consumers to me.. Hermes is probably the real deal as you say. But I think that the most Hermes bags that we can see nowadays on influencers are counterfeit items ( because of the exclusivity, the waiting list etc..)

[@Divinenubian]

Luxury is a experience and feeling that differs for each individual. It's a Luxury for me to go jogging, drive my car and take care of myself as a stroke survivor. It's more fun to look for inspired versions of styles I like or attend a fashion show rather than waste money. I do not even own my home I rent and being practical it just doesn't make sense at 57 to spend wildly.

[@latinaalma1947]

Id rather have a nice vacation somewhere new abroad rather than a luxury handbag! That is an experience.

[@Divinenubian]

@@latinaalma1947 ❤️

[@leahbarton6680]

Hi Cailtin, I really appreciate this video. I too, until a few years ago was spending a lot of money on 'luxury' goods, few of which I still own. Unfortunately I have been disappointed in the quality of my LV, Chanel and YSL pieces that I chose to sell them on, in hopes that they bring a smile to someone else. For as long as I can remember, I was drawn to luxury pieces because of the old world money feel that I thought resonated with me. My grandmother was always so well dressed, even on a day spent in the garden. She truly made am effort each day and only invested in quality pieces that I am proud to still be using today. That was what I thought I was buying into . . Unfortunately that wasn't the case and time and time again, I just found myself disappointed by the service, the quality of the pieces and the fact that there was little to no aftercare. I will say though, that 12 years on, I am still invest in Cartier pieces. Not for that status that it brings me, but for the confidence I have in each piece knowing that I wear my pieces every single day. The service I cannot fault and I feel so welcomed walking into any Boutique. I believe that investing in jewellery is somewhat different from the purchase of a handbag, but an investment that I feel confident making each time.

[@gerigowers8318]

I have an old Gucci bag (30+ years old) that is slowly disintegrating, but since my initials are GG, I always used to say it was a "my name" bag. This video has enlightened me, although I guess thinking about what you're saying makes total sense. If it's too easy to come by, it's not luxury. I didn't realize all of the brands covered under LVMH. I did realize years ago when I bought a Ralph Lauren sweater (made in China), that the poor person who made it got nowhere near what I was charged for it. Made me lose respect for Mr. Lauren and his all American cowboy persona.

[@TheCloverQueenDQ]

There was a time I thought Hemes was just a saddle maker, really never thought it luxury. In the end I bought a Passier Dressage saddle and H Dobbs Jumping saddle, this was some 30 years too. 🇺🇸

[@Brenda.mp4]

Loved the part where you mentioned the tailor! I love going to my tailor and asking her for things. With fast fashion pieces lasting nothing on me, I decided to change and it’s been amazing. Pieces look great on me, I’m supporting a small business and also, have a great relationship with her.

[@bondanoz]

LOVED this video❤great blend of your old content topics in your new video style. You seem so much more genuine and comfortable in front of the camera.

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Thankyou so much 🥰

[@doriangray2001]

i wonder what does 'gatekeeping' means if any random influencer online seems to have multiple hermes bags (fake or real, it doesn't matter)?

[@MarMarSnatched]

i got tired of luxury hand bags. after getting chanel my thirst for luxury died down. social media got over saturdated with different hand bags every season. its kinda like eating mc donalds everyday! you just get tired of it

[@babycakes1402]

Yes, I too went through my 'phase' where I REALLY wanted an LV neverfull, speedy & matching wallet in each of the 3 most popular prints, but I knew I'd never be able to afford it so I was fine with 'dupes'... Now, I actually like my Coach bags better, & those are real, but I also have some 'nameless bags' that I use so much & love just as much as those Coach bags. The way people are showing off the brand stuff now, it's like 'Look at me, look what I can afford'... & it's actually nauseating. Shallow & begging for attention 😕 Too many of these brands have gotten oversaturated to where they don't mean what they were originally intended to.

[@DianneLandry-qk8kr]

I'm reading that book now and it is fantastic! Dana Thomas is a great writer. Everyone should read this book. Thank you Caitlin for shining the light on this eye opening book.

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

I’m so glad you’re liking it too ❤️

[@jennifermcgee8621]

Agreed. Buying bags is not as fun as it used to be. I love these discussion videos. Your information is always spot-on.

[@segourneysavery5126]

I’m happy with my small collection of designer items. When it comes to clothing I stay away from fast fashion/trends and invest in quality staples.

[@scaryclarey654]

Like you, I fell for the lies for years but finally walked away from the "luxury" brands a few years back. It finally clicked for me that my fave, LV, was "phoning it in" and producing poor quality accessories now, especially with SLGs. I enjoy your new videos as much as the older ones and agree with nearly all you said. I have never been a fan of Hermes - for me it's the snobbery and exclusivity. But we all love what we love, and I trust you when you say their quality is top notch. Looking forward to bingeing your channel again. Happy weekend!

[@ubiquitousflow]

When I first started watching luxury youtube a few years ago, I was surprised by how much people spoke about "the history". I found it interesting because that time is so far removed (especially at the time, in the middle of a pandemic). That puffed up the image of quality craftsmanship, even as I was looking for complexity and uniqueness. I don't think luxury requires exclusivity. Marc Jacobs has a point: LV has been around for over a century, and whether buying brand new or vintage, it pleases a lot of palates. At the same time, these designer brands were small businesses at the start.

[@davidpachecogarcia]

One of the the things that turns me away from a brand is if it’s not independent. Regardless if it’s a “luxury” brand. A lot of companies became successful because they did something well or focused on a product. Once you get the investors involved they’re def going to focus on bringing costs down so it benefits the investors.

[@genier7829]

I'm probably the oldest woman here, but I can offer a pre-social media perspective/ I remember back in the late 1980s when Japan was the master of the universe and the Ginza district of Tokyo was worth more than all the real estate in California....yep. There was a great story about a Japanese tourist hesitating over an LV bag because it was plastic, rather than leather, but being told that it was 'quality ' vinyl. Any plastic will always be a less costly version of an expensive (luxury) material such as leather, bone, crystal, etc. No traditional item of attire or accessory made of plastic will ever truly be luxury. Exceptions are newer items such as technology that only ever existed as plastic. Anything marketed as luxury to the masses (you and me) is not actual luxury. Even the $7000 dress. Couture versions are all made to order and costs 200k or more due to the hundreds of hours of skilled work they represent.

[@MohannadBarjon]

For a long time, as the price of Chanel increased, I no longer thought I could afford it. I think I would be happy to have the LYXBAGS as my travel bag and not have to take care of it. By the way, I'm sure no one will have a hard time telling the difference. Thanks for the comparison.

[@pamelacorley263]

Thank you for this video. It really made me think about my spending habits and the “why” behind it all. I appreciate all of your research.

[@KimZabiegalski]

This was such a great video. The knockoffs have done serious damage to the value of these ‘luxury’ brands. As well.. they continue to raise prices on designer bags and the quality is horrific. I started looking into smaller/ privately owned luxury brands about a year ago. The quality is far superior. Thank you for this brain food 😊

[@dorocoro1892]

great video! I think the 'pink tax' is a relevant issue to mention too, wherein women are targeted and charged more than men for the same product. From birth, western women tend to be socialised and pressured to conform to conventional beauty standards, and many brands exploit, profit from and perpetuate the insecurities women internalise from our patriarchal (and sexist), capitalist society.

[@Jjjj-gi3ew]

Interesting take. I find that most of that pressure comes from other women, not men. My husband could not care less what I wear or what brand I own. It's other women who judge.

[@lornadune6024]

@@Jjjj-gi3ewpatriarchy is not an individual man.

[@Jjjj-gi3ew]

​@@lornadune6024I don't think the patriarchy cares what brands we wear, our fake nails, Chanel purses, pounds of makeup. We do this for other women. We judge each other far more based on these things.

[@haute03]

@@Jjjj-gi3ew I think you missed the point of what they're trying to say...They're talking about an overarching, systemic issue of society pressuring women to look a certain way and then encouraging us to spend more to adhere to that beauty standard. Also, women judging/looking down on other women for not adhering to society's beauty standards is an aspect of internalized misogyny. The patriarchy absolutely cares about what we wear and how we look, generally speaking.

[@Jjjj-gi3ew]

​@@haute03men and women both care about looks. C'mon! We can blame some things on the patriarchy but not this. We buy luxury brands to impress other women because we judge the heck out of each other. Let's just take accountability for something! Guys do it too with cars and boats. They like things with motors, we like purses with two CC's.

[@augustacorns]

I need you to open your eyes and realize that the majority of women don’t dream of overpriced designer nonsense.

[@valorieallen8502]

Love the commentary! I'm a recovering Luxury addict and have recently downsized and sold about 15 bags and scarves! I've recouped around $14,000. Even though I lost money, I'm happy to have captured some of my initial investments! Thank you

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

I’m so happy for you!! 🥳

[@curlykutie]

The questions that spurred from watching this video is that people don’t need to buy more than one or two of these bags every 5 years anyway. This is a terrific video Caitlin, well done!

[@QuietlyPeaceful]

"LV is cheap. Hermes is made for Kings and Queens!" Lol. And UK's late queen didn't wear Hermes.

[@NottheotherAmber]

Did she wear the scarves on her head?

[@AnUrbanGypsy]

@@NottheotherAmberShe did, yes, but she was known for being quite frugal and probably had two or three on rotation that she actually liked. She didn’t buy them as a means to get a bag.

[@NottheotherAmber]

@@AnUrbanGypsy of course she didn’t need purchase history to get a bag. She had a lot of scarves; not going to assume how many and how she rotated them.

[@IchGluckspilz445]

Hermes is made for the oppressors of humanity. DIGEST THAT!

[@tanyastef]

I'm happy that I found your channel! I've been struggling with perfume shopping addiction. I have one very specific question. How can I deal with the fact that over the years I've gotten so attached to my favorite influencers that I am not there just for the content, but for themselves? I love their voices, their aesthetic, their life updates. I don't want to miss out on any of their videos. I feel like they are my imaginary friends and I just don't want to part with them. But it's a thin line because there's always the chance that they will influnce me to buy a new perfume :( They are almost like that celebrity that I was obsessed with when I was younger. Influecners are the new celebrities.

[@nataliaya1238]

I totally agree with you. I also woke up from that trance… I bought a LV Noe bag in december and this is the most expensive bag that I have, and I fell in love instantly with it and will use it for years… still can’t justify the cost. Recently I took leather bags that are inspired of Chanel and Dior (just the from, no logos!) and I feel more confortable of using them on the street and with the price I paid. Luxury is not luxury but with all social media seemed that we all can afford those type of goods…

[@FairlyCurated]

Hi Caitlin, use discovered your channel and I really love the content you’re making to help us sopping addicts. I just finished Dana Thomas’ newest book Fashionopolis and highly recommend it!

[@marshawilliamson8602]

New subscriber. I look forward to well-researched content regarding fashion, quality, and shopping habits from someone who has experience with both ends of the spectrum. Also, I appreciate “long” content over “shorts”, but acknowledge variety’s value as well. 🌸🐝

[@marylhere]

I remember seeing an I Love Lucy episode where she bought a hat…it was only $125. That’s $1400 in today’s dollar. So the overpaying for accessories is not a new concept.

[@louisaneilson2256]

Hey Caitlin , yes I loved this video you nailed it! It’s so accessible for everyone and the exclusive feeling has been lost! The quality puts me off now I feel less interested in buying designer .

[@ErnestCarroll-rt7gi]

Absolutely love the coat you are wearing! and the *yutulu* bag !

[@babycakes1402]

I've always admired the 'Pucci' one-colored tunic tops & shift dresses that you saw Marilyn Monroe wearing, especially in an interview toward the end of her life... After looking more closely at those dresses & tops, they look so simple that you really only need a pattern, fabric (and thread of course), and to know how to sew... They actually look so much like a first-year Home-Ec sewing project that I may actually try my hand at making a few & see how they turn out... Classic because they're simple & don't scream 'look at me' :) The biggest thing to remember... Fashion is what you buy, style is what you already have.

[@claudialee1500]

Growing up in East Asia having a luxury handbag is so ingrained in our culture that girls starting as young as 13 years old want to have a luxury bag. I too am a victim of it...although I am a willing one :) I do still like Chanel a lot (esp the classic flap) and the service I received when buying my CF in 2020 was EXCELLENT (in London). I like Hermes but I'll never be one to play their game.

[@drlessismore]

I hope most of the luxury yourtubers watch this video and your channel in general. They literally are out of control getting a bag a month😵‍💫😵‍💫 Loved this video.

[@vivyrox7202]

Great video and absolutely spot on points!! And I am also so over theses influencers on instagram non stop peddling the same crap....be it bags / fashion / or even food critiquing 🤣

[@AnthonyKellett]

I think you hit on the main issue, in your summary. Today, the majority people can’t tell the difference between ‘perceived luxury’ and quality. Instead, they rely on logos in order to feel some sense of security (typically a false sense of security) that they’ll appear knowledgeable and discerning, in the eyes of their contemporaries, who also can’t tell the difference. A bespoke outfit, made by a skilled craftsperson, will always look better to anyone with an eye for quality (and probably anyone else, who doesn’t simply look for a logo). A bespoke men’s suit, one made in prestigious Savile Row, can be bought for as little as £6,000 (roughly A$11,600). The quality is top-notch, and it will probably last a lifetime, if cared for properly. There is not a logo or brand name in sight (not even on the lining…they put it inside the inside pocket) because those who know, know… those who don’t, don’t matter. I believe you’ll be staggered, when you start exploring the private, high-quality brands that you’re considering sourcing. Not only is the quality on a different level, the service and buying experience is, in my opinion, second to none. Of course, none of these things could be considered ‘budget’ items. They are all, by most people’s measure, ‘luxury’ items. However, as you point out (with the possible exception of Hermès), compared to many brands, widely perceived as luxury, the quality will generally be far superior at less well-known, high-end producers; and the customer experience makes that of Hermès’s devotees quite laughable, in comparison. Just my anecdotal, highly subjective view.

[@mindbodysoul8214]

I'm so loving and appreciating your videos. I love and enjoy luxury and luxury videos, however; I'm not for the Lies and Manipulation from Brands or Influencers. For a while now and by so many companies I've felt there was this MISSION TO CONTROL people, and it worked. I believe there are or have been influencers who are here to keep people spending/buying. The fashion houses can GATE KEEP all they want. NEVER, will I allow anyone to control my money and especially on terrible quality. My Coach bags even, are Luxury to me, QUALITY! 🧡🍂

[@Alchemizingg]

There are a few ways brands hold their worth: in their couture where a lot of hand sewing and complicated garment construction is involved (iris van herpen runway), their fabric designs if they aren't solid color (hermes scarves), and what the fabric is, (albino alligator, lulu's luon, etc). I am a new sewist and my eyes have been opened to how much of a scam "luxury" is. I do still purchase higher tier clothes sometimes but I'm much more critical. I can go to Saks and laugh at a $1000 dress because there's nothing that justifies the price besides the tag. Luxury brands sell serged polyester, there's nothing luxury about polyester, SNS. It was about the quality, riding off the fumes of the reputation the people who ran the company 100 years ago made has an expiration date.

[@sams3015]

I’m delighted to see you post again Caitlin. You’re really rolling out content lately

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Thankyou! ❤️

[@mandychadwick9262]

You're Absolutely SPOT ON Xxx..I've now Started looking in Charity shop's for myself...Bag's silk Cashmere Wool ECT..DEFINITELY GOING BACK TO BASICS ...❤

[@andreav2175]

Excellent! That book has been on my [too long] list for a while but now I’ve GOT to read it. I’m fighting my way out of this designer handbag phase (exactly!) but there are still temptations. 💪

[@mangoteeth1290]

I don't care what everybody buys and what they're doing with their money, more disturbing is that these designer bags cost just several bucks to be made (and sold for thousands) and the people making them are underpaid, are paid with minimum wage and barely survive paycheck to paycheck and under poor conditions of work. same goes for designer clothes

[@nikineal69]

Hermes, at least at the Madison Avenue store in NYC, is very much into giving the customer a great shopping experience. The champagne, espresso, a cookie or a bottle of Perrier is offered as you wait for a sales associate and the wait is not long. The sales associates at the Madison Avenue boutique are focused on customer service(cannot say the same for other Hermes stores in NY).

[@liborplistak]

Hello Caitlin, I wish to be able to follow your road .I stated following you because.. of course.. the luxury handbags. And now I simply adore your strength do get out of the crazy world. I'd be interested how you feel seeing the new releases which you like . How do you handle it? Strict no no.. or you still wish to purchase something. I still remember the blue 3k LV sweater. Please, admit you still have spills 😅 26:51 Thank you for being there and let us, luxury addicts, think. You are the only YTber I keep following after quitting with luxury, because you are still so relevant and smart ❤

[@pearslxpurls12]

I agree generally, but there is still appeal of the designer/luxury stores. Part of it is because it has always been aspirational, part because I do love hearing about the history of the brands, part because they are still exclusive (despite more people owning/even despite fakes). Each fashion house has its own identity and that is what made me fall in love with them in the first place. Mainly, it's the excitement and confidence wearing the items gives me - yes, it is materialistic and it shouldn't matter, but if it makes ME feel good then to me, that is worth it. But maybe I'm more selective with what I buy or want to buy, so actually I'm not solely buying into the brand... I always look at materials used, I'm style-consistent and I am yet to buy something I haven't deliberated over for a long time!

[@itsroween]

You are completely right about luxury vs designer. It would be interesting to get your take on real luxury brands.

[@TheHandbagConnoisseur]

Watching this video after I just bought my first Chanel bag lol oh man

[@genzillennial]

Luxury monograms actually came to be because of LV rather than flappers. LV created the first monogram in the 1800’s (ironically) as a way to prevent counterfeit products because at the time it was very difficult to replicate their monogram. Other design houses later followed.

[@mikeantonio3163]

Walk around any large city these bags are two a penny and that includes hermes. It's called mass market. If you're not on the housing market and buying these bags you need to see someone!!

[@donkelly4718]

Great video. Just a bit of phonetics assistance, as you are a channel covering designer fashion and might in the future need to know how to pronounce Prada's first name......phonetically it is "Mu(as in music or museum), chee(as in cheese), Uh". Again, its a small thing, but maybe it will come in handy in future videos. But as I said at the beginning great video. Very well researched and thoughtfully composed.

[@meiltoo]

I agree with what Marc Jacob said about LV. I feel their quality disappointing, their woman’s canvas looks cheap. They keep curning out ugly designs then move on till they get one that makes money… i think its their twist design? The ‘leather’ feels like cardboard, dry and hard.

[@beckylee420]

Hello Caitlin, love your video. I recently bought ready to wear from Dior for the first time and i intended to buy more. But after watching this video i think i need to rethink before i buy again 😅

[@ajb7530]

Any luxury product like hand bags, wallets, sunglasses, etc are not an investment. It's more like gambling. Investments make you money. That doesn't happen for most people. Some people like celebrities, ok yes, when they endorse the product and they get paid, then it could be investment then, otherwise it's not.

[@mrgrape2166]

Great video...All of what you said is true. I don't buy new anymore. 2nd hand is where I go now, but I don't buy too many there anymore either....it's gone crazy... I think, why should I make wealthy people even richer.... Not anymore..

[@lovinglife419]

This is a classic. I read the book while in college, as a Fashion Merchandising major. It kind of soured my view a bit; but that's the function of information - to educate and enlighten.

[@minipleasures96]

To me, handbags are my accessories and it's just easy to use and it makes me feel good . I started buying bags back in 2012 but I am slowing down really. I now focus on traveling.

[@karlamoraes5611]

19:35 The thing for me is, why do someone want to buy a bag that says "you can't seat with us, you don't belong here". Why someone need to have and portrait something that they thing make them in any way, shape or form different than the rest of "common people"?

[@dcgirl53]

I can really appreciate your take on the “luxury” market. I definitely have moved away from designer items. I’m personally very sick of how designers are basically fast fashion now. Why would anyone want to buy a bag for $2,500 plus dollars for it to be obsolete or rather “so last year”? My new bags only come from companies that are able to produce the quality I seek and must fall under 1k. Maybe more but not much more. I wish I reached this realization 20 years ago.

[@for833]

Love this video, it's so educational. You are right, when everyone can afford to buy something at least one of the entry level items, then it's no longer luxury. And as a business owner, I can attest that when you grow too much, it becomes really hard to manage every aspect of the business, so something's gotta give and eventually quality starts to decline, especially if you are just focus on the money and no longer the quality of the service you provide.

[@divy-]

I don't want to sound intrusive or rude but may I know what you do for a living to be able to afford those many luxury item in your 20's only. This is a question out of curiosity and as someone who is struggling to build a career knowing an option would be great. ( I won't judge you even if you were born rich and chose to soend those) 😅

[@karenellis1031]

I prefer to buy bags and shoes because I find them versatile in my wardrobe. I went down the route of luxury albeit in a mostly preloved way but the houses have become like fast fashion with more zeros. On a positive in that research I have discovered brands that are great quality but with much better price tags that I never would have discovered had it not been for looking at preloved luxury brands.

[@adina838]

You are great! This was the most informative video about luxury brands. Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge.

[@pbrd4695]

Really appreciating your personal growth and openness. This video hit the nail on the head🔨