Why Designer Bags are (For The Most Part) OVER.

[@deedaa211]

I keep an advertisement from Chanel. The bags were all under $900. The jewelry was under $400. As an older woman I have watched the prices rice and the materials aren’t as nice and I have found it very difficult to justify buying these items. It’s really glorified ready to wear or fast fashion even in some cases. I love fashion for its artistic style. And when you see something that you love then you buy it. But really it shouldn’t be sooo cost prohibitive. This year I went to seven different countries and I buy less costly items. I thank you for your honesty because many influencers would never touch this topic

[@jmsj3881]

I went into Chanel the other day to look at a WOC. I just wanted to add a small Chanel. Anyways when trying it on, it literally just felt like any other bag with the exception of the CC logo. Idk if I have enough designer stuff but I have become exhausted with designer bags.

[@mellyholly]

@@jmsj3881I feel the same way

[@AdrienneMint]

I could buy any designer bag but i will not. And you said why, Sophie. Because these big designer brands are laughing at us and thinking we are fools. I mostly rely on Furla bags now. Beautiful Italian well made bags at great prices. I have about 6 now and love them. Keeping my money in the bank these days.

[@h.f.4635]

Absolutely agree. I think they underestimated the clients who walk in and walk out, only to assume we cannot afford them. I buy Coach, Mulberry, and Bally (when on sale, and then only sparingly.) Less is more. I love Furla also.

[@angieagentlesoul]

Furla bags is having a major sale right now for those interested.

[@AdrienneMint]

@@angieagentlesouli didn’t know that! Thank you, i am going to look at their website right now🩵

[@AdrienneMint]

@@h.f.4635i will look into Mulberry and Bally, i am not very familiar with their current bags- but the day i spend $5,000 on a bag, lock me up and throw away the key, it will mean i lost my mind.

[@pretaporterp]

I loved Furla from the 2000s-2010s. I still have my Furla bags 10+ yrs later

[@daniellevalentino7723]

I gave up on my dream of ever having a Chanel bag or the Celine 16 that I've been dreaming of for years. It's like the finish line keeps moving further away and I'll never win

[@julijakeit]

It's a nice dream just do not attach it to a specific brand. There are so many beautiful and well-made lesser known artisanal brands.

[@daniellevalentino7723]

@julijakeit you are absolutely correct. I haven't found anything I've loved as much as the Celine 16 unfortunately. I recently got a demellier bag and love it though. I feel it scratched the itch enough for now

[@Clara-hg1hd]

You don’t need it! I bought a small Chanel bag 5 years ago, when I thought I was miss fancy pants, and I used it once at the office Christmas party. Everyone noticed and drew attention to it and I felt like a show off prat. 😂 Every now and then I take it out of the box and imagine the important party or event that I will definitely be wearing it to in the future. 🤔

[@selyemperzsa1]

So all your clothes, lifestyle, car, etc is matching with a 3000 EUR bag? If not, why dont you buy a nice Coach bag, Ralph Lauren or something affordable?

[@PiperSevern]

Buy pre-loved that market has died and classic flaps have even come down substantially.

[@flonotflow]

I think a lot of things have gone wrong. Price increases, decreasing quality, fiascos involving brands (Balenciaga, Dior, Chanel)--I think it has all turned a lot of people off. During the pandemic people had a lot of extra cash to spend on this kind of thing and now they are just making ends meet. I do have to agree too with the experiences kind of thing--we've bought a lot of concert tickets with VIP, eating out more often, going to the cinema. I'm also using online grocery ordering/pickup much more which costs a bit more, but the time and energy it frees up is valuable too.

[@selyemperzsa1]

Experiences are a bigger rip-off..... they are no longer real experiences, believe me. I used to travel 10 years ago.... I would not go anywhere close to a plane now. Everything full of toursits, every restaurant, everything tries to rip you off....no thanks. The bag is a commodity.....which has appreciated up until now in value.

[@flonotflow]

@selyemperzsa1 Your definition of experiences is not the same. I don't appreciate your tone either. I have traveled extensively as well. I'm now not able to travel, but enjoy other things closer to home. But by your standards, I guess I'm just supposed to sit at home and knit now. Gee thanks.

[@aleyna00]

I totally agree. The prices have gone up so much that it makes me actually resentful . I think influencers have played a massive role in this.

[@C.E.A.B.]

Totally agree.

[@aleyna00]

@ Hermes is the worst. It absolute lunacy how expensive those bags are.

[@Amy-hs1qe]

@@aleyna00 Chanel right up there too. Insanity.

[@jennypaxton8159]

I went to the mall last week to pick up a Christmas present, and strolled through the handbag section while I was there (always dangerous). I was struck by a contrast. The mall apparently contracts with a company to have authenticated preloved high-end luxury brands (Celine, Louis Louitton, YSL, etc) for sale there, and I handled a few. There was a Celine belt bag in particular that I’ve thought was a very lovely and interesting design, and I’d never seen in person… but the leather was stiff and processed and just not nice to the touch; definitely not luxurious, or anything special at all. Then I discovered a brand I’d never heard of, called Hammitt. Even their biggest oversized hobos were closer to $500 than $1000. And the leather was just lush and buttery and thick; some were even lined in contrasting suede, and the designs were clever and unique. So, did I pick the Celine or the Hammitt as my own Christmas present? Not the Celine!

[@JLO1023]

Yes! I tried on a Louis Vuitton canvas bag, and I couldn’t believe the feel of it. I know it’s not leather, but it felt SO cheap. I was shocked.

[@t.lillylittlewater2107]

I adore my Hammit bags!

[@abacavip6426]

Because a lot of the luxury manufacturers have been exposed it’s really resonated with consumers. I’ve seen it not only in designer bags but designer shoes have also gone through the roof. I bought Gucci slides years ago and they’ve gone up by almost $200, that makes absolutely no sense. Production typically gets more efficient and there is no reason the exact same shoe should command that much of an increase. Consumers are getting smarter and the word luxury isn’t really what it use to be. As you pointed out, fakes are all over the place and in some cases better quality than the original. Hard to tell which is real and which isn’t. Great video and hope you’re having a great holiday! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@andreag8508]

At a certian point what was a hidden scam became a admitted scam and eventually people need to decide how willing they are to be blatantly taken advantage of.

[@abacavip6426]

@ Totally agree! The greed has been exposed and the price increases aren’t for extra quality but for extra profit.

[@ChildofGoodFortune]

Tragic but true: Super fakes can be better quality than real thing [ chanel 👀]

[@lisakrav4681]

@@ChildofGoodFortune 100%

[@jennypaxton8159]

I think it says something very important that “superfakes” (counterfeits that are functionally identical, with the same characteristics and the same quality materials and workmanship) are a thing that exists. Because the whole point of counterfeits is to make loads of money by producing low and selling high. If they can do that without cutting any additional quality or workmanship corners at all, it means either the real thing is also cutting corners, or the real thing is hilariously overpriced, or both. To me, the simple existence of superfakes says that the quality of luxury brands is dropping off while prices are completely out of control, because otherwise superfakes just wouldn’t be profitable.

[@seabreeze4559]

prestige pricing model yes you're right, I'm looking at smaller brands on attavanti now

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

Yes, I have been thinking the same thing, even more so recently. Modern computerisation has really helped the fakers, especially with the packaging which they used to really struggle to get right.

[@la4828]

100%. I have been a long time buyer of SF since 2013 and ALL OF THEM still look great! Bought a few Auths between ‘13-2023, sold them because putting them next to my SF you could see almost NO difference. Until now it mind boggles me when I receive some new designs, from packaging to the smell to the sewings and tbh when you find the right crowd who appreciate the sfs too, they really will buy them from you when you are ready to resell.. and losing a few 10s just to resell them is never a lost compared to if you buy them for more than 1-2000 and can’t sell them back close to its original price. Never regretted my sfs buying.. their functionality worked just as the “auths”.. they are both bags which hold your stuff and look both luxurious only the other one saves you from any heart ache if ever it gets stolen from you. At this point, i see zero point on ever buying anything more than 300-500$ for a piece of bag that will never ever make you content and happy anyway.

[@sharon-bp9pk]

Where to start with SF? Would really appreciate any advice and suggestions

[@mariajarund9538]

I have bought SF for around £300 for a couple of reasons. They are really well made and as a statement against the ridiculous prices. £300 vs £22.000? I’ve followed different influencers to understand why some brands have exploded their prices. It’s like a cult, especially Hermes. You need to buy lesser priced items, to make an SA ”happy” so that you are offered a bag. So, you are right, looking forward to your next video with your thoughts on other bags with high quality and reasonable prices.

[@JayChoyceTibbitts]

Loved this topic, sophie! I have some more context to this trend from research I did for a luxury client at the ad agency I work at. 100% you’re correct that experiences are trumping items, it’s one of the reasons LVMH is buying restaurants, the orient express, opening beach clubs. This is even more prevalent the younger you go. I’ve also been reading a lot about the human need for status distinction and how it shapes culture (theres a great book on it by David Marx) and what we’re seeing right now is people switching the primary status marker from items to experiences since getting an item has been democratized via klarna, credit cards, seeing it so much on social media, and the prevalence of fakes. What experiences signal is something that you either have or you don’t… and that’s time. This has happened in history before where being tan was actually a sign of low status (cuz it meant you were a labor and worked outside) wealthy people preferred to be as pale as possible. After the Industrial Revolution, when work by the masses moved inside, the upper classes started to prefer tanner skin cuz it signaled they had leisure time to be outside. I could talk about this topic all day but wanted to just share that anecdote.

[@BeautifulBond]

Wow this is so interesting!

[@ChildofGoodFortune]

For me, I still purchase luxury, but it is purely for my own enjoyment and at a price I deem reasonable. I don't purchase trend or fashion pieces, rather I hunt down timeless styles made from quality material with excellent craftsmanship. And yes, vintage is the way go.

[@selyemperzsa1]

Vintage maybe on super high end, like red carpet items... not on mainstream items, which are getting shamelessly expensive on second hand sites.

[@melissajaine_]

I’m a massive fan of classic vintage pieces

[@lindamurphy3969]

My designer bags don’t leave my town because it’s not safe to carry them in the city. I’ve found that a logo has become less important and I’m drawn to bags that I think look pretty. I’ve always used the three month rule before purchasing so I know I want it. Right now, I’m not willing to pay Louis Vuitton prices for their bags. The quality has gone down too much. My older LV bags look and feel so much nicer. I’d rather spend my money traveling to new places and return to my favorites that almost feel like home. If a bag is really beautiful and I know I’ll use it, I may splurge, but I will be more picky on what I decide to spend money on.

[@novita_darley]

Hi Sophie. The fact that we are working from home more has changed my work-clothing style drastically.

[@amb163]

Don't forget that people are starting to realise that the world isn't doing to well as a whole and in the coming months and years we may not be ABLE to travel. I'm looking at traveling this coming summer while it's still possible, but even then I'm worried the political situation of the planet might not be stable enough for it to be safe. On a brighter note, I managed to **finally** get a full time permanent position this year after two decades of work. I celebrated by getting myself a Coach Kip Turnlock in Red Sand. It arrived as I was literally watching your video!! It's gorgeous :)

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

Congratulations on both achievements!

[@amb163]

@@danielintheantipodes6741 Thank you!

[@nina.michelle]

Price and safety definitely has had an effect of things. But also going through COVID and being on lock down also helped changed peoples perception on luxury. People sat at home and spent money on THINGS and they realized they don't bring the same amount of happiness if you don't have an EXPERIENCE to use them. Luxury items don't mean much if you don't have a reason to go out and use them

[@GinaAngels]

For me what did it to me was the amount of homeless people I see here in Los Angeles. I feel guilty about carrying an expensive bag while others are suffering. Let’s face facts times are changing

[@Robbie_LeMeow]

So true. Suffering and mental illness of the homeless everywhere. We see less in the Inland Empire, but it's there as well.

[@helena3631]

NYC is the same

[@magyarhalishten3215]

For me, it was the energies changing. I was kind of under a spell from 2014 til about a year and a half ago that I was obsessed with bags. Now I can’t stand bag videos except from you and a couple other vloggers but I’m more interested in topics, not unboxings and upcoming crap. But I was always more practical about what bags I wanted in my life. Now I’m enjoying my collection of 4 bags lol.

[@Lynwen10]

I devote my money to caring for my three Chihuahuas, who I adore, and my rescue cat, as a tiny kitten, who I found dumped at the side of the road in a cardboard box, that had been duck taped up. I make sure that they have the best life possible. I adore handbags, but content myself with High Street brands, and they can feed my love of handbags, whilst allowing me to lavishly care for my pets and donate money to pet charities.

[@shalala1949]

👍❤️

[@thebigh9324]

❤❤❤

[@seabreeze4559]

what kind of monster would duct tape them to go into the bins? poor baby

[@Lynwen10]

@ I saw the box and something made me go and look at it. She was tiny, cold and hungry, the vet told me she was no more than 7 or 8 weeks old. She is now 7 years old and the most loving of cats. It felt as though the person who dumped her wanted her to die and couldn’t even give her a chance of escaping that box. Some people are very cruel.

[@thebigh9324]

@Lynwen10 Thank heavens you were there 🙏👋❤️

[@neilandfitzgerald8025]

Hi Sophie! I agree with you 100%. There’s a massive decline in luxury sales due to pricing increases and safety. Those are two of a confluence of reasons. I also believe that the trending quiet luxury look has made people more weary of instantly identifiable brands and more prone to buy More minimalist items. This is both a trending look, and also a safety precaution to protect a high investment in a bag, that doesn’t have a brand all over it. If we look at the Row by Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, it’s one of the only luxury brands that did very well last year, so well that Chanel wanted to invest in it and buy a piece of its business. Then if we look at more middle-market brands, like coach, they have begun to replicate quiet luxury “it” bags like the Margaux, a la the Empire bag for a fraction of the cost. Coach also did very well last year. More and more middle market quiet luxury brands are appearing. You should do a video on new middle market brands with affordable bags that look like high designer- think Polene, Cuyana, Senreve,and Mansur Gavriel. It would be interesting to know how these brands are faring on the market. Their emergence has to do with the current aesthetic, but another piece has to do with what you discussed in your video which is quality. If you look at the leather quality of both the row and coach both of them, focus heavily on long lasting heavy wearing products. People want to protect their investments not just from other people stealing them, but also from themselves Ruining them. Thank you for your interesting and thought-provoking video.

[@selyemperzsa1]

Believe me, next year quiet luxury will be out of the window....now that everybody successfully bought a Polene bag. I see beautiful embellished bags from Aquazzurra. You always need to go for the middle ground.

[@KristieBush]

you’re literally my comfort person i love you*jklux* .

[@kippykippyphoebe9203]

You Are correct about Burberry. It was shocking to see last year they had a trapper hat for over £1000. I loved it but just couldn’t justify the price. I’m glad I waited. I’ve just picked up the exact same one at 71% off!!! At £308. It’s all gone so south I won’t pay those cray cray prices. Saint Laurent had a runway coat last week at £1600. I paid £4650 18 months ago. Never again. 😭😭😭

[@hilaryelizabeth8812]

I think there's a lot of factors, many of which you mentioned. A big one that I think had a huge impact was the pandemic, because frankly, a ton of people who switched from in-office work to work-from-home suddenly had much less use for expensive fashion. Before, a lot of people could rationalize it through the cost-per-wear, but even when it comes to things like luxury makeup, people are splurging less because in many instances this stuff just literally isn't as useful as it was before. Add in the fact that so many brands are dropping in quality but charging outrageous prices, and it just makes it, IDK, not fun anymore? Like you said, the anxiety about something getting damaged is just not worth it, and the mid-range brands have noticed and REALLY filled in that gap. My go-to bag has become a Michael Kors bag that I've been wearing out every time I leave the house since I bought it, and there's not a scratch on the leather, a scratch on the hardware, and not even a speck of the glazing has peeled. And I don't take care of it at all, in fact I leave the lock on it open all the time so the metal pieces are literally rubbing against each other constantly, and seeing that in comparison to something like the Murakami LV bag scratches you showed makes it extremely hard to justify even fantasizing about the "high end" pieces that are charging an ungodly price for nothing more than a genuinely bad product with their name stamped on it.

[@Cherrysmith2809]

Well said.

[@portialipton]

I felt like this ten years ago, I've never bothered with it, and started watching you years ago to find out why people were willing to spend so much money on it. But I've stuck around because you are entertaining!

[@FarzTurk]

I love bags in general always have, a girly girl at heart. In my thirties I wanted all the luxury bags. Now in my fourties’ as I get older I want to make memories with my children. Saving and travelling with my children making memories. This is far more precious to me than a bag ❤

[@tcafdees7249]

So I personally still buy luxury, but for the first ever this year I bought secondhand bc I realized the prices were so much better. Out of the 4 bags I got this year only one was actually purchased at a boutique. In the past I would gotten all of them from the boutiques, but the prices are unreasonable at the moment. You can get a $3200 bag for $1500 at Fashionphile or TheRealReal that’s in pristine condition. That’s literally the price that same bag was 5 years ago! These brands are doing this to themselves.

[@mariaalmasaniroyalhouse9214]

I am more interested in luxury cultural experiences like opera and ballet because the quality there doesn’t go down. I agree that money is better spent on experiences

[@dimad645]

Sophie, it is such a good video. I am really liking your outfit. I think it is more about what colors and shapes suit you than what brand names you can afford to buy.

[@j6453]

You took the words right out of my mouth. I do like good design but at this point it seems like they are having a laugh with the prices. Even worse, quality is going downhill as the prices go up. Also, so many bags are knocked off nowadays that most people will assume you are carrying a fake.

[@ninazanjani4298]

You are Absolutely right as all the Luxury bags are not worth the price they are now !!! I used to buy a bag every year but last few years I dident as everything is ridiculously over priced and is not the same quality as before , the life style of all people is changed !!! Your video are awesome and you always talking very honest …

[@samgoldstyle]

I have just purchased my first Hermes, a brand new but "pre loved" Herbag. The owner obviously made a quick buck out of me! 😂She's noir/noir/ghw. My intention is to change up twillies to coord with outfits...Therefore saving money on buying anymore bags😂I will always spend on accessories but not so much clothes, however, 2025 I've said to myself "no bags, improve outfits, quality over quantity" Happy New year everyone❤

[@lynsealemon9595]

I recently bought a Stella McCartney bag on sale for $200. You just have to know where to look.

[@wendymorgan4242]

I’m lucky enough to have a collection of beautiful luxury bags and jewellery but for me personally I think people are not interested in buying luxury items and having lots of stuff and I think Covid taught us we don’t need stuff to be happy. I now would rather make memories and the happiness I get from theses last for ever x

[@Clara-hg1hd]

I am definitely going off designer bags, partly because whenever I wear them people notice and call me miss fancy pants. Oooh look at you and your Chanel… and I feel like I need to say ‘oh it’s pre-loved, it’s Bicester village’ 😂 This year I have bought beautiful bags from Sezane, Tusting and Songmont and I absolutely love them because they are incredibly chic but no one knows where they’re from or how much they cost. I have invested in some fine jewellery as well this year, but the main thing we are both saving for is our upcoming home renovation work. I will always love fashion, and I will always choose well made, quality products but I am looking at premium niche brands now.

[@Kaitaritz2013]

I still love buying luxury bags Sophie- but the prices have gone up so much that I’ve had to slow down my buying. But still love them.

[@angelicashields9706]

My dream handbag would be a Lady Dior. But, at $6800…I choose to cruise for a week aboard a Royal Caribbean ship. The memories are more important.

[@hazydreamer7965]

I do agree with you. It is getting too expensive and we also need to keep in mind the possibility of getting robbed. I often think I´d never go out holding a Hermès in my hand. I do not like them (luckily) and if I had one, I´d need a bodyguard or a car with my own chauffeur. - I do take my small Chanel bags out now and then, and also less eye-catching bags like S. Ferragamo, Lanvin, or L. Vuitton, but not outside the northern Scandinavian countries, where we still are more secure. I also sold a few designer bags this year and might sell a few more. I trust and enjoy elegant Italian leather bags. Traveling gives more new experiences and knowledge than investing in bags that need protection.

[@dylenrobertsj3417]

In my opinion, the economy isn’t strong enough for people to just casually buy luxury. People are a lot more critical about their purchases across the board. I think carrying around luxury items put a target on your back not just for getting robbed but, too get asked about your income (pocket watchers). People are getting laid off daily not knowing if you’re next, inflation, strike, tariff etc. The price of one bag is your rent or mortgage think about that!

[@abbyvanhoose3997]

Hello Sophie, as we get older priorities change, I have always traveled,not as much as some but I enjoy going to museums, love to go to Key Largo for a few weeks every year, I kyac, or lay in sun in the pool. It may not be for everyone, it is so beautiful, people get married on the little pier,beautiful sunsets,like to eat outside fine dinning. Same place every year for 41 years,my favorite restaurant to have raw oysters for lunch or dinner,this gives me peace of mind,and joy. If you saw this, you would love the scenery and warm every day. Thank you for your videos. I agree 100% greedy luxury items are such a turn off. This year I have purchased the bags that I want, I 'm sure there will be other beautiful bags and I will buy them,purchased 3 unknown bags for the season and the colours and simplicity. Lots of love to you and David.❤❤❤

[@linabelmonte5154]

Hello Sophie! Thank you for covering these topics. It is really interesting to watch. My two cents on this is that I maybe found a couple designer bags pretty in my high school years, but I've grown from it quite fast and realized I did find them pretty but not to the point I wouldn’t get bored with it and when I imagine myself getting bored over something it means it isn't worthy of my time and resources. I do not have purchased one luxury bag, aka what is being marketed as luxury, but I do enjoy good quality handbags. May you and your family have happy holidays 🎉

[@lilac.moonlight]

Good topic Sophie 💜 I think people are still into luxury just that experiences, brands/designers which were associated with luxury a decade ago have really changed!

[@micprince777]

Hi, I agree with everything that you have said. I have sold pretty much all my luxury items and plan to buy regular items from now on. My priorities in life have changed, and I feel like social media has saturated online with luxury that it is no longer exciting.

[@alanboy5532]

yes i am over designer brands, but i love your videos sophie! I cherish life experiences and travels now.

[@ginamorris4520]

Just last Christmas, there was quite a line in one of our LV stores here( San Antonio,TX), luxury is still alive here. I'm glad we have places in our area where women carry their lux purses in a grocery store and nobody really bats an eye. I saw a woman with her Birkin 30 in just her flipflops ( her poplin shirt looks designer tho). Like you don't need a special occasion to carry your lux bag. Someone even put a loaf of bread in her Neverfull GM😂. It was fun to see and I got to rotate my small collection all year round. Don't get me wrong, we have a seedy side of town too but there's plenty places where you can walk around, dine and shop and you won't feel out of place because you are not the only one carrying lux. I would be sad if I won't be able to carry them out of fear. They're meant to be used and enjoyed, If I can't use it I'd rather sell it or not buy them in the first place. I think if you buy too many and too often you'll get desynthesized and you feel more remorse than joy.

[@KanezaMac]

I have a very curated “collection” of five bags. That’s all I need. I’m now spending money on quality clothes and travel. I’m saving a loooot too which feels good!

[@lvettesonai]

Spot on, Sophie!👏🏽👏🏽 I'm satisfied with my vintage Chanel tote, my Birkin ( I want no more) MCM bags, Coach, Fendi, etc...... I've been spending on fabulous vacations and luxury skincare. That's fun for me. ❤ I will admit, there's a few quality luxury RTW pieces I'm looking at and will probably purchase.

[@karenwilkinson5622]

Been there and wore the t-shirt as they say .. I would never buy another ‘designer’ item as when a Dior bag costs approx $57 to produce and they charge £3500.00 it’s an absolute joke .. The majority of bags are made in the same factory (the same goes for clothes) the people are not treat fairly and Mont Blanc is awful for this .. There’s no way made I would fund somebody else’s luxury lifestyle .. X

[@cherylrleigh1912]

It's over because we’ve become acutely aware of the true costs of designer goods-such as the Hermes Birkin and Kelly-compared to the actual expenses involved in producing them. We now know that DIY kits from brands like Babylon Leather, which offer everything needed to craft an identical product for just $150, make it clear that the materials and production costs are minimal. Even accounting for labor, the cost of creating such items is still far from the premium price tag attached to an authentic Birkin or Kelly.

[@dillinrivera91]

2 years ago I sold my Gucci LV YSL and Versace bags because as much as I liked them it didn’t feel any more special than when I carry my Coach or Rebecca Minkoff bags. I’m not gonna spend over $500 on bag!

[@JoleeLovesIt]

I burned out on lux also…it’s the drastic income inequality and abuse of workers that have done me in. The middle class is fading away in the states 😊

[@judyp6549]

I couldnt agree with you more. 4 years ago, I was into collecting luxury bags. Now Im all into playing tennis, golf and now pickleball. Recently, I just took dancing lessons. And I travelled a lot in 2024. Life experiences are much more rewarding.

[@minoominouei5284]

I have sold quiet few of my designer handbags! I have been downsizing my collection for the past 2 yrs. Also completely over trends! I believe social media is responsible for all the hype for luxury. I however still like classic handbags that last for decades. But, in terms of safety yes you’re right, haven’t been using any of my bags in public 😢 just to parties/ social events where I still have to watch my bags and think twice about taking them😇😅 in terms of inflation, one should try the resale market and find much better prices. I believe that’s a new trend which is here to stay! Thanks for your content and Happy Holidays 🎄❤️

[@Jlrc13]

I’ve just bought a fantastic Scottish brand - regular prices are around £300 and they had a sample sale with prices at £100- and recommended by tanner leatherstein! Not afraid to wear it or scuff it at that price- yet looks high end (and can still afford to travel). Definitely agree experiences over things

[@ElizabethNonsuch]

I lived in Dubai for the last two years. Every half term we flew somewhere new - we did 15 countries in 2 years and have the most incredible memories and photos of the last two years. I own NO designer handbags. You make your choices in life - you cannot have it all, so it's up to you how you 'invest' your money - in memories, or in things? Great video with thought provoking topic that more people need to think about. Takeaway coffees every day, or a flight somewhere... every subscription app on their tv or a hotel stay in another country... it all adds up.

[@ChristophHenry-m6p]

I can and do find absolutely beautiful pieces of jewelry... Really good quality... Beautiful Stones, Simple and Creative Jewelry for less than $200.00 No one knows what I paid. I get more compliments on those pieces than my Cartier Love and my Tiffany T. I also find that they are more durable and not as prone to scratches

[@chrissyannsway]

I think that people have been moving away from buying luxury to spending money on trips for some time now. Between the price hikes and the uninspired designs along with poor quality, spending that kind of money doesn't make sense anymore. Shopping preloved and then taking a fabulous vacation would make sense. The real question is are "hauls" dead? I'm personally not interested in seeing someone "buy" a dozen things from Zara to Chanel in one setting. It serves no purpose, and, in a few months, the influencer is selling the items or saying that they never used the items.

[@emnewmark2106]

I’m in a weird boat. I actually got a great job this year. Waaay better pay. But picture this…. I used to pine for LV and suffer to buy them. Now that I have $$…. I’m like ‘meh, not interested, have a bunch on my shelf’. I’ve picked up like 10 vintage coach in the last 6 months and I’m liking them. They feel great, I got a coveted Ergo 9033 for like $35 at the thrift…. So now I’m more motivated by the hunt. I’ve sold off a bunch of LV… no big deal. Down to one GG. I simply don’t care about the designer stuff I was wild for for 10 years. I’d rather pay down my mortgage n cards.

[@carolann7459]

Hi Sophie! Since I was a very little girl, I was always passionate about fashion, especially shoes and handbags. Now, many years later, as a "young" senior adult, I still love all things related to fashion, including my designer handbags and shoes. However, I've made the decision to admire any new Chanel product from afar due to the excessive price increases. I don't believe designer handbags are over, but a lot of us are probably being more selective in what we purchase from the brands. Thanks for sharing your honest thoughts. Take care!💕

[@joannasliwa8147]

Hi Sophie! I comletely agree that you kind of put yourself in danger carrying around your designer handbag that can be snatched away in the middle of the day . I've been living in Paris for almost 22 years and a designer logo is not a thing here ... but you will be complimented on a vintage Chanel or a vintage Balmain perfecto because of their stunning quality and " uniqueness ".

[@lauragrippi8049]

Price rises, big declines in quality and fakes being so good these days. I used to think of designer items as luxury, but now I just think of how brands exploit both their factory workers and their customers for their own financial gains. I’m not buying new but I have a few pieces I use occasionally. Honestly my most luxurious pieces in my wardrobe are wool coats I thrifted from the 80s/90s it’s insane how we just let quality decline so much!

[@taliajournee212]

I think due to the greed of the more prevalent brands - people are now stopping and thinking 'I don't think so'. The good thing is the quality has become more of a focus, don't worry about the label, what is the quality? Also, global economy is doing poorly, rent, mortgages, food - inflation are at the forefront of everyone's mind. I still love a good bag but nothing crazy ($5K) and it has to be worth it. Great video topic Sophie!

[@soniapb7456]

Hi Sophie! All your points are well taken! I am just getting to the point where I can afford luxury and am still interested in pieces I have been admiring from afar!

[@smoutchie]

For christmas I asked for a Sessun bag and I'm over the moon with it. Great brand, sustainable materials and fair craft. I had friends a family members who got robbed (bags, watches) and that really put me of from some luxury brands, I wouldn't go with their very well known design or patterns for that reason. I also noticed something a little bit intriguing on social media, wich is brands such as Hermes or Dior having "ambassadors" from super wealthy families (aristocracy, millionaire's wife) who I thought were their customer base. I feel it's one thing to want a birking bag because of Jane Birkin or a Kelly because of Grace Kelly, it's something else to see the a it Girl receiving an item for free to promote it on her socials and make 3 posts with it wile tagging the brand on the picture. It's less organic, you don't really think she's loving the product as much as if she had really bought it for herself in a more casual way. It makes you think : '"oh okay, I'm the target here and they're all having a laugh". True luxury to me is bespoke items.

[@annkelly0072]

I stopped buying luxury bags a few years ago not just because of the astronomical price increases but because of the unbelievable decrease in quality. I will buy second-hand because the older items are better quality. I've also started buying much better quality clothing for my children. I'd rather buy the more expensive items that will last than the cheaper stuff that falls apart after a few washes.

[@judesgoldpearls7828]

It’s a great video. I started watching you when I had no kids and mortgage. Now that I have these, bags are no longer a priority. My classic Chanel flap gets left in the wardrobe too! Haven’t used them in years! Doesn’t fit into my mummy playgroup look. 😂 Longchamp is all I wear these days! Also cautious of being safe when I am with the kids. Don’t want to be a target when I am in central London.

[@nmernst]

I agree 💯. Quality and exclusivity have gone out the window in many cases. Sometimes even ethics 😢. That said if the right piece at the right time shows up, I will still consider it. I'm more about experiences myself 👍.

[@DisneyMarkUK]

Hi Sophie. This video could have been due to my comment on a previous video. I’ve really gone off luxury and if I could get a refund on all of my bags I probably would. I don’t have much interest in them, I don’t feel unsafe using them, it’s all LV so people probably think it’s fake anyway. I don’t regret buying them but I’d but buy them again and definitely wouldn’t buy any of the super expensive brands. We spend a lot of money on travel and it seems so much better use of our money. My current most used bags are a £10 Pull & Bear bumbag and a £30 Tommy Hilfiger man bag and I love them. Fab video as always x

[@steph____]

Pricing is never about intrinsic worth but rather about the perceived value and what people are willing to pay based on their needs, desires, and context. Luxury brands have exploited this for a long time; however, as their greed has grown and quality has plummeted, people are becoming less willing to oblige.

[@tiepolo100]

I've never really been into luxury bags, though I am a shoe addict. In the luxury sector, I've always loved Chanel ballerinas, and I've certainly seen the quality of these decline over the years while the prices have risen exponentially. Regarding bags, I prefer Polene, Coach, Longchamp, Russell and Bromley, etc. I also think that social media and influencers have democratised luxury to a degree that it no longer feels like luxury. I've always preferred travelling and experiences to buying more 'stuff'. But each to his/her own.

[@sayurik]

Personally I felt that my pull away from luxury had a few contributing factors. I just got married at the start of the year and spent a good amount of money on my new house and renovations. I’ve also amassed a few luxury bags over the years and I’ve a bag for every occasion. My team started WFH 4 days a week which made me go out the house less. I’m turning 30 next year and I want to pay more attention to my retirement planning. The dior scandal was the straw that broke the camel’s back for me. I would much rather spend my money on good quality items/clothings, on my house or go on nice holidays with my husband and family! 😊

[@felicityw5163]

At the beginning of this year, I had something in mind from Tiffany's I would like to get, but later on, I spent the money on travelling so no jewellery for me this year. I still think it's worth it.

[@gihanzohdy3284]

I always try to maintain a healthy balance between luxury purchases (clothing, bags and accessories), fine dining, art education, books, fountain pens and travel. Each of these has its ebb and flow, one year the emphasis is on sartorial purchases, another is on pens sometimes all, othertimes a few. What I do insist on is to not gorging upon anything, otherwise the item loses value in one's eyes and the enjoyment vanishes. The idea of chasing the novelty, hoarding and never feeling satisfied takes us to psychiatrists' territory, and this has its own literature, which by the way is very interesting. Plenty of reasons human beings love to collect. My response is then, discover the reason for wanting an item, avoid impulse purchases, and then yes, go for it, but without going overboard. To answer the other question, luxury buying may have lost its stronghold, but still has its clientele.

[@jennayoutube1]

Travel, home renovations/interiors and I only buy bags in Europe now. Its cheaper, you get the tax back and im already there to travel. Unless i get offered a Birkin im not shopping at home( in the US)

[@pklagrange]

I’m a bit embarrassed to wear my designer bags in public these days. I mostly carry good looking but far less expensive bags that I just don’t worry about. What a relief

[@iheartoppa]

My theory is that people are now investing more into their lifestyle being a luxury than luxury bags/items. Money is spent on things that can't be faked like bags. Eg, having the luxury of being able to travel(both time wise & cost wise eg. being able to hire a nanny to help facilitate travel), luxury of eating healthy and being fit, attending expensive workout/hobbies classes(eg pilates, horse riding, skiing). Those things are harder to fake (unless you chose to go into debt for it but even then you can't maintain the charade for long) as its usually a reoccurring cost not a one of cost of eg a bag which some people are able save if they tried. People are always trying to find a way to differentiate themselves from others and now I think lifestyle is where people are focusing on rather than clothing due to the rise of fakes, the old/new money looks have become more attainable.

[@thebigh9324]

I now find I am buying less , but better ! 😉😁The many impulsive purchases I would have made before have made way for fewer more timeless and quality pieces I intend to keep forever ! Once I have the key items , many preloved , then I will stop and start ACTUALLY LIVING my life !!! Great video , Sophie !! 🙏❤️

[@katrinaevans7872]

I brought a Chanel bag in the late 80s with a purse for £450 How can the charge so much now They see you coming

[@natalyleal4192]

I am no longer interested in designer bags. Now that I actually have a better income and can afford them, the prices are insane and do not match the quality. I will rather put that money on jewelry and travel.

[@ThatMuslimDoctor]

Luxury fashion houses are laughing at consumers. £50 to make, priced up to £3000. Save your money. Buy vintage or preloved. Buy from brands that value quality and your business. Longchamp, coach, mulberry, furla

[@roseg1333]

I focus more on a few choice small leather goods of designer brands so I build my collection slowly but no big bags for safety reasons but I have been buy things I can hide in my bigger bags like Ralph Lauren bags….i totally agree I would save your classic flap for better times or in case you need to sell it like you said good choice I wish I could afford the classic flap my dream bag so beautiful 😍🥹❤️

[@PASwiftUTube]

I love the luxury bags I already own but I refuse to pay the insane prices they want for their product today. I’m much more excited by mid priced bags like Polene or Songmont.

[@elaines5074]

Considering luxury is ridiculously priced do you think those Chanel investment bags will hold their value - what goes up also goes down

[@lilylillux]

I just don't see any bag worth over 2000eur. I refuse to give more than that. If that means I'm never having that bag -so be it. I love designer but what's too much is too much!

[@marlenematthews8280]

If the trend indicators are true, perhaps luxury shopping will become less like sport and more what it used to be...elegant, tasteful, sophisticated people acquiring best-quality items with the intention of using them for a lifetime. Fingers crossed.

[@Chloeoliviarose]

I recently just bought a pre loved Chanel bag, I probably will only buy Chanel pre loved as it is just ridiculously expensive. I imagine this is partly to do with the rise of the mid range bags like polene and coach

[@shannonbailey8589]

I buy vintage bags off ebay, Vestiaire, or the real real. And if you have to baby your chanel, you're not enjoying it, so sell it. And yes hermes draws attention, but is that your goal? To seek attention? Buy the bag because you love the style. I just bought a LV artsy. Its not in style as the hobos are so 2010s, but i wanted it. I'll take that anyday over a Birkin. I'm all for memories. Enjoy life, we can't take any of this stuff with us but enjoy what you like.

[@someonesomewhere1385]

I think its not always a question of financial capacity ; I can buy whatever I want but do I want to pay the exorbitant new prices for these items? At some point the consumer justifies each purchase. And the reality is it's worth it until it's just not anymore.

[@lornadune6024]

Most of it is the price increases. Part of it is overexposure. You keep on seeing flood of media exposure and it doesn’t feel special anymore.

[@nirui467]

I think over exposure is not mentioned enough. Social media drive exposure into some different demographics. Now those folks are retreating so to speak for a variety of reasons, price being a big one

[@kinj5422]

Fendi definitely has a Hermes vibe, and although it’s a cheaper price point, the image of the brand is impeccable. And it’s equally as classy, really it is a steal. A lot of Italian people I know say that fendi is their favourite Italian designer. You are right about the items that catch attention. Me living in London, I don’t buy high end because I simply can’t afford it, nevertheless the safety is a concern. In zone 3 there’s so many people on benefits or many adolescents who come from poor families, lots of homeless in the area, premium luxury is not a good choice. I would think gucci is quite safe, a lot of students and young people wear it, it became sort of premium high street brand. Definitely price increases made the difference as well as working from home. I just got Burberry knight small bag from farfetch for 900£ for Xmas and am super happy it has no name nor logo on it. The model got discontinued so fast that I believe many people won’t even notice it’s a designer bag and it will definitely make me feel safe to wear it 😁 this is at the moment the most expensive designer item I own. I still love fashion and keep an eye on what is nice but won’t spend more than £1k. It’s a real shame to be able to afford something and not feeling safe to wear it and therefore not wearing it. ❤

[@mwedzi]

I mostly have contemporary bag and just a couple of luxury bags. Even for clothes, I top out at the $400-$500 mark, and that's for a coat! So not only are luxury prices too much for me, but after these past few years of over-consumption, I still have all of the stuff! I'm kind of sick of consuming at this level. These are durable goods, they last a long time, why do I have to keep buying more and more, taking up more space in my house? Trips and other experiences don't take up space. I'd rather upgrade my cabin class than buy another bag when I already have at least 12 of them. Or just save more money for a rainy day.

[@teddythetinyterrier]

Another great video Sophie. I think generally people are tired of luxury goods for many of the reasons you pointed out. I think a lot of these people also are looking for a different kind of flex. And that’s the travel flex. However the prices for hotels and restaurants also have skyrocketed and have become truly absurd in some cases. And the service often time and quality of food is mediocre or subpar. Is it really worth paying 1000 for that dining experience? I’m still buying luxury goods but not handbags for the most part. As you’ve pointed out the prices are completely absurd. It’s also the same for a lot of other goods esp Rtw and jewelry. Also the service in boutiques is not what it used to be. I was in a well known boutique recently and while it is the holiday season the sa was not friendly and rushing me. Suffice it to say I won’t be back. I recently took a foray into second hand jewelry and have been really pleased with condition and savings. I don’t see myself buying new jewelry in the future and I’m now also considering a like new bag and avoiding playing games. Like you I have sold off a large part of my bag collection. As an og luxury buyer my tastes have evolved over the years. I have become more of a minimalist and I don’t want any fussy bags or look at me bags. I also am concerned about crime in my area. What’s the point of having these bags just sit on the closet shelf? I’ve kept a few classics just because I just don’t think I can part with them but most of the time I am carrying some nondescript bag. Luxury goods these days seem to wear the person and I don’t want to be defined by what I’m wearing and carrying. That’s also why I’ve also sold off most of my brand name recognizable jewelry. It will be interesting to see if the brands have the audacity to engage in more price increases next year. They’ve been trying to bring back the middle class consumers with more entry level goods and some are still buying but a lot of them are hurting. I think even the rich don’t think there’s value in today’s prices and are buying less. And it’s not like the old days where carrying a Chanel was unique. Seems like everyone has one today whether real or fake. I think that becomes a real turn off also for the wealthy

[@JaeLee_Kim]

I think, in the end, people will just spend money on what they truly want. Whether it's buying luxury items or not, both are trends on social media. Some people discover new interests because of it, while others realize what doesn’t resonate with them through secondhand experiences on social media. I don’t think luxury goods will ever go away. For example, when traveling became a trend, I thought it was something I had to do-until I realized I don’t actually enjoy traveling. Everything feels like a trend these days, and there will always be a space on KZbin for luxury content, just like there is for so many other topics. That said, price increases have made luxury less accessible for a lot of people. But it’s not just designer brands-everything’s expensive these days. In the end, I think people should spend money on what they genuinely want. It’s your money and your life, after all. As for me, I know I’ll never sell my bags. Knowing myself, I’d just regret it five years down the line.

[@Terriwith2arfs]

Thanks for the video! I think that items made by niche brands, even unknown makers (who's quality is excellent) is the way to go. I'm not buying luxury because of that. It seems like one major designer bag looks like another brand and another brand and another brand....

[@pincopallina9913]

dear Sophie, high prices and falling purchasing power I am sure are good reasons. However I think it is also a question of saturation. we had been talking about nothing else for years. we could not stand it anymore. furthermore with so many people in difficulty it is really unethical and unelegant to talk about certain prices. personally, with some exceptions, I have been buying second hand for years. the great classics, not the fashion of the moment. they cost less and in addition they are already a bit used and therefore I do not worry if they get ruined. they are reasoned purchases that I think I will never resell. a hug and happy new year🎉

[@juliettirina6829]

I prefer buying bags with good quality and at more affordable prices. Designer brands are stealing our money.

[@ditsygirl5409]

I think most people who love luxury will branch out to get luxury in other areas. Some may be obsessed with luxury travel, some may be obsessed with high end dining or even luxury jewellery. It’s not always so defined like just on bags, shoes or clothes. Many of us also buy high end perfumes or beauty products etc. Security is also a factor in how many people don’t wear popular designer bags anymore so that they feel safer in some cities.

[@helenhall299]

I think buying designer is a flex for a lot of people, so there are buyers regardless. These designer brands are savvy businesses and it seems they are going with basic economics: the price is what the marketplace will bear. So what if one quarter here and there there is a downward blip, it will correct. Personally I’ve preferred vintage for a while due to the superior quality. I wear my beautiful vintage double flap in a major city with no fear, so far. The bag as an investment has never resonated with me… lately I have been buying a few of the mid range brands that are gaining popularity - again due to quality and design. I recommend Atelier Auguste, RSVP(this leather is divine!!!), and the Horse, even some Coach (but not the boring Empire bag 😂). Great video!

[@countylivinginstyle2830]

Im not interested either now, my husband and i are going to do a super saving no spend year to see how much we can save. I just have no desire or interest in luxury any more. Its just done to death im just so fatigued from seeing it constantly. I think i used to like the mystery of it now its just overdone. There are videos where people have a 100 bags and they think that is normal makes me feel a little sick really

[@klym444]

its so sad not to use the bags you have bought, what is the point of owning these bags then lol. For me personally, am moving from bags to jewelry but also need to be spending sensibly, living in switzerland is so expensive!

[@ichiban6004]

This has been such a struggle because I do love luxury but I see so so many fakes out there these days that it just sort of feels pointless. It doesn’t feel special at all. I have my eye on this shearling Chanel purse but it’s about 8000$ and I just don’t see the point, I don’t have the same excitement about it especially knowing there’s probably a perfect fake out there of it.

[@helenlee6089]

Hi Sophie. You mentioned your friend eats at high End restaurant, £1,000 for an experience, the reality is these restaurants and hotels don’t allow you in or treat you well unless you’re well dressed, either screaming designer or quiet luxury. Or you rock up in a very fancy car like your partner has. So my point is people still love luxury and will spend it no matter how expensive it is because we all want to be in that exclusive club and the ones who don’t want to be in that club, they don’t want them anyway. 😢

[@rayastoyanova7920]

Hey Helen, I don’t think this is necessarily true. Most of these places will treat you well even if you’re dressed slightly inappropriately, where ‘appropriately’ would just mean the smarter side of smart casual.

[@Lee73Lee]

I’m aiming for a 2025 no luxury buy year. I’m not as excited about new things and am enjoying what I already have. And I’m also not swayed into buying midtier brands like many influencers are now pivoting to. I’d rather just buy luxury or not at all. I’m spending money on other things like investments & paying my mortgage down quicker to retire early, experiences, and dermatology instead in 2024 and 2025. Luxury feels wasteful right now, and many large design houses aren’t producing creative, high quality products anymore anyway so I am also veering away from luxury.

[@hautepinkrae8084]

Hi Sophie, all good points. I am now living in a smaller town and feel that I cannot wear my designer handbags, although they are vintage but recognizable. I don’t want anyone to feel that I’m trying to be better than them. Most people here would probably not recognize that they’re a designer bag. But I don’t want anyone to get the wrong impression or feel bad. Also, yeah, any designer bag that’s new I haven’t been impressed with the designs and certainly the prices are insane and insulting. There’s my two cents thanks Sophie.