UPDATE: I launched my own handbag collection, made in Europe using vegan canvas and chrome-free leather 😍 It's available here: www.justineleconte.com/elixir
you can find mid-range bags at a very affordable price point in second-hand (see links in the description) - it might need a bit of searching, that's true!
@@justineleconte Thank you for your suggestion. You have helped me a lot to improve my fashion sense over the years and keep myself away from making bad fashion decisions.
For the same reason I was just watching a short on how to turn over a sheep that's stuck on its back (apparently it's a deadly position for them, so they have to be turned as quickly as possible), just in case
Very nice video, you are so kind. But your review would have been better if you had done it with a *suluxs* bag, mark my words, you would have been blown away.
I still struggle with luxury. After the Dior and Armani invoice scandals, when I look at luxury, I feel like the labor and materials are worth 30-50 times less than the purchase price. I know there are other necessary costs and profit margins, but now I feel cheated and ripped off. Ugh. My clothes are all handmade, and I've bought custom shoes and bags before. Luxury doesn't seem that special, and is definitely mass-produced. Of course, there are more conscientious merchants like *unidups* They have pretty awesome quality and are definitely good value for money.
I started collecting, “refurbishing“ and re-selling vintage Aigner bags a few years ago (as a hobby). They are not a super high-end brand but the ones that were made in Italy can be quite pricey. They are so different from the Aigner bags for the American market that were made in China! Over the years I have spent about 150€ on a basic set of leather dyes, edge paints, cleaners and varnishes/wax and it’s great fun to bring those bags back to life. Most of them only need a bit of edge paint and a good polishing to get rid of scratches :)
This must be disclosed for legal reasons if they were ever re-sold. A lot of people don't disclose it for resale and it's actually illegal, not that you'd do that.
@@seabreeze4559 what do you mean? That I need to disclose that the bags had new edge paint or a fresh coat of dye? I‘m not sure I actually have to disclose that since I‘m a private seller and sell the bags “as seen” but I usually mention that I use Fiebig’s and ROC products so people know it’s of a decent quality.
@@lisamccann1081 depending on the leather and the overall condition you probably don’t need many products. I only have experience with smooth leather. If it just needs a clean and a bit of conditioning a leather soap and carnauba cream (I like the one from Fiebig’s) and a soft cloth should work well. If you want to dye the leather you will also need a leather cleaner to remove the protective layer first. If there are little scratches I can recommend Fiebig’s distressed leather conditioner. Fiebig’s edge kote is also a staple for me. The great thing about all these products is that they also work well for shoes and leather sofas :)
I never wear anything with displayed logos. It makes me feel like a walking advertisement for the designer. My family were in the luggage business for generations so I am lucky to detect quality leather items...but no logos please! I'm the same with anything...shoes, scarves.clothes.
Big logos are for people who need/want to flex the fact that they bought (insert expensive thing). I’d rather just have really nice clothes and accessories than flashy fancy labels.
I have an LV Neverfull MM with my own Monogramme and colours on it. It’s impossible to mistake it for a fake and totally unique to me. Logos depend totally on the wearer. I could never wear a fake full of logos, my aura would give me away. But an understated authentic bag or a logo covered authentic bag (depending on my mood) make me feel super confident, it’s hard to put into words.
I have seen some really gooooooooood *suluxs* ; shocking how good they are. I always say, spend your money on what you like. These days, most people can’t even tell the difference anyway.
I ordered a Dolce & Gabbana corset from Vestiaire, and upon inspection after receiving it, it was clearly fake from the less than impeccable craftsmanship as well as the fact that the lace tying it up was actually a shoelace (even with the plastic bits at the end)! Of course I sent it back and Vestiaire checked it themselves when I did so, but they deemed it as genuine. After this experience I don't have much trust in their "experts" and recommend to others that their service is not a reliable method to verify authenticity. Fantastic video by the way!
Secondhand online stores are always hit or miss. The volume of product they must manage leaves little room for accuracy. The RealReal comes to mind. There's no way they have the bandwidth to accurately vet everything. That said, I put a little more trust over sites like TRR or Fashionphile over a public marketplace like Vestiaire and definitely do not trust Poshmark or eBay even though they provide "authentication" services for products that meet a certain threshold. But, honestly, if I can't see and inspect an item in person, I rarely spend too much online. I won't spend more than $150 buying designer things online. I would also need a really good return policy.
I’ve heard of many similar cases, or when the customer secures a return the fake item is put back on the website to sell to a less discerning customer.
Thank you for making such great content. I have found a $3,000 Celine Bag in a thrift store for $35 and had to do a lot of research to verify the authenticity. Hands down my best find thrifting ever.
@H. R nobody does sarcasm as well as the French, the English are funny but the frenchies burrrrn. About the second hand shops, they don’t always have time to look at stuff, new personnel doesn’t necessarily have expertise and assume some are fake. I got some fantastic scarves from a local shop, the only thing they are adept at separating are the Hermes, even for those they have no idea which side the hem should be rolled.
Years ago, I purchased a used Balenciaga city bag with authenticity cards. Just for curiosity sake, I googled the model number. The number that came up was for a different style bag. Also, a buckle on the outside appeared a bit bent, damaged. Upon further investigation, the buckle was manufactured that way not damaged so for certain I had a fake. However, I continued to use it because it was a beautiful bag. Just remember to check the cards and Google the number and look for every detail…indeed it should be flawless. Thank you Justine.
Please Justine, talk about the booming industry of high quality counterfeit products and the lessening quality (in design and craftsmanship) of designer bags!
The leather used by hermés has gone through a lot of different prosesses with coloring, treatment several times over. The bag you buy have a leather that is approx ten years of drying and treatments. No counterfeits can copy that(or bother to). Thus the quality aint exactly wet market sourced🤢. Soo,with keeping your integrity intact,stay away. Hermés cannot use skins from animals that have been treated badly,because the quality is downhill from others. Fhs
Go thrifting in super high end residential areas. You could get some decent deals for minor repairs needed things. Only concession is to avoid the main brands and logos since those tend to be valued higher.
I'm more and more convinced that too often we're just paying for that logo. I can't wrap my head around the fact that a bag may cost £4k, but its quality is questionable. I've been watching this guy here on YT who's a leather specialist. He's taking designer bags apart and exposing those well known names. It's making me reconsider my dream wishlist. Loved this video though. Always extremely informative. Always learning something new. An inspiration to my own channel 🙏🏻
Yes, all products! Consumers willingly pay the brand premium because some consumers define themselves by the brands they wear as if they are a car on a race circuit plastered with stickers -- they don't see the difference between "buying" and being "sponsored by".
Yes. As I like to say, even high quality luxury designer goods hit a ceiling at some point. Justine isn't wrong that the higher end items cost more to produce. But how much of the retail price tag is to cover the manufacturing costs? Probably not a high percentage. We can pretend that it costs Coach $50 to make a bag and it costs Chanel $500 but the difference between the retail prices of the two brands is enormous. And, I can no longer justify that enormous gap. Especially in light if stagnant wages (rich get richer, poor gets poorer, no middle class).
@@jvin248precisely why I veey rarely by clothing or bags that have very visible logos. I don't like it, I'm not a walking advert for. Some brand and if I was I'd be sponsored by that brand, plain amd simple. That being said, the noveau riche street style has become so dominant in later years that lots of products have vulgar "branding bling" sonthe pickings are slimmer, but it depends on the collection, and what branch of the brand. I don't want non designers pegging the brands I wear before noticing anything else about me or my outfit. If you notice it's bc you know fashion and are up close.
I had a bad experience selling my Hermes Birkin on Vestiaire. They insisted that the receipt/proof of purchase was not with the item after I’d sent it to them to be authenticated. For this reason they put pressure on me to reduce the price of the bag. Luckily the buyer trusted what I said & received the bag anyway for the original agreed price. Behold the receipt was in the bag like I said. I would not use them again, their commission on high priced items is hefty & this experience made me doubt their integrity.
I found a Kate Spade purse in a thrift shop for $10 once (I know that's not as valuable as the ones that you mention) and I identified it as a quality purse before I even looked for any branding. The feel of the leather was exceptional and very different from all of the other purses there. I regret not buying it, but it wasn't really my style and I was trying not to buy unnecessary items.
Excellent advice. There are 2 points I'd like to add; in Toronto (and I'm sure in other major cities) we have one or two companies that buy luxury handbags and jewellery. I pass one every day, and in the window (only when they are open) there is what I refer to as 'the wall of regret' where very expensive handbags are up for resale. The company offers proof of authenticity (actually won't buy them from the seller without this proof). I'm not a handbag person, but I would feel pretty secure purchasing from this company. The other point is repairing a luxury bag if you live somewhere that doesn't have a bricks and mortar store. Some luxury brands license leather repair shops to repair their products, and you can ask to see the documents if you doubt the claim. I'm not sure if this will affect the resale value of the bag, but my friend had her bag repaired at such a shop and its impossible to see the repair. Anyway, we don't often hear about having a bag repaired and I thought I would mention it.
Great timing. I just watched a video from a leather worker who talked about the difference in feel and 'aging' between utility quality leather and higher grades of leather. Fascinating!
I'm not interested in handbags, specially luxury ones but the way you explain things is so nice i just watch most of your videos regardless of theme. i love your videos about the quality of items or about taking care of them because i started sewing my own clothes and i love to see what i can implement to make them feel custom and handmade but also be durable and "luxurious" to wear. even if they don't look fancy to others for me the details of hand stitched button holes, big pockets, good fit (or at least better than fast fashion) and pretty buttons make a biggg diference.
As someone who scours thrift stores and online resale markets for luxury items, this is a very useful and concise guide to keep in mind! Thank you for your efforts and attention to detail ❤
Best way to recognise fakes is to become as familiar with a proven real bag as possible. Hold it, smell it, touch it. Get a feeling for the material. The way it feels to open and close it. It's weight and so on. Really get an intuitive feeling for the real bag. This way you are able to recognise red flags beyond the obvious ones. That's especially important with high quality fakes. If you don't get the chance to familiarise yourself with a real bag, especially if you buy online, pay attention to the trustworthiness of the seller and their return policy. As with many used high priced items, first you buy the seller, secondly the item.
Merci, Justine! Wow, this is a truly helpful guide for those of us who love handbags. I like how you break it down into categories &, along the way, explain exactly why designer bags are so costly. I feel like I could spot a fake quite easily now. Thanks also for the advice on secondhand bags. I'm envious of Dominique, the viewer who thrifted that Céline bag!
Thank you Justine! I've recently thought about an idea for your video: since you will show us your house under renovation (hopefully), I would LOVE to see some ideas from these two books you've shown (Château architechture). I've been looking for these books in translation, but no avail. And i'm so curious of how renovation should be done!
i focused on those bricks and lights in the corner so mcuh during this video... can't wait to see more house renovation updates. thanks too for informative, well-researched, calm, and enjoyable videos... so nice to see genuine focus on the importance of craftsmanship
I recently got into the designer handbag collector community on UA-cam even though I don’t own any luxury designer, just middle designers like Coach and Dooney and Bourke. This is interesting to see these worlds dialoguing now!
If you have older, full-leather D&B and Coach, HANG ON TO THEM!!! I've read many articles that the old Coach's leather quality is very like Hermès leather. If the leather stays clean and conditioned properly, it will last forever and get better with age!!! Full leather beats canvas ANY day of the week!!!
I use my *amzrepe* as a work bag and have had no issues at all. It’s a comfortable bag, fits a good amount and hadn’t lost its shape. With that being said, I also take care of all my bags and don’t carry a water bottle, pens, keys or anything that can damage the interior.
I'll likely never own one of these bags, but I find the market fascinating. Anyone like me would probably love the book Primates of Park Avenue by Wednesday Martin. It's about NYC posh moms and includes a lot of anthropological notes about the lifestyle - and an account of what it took to get a Birkin
Vestiaire’s check is not reliable. My sister paid for it and still got a piece of garbage delivered to her. (Her credit card company luckily returned the money)
Thank you for making this video. There are women who want to buy a luxury bag, but they can only afford buying a pre-owned bag, and unfortunately they can end up getting scammed if they don’t know.
I love your videos about handbags! I used your video on good versus poor quality handbags from a few years ago to help me pick out my first serious bag. Your tips helped me find a leather bag from a local crafter that was high quality. After three years of daily use, the bag is aging beautifully and I take very good care of it! ❤
One thing I missed from this video is WHY we shouldn't buy a counterfeit - often people say it's ok because it's cheaper, but I think the cost that's in the cheaper price is what you don't see: the human cost the environmental cost.
A real quick way to figure out if it is a fake is in the hardware. A lot of bags have silver/gold ringlets used to attach handles/straps to the bag, and on a fake bag, those ringlets will most likely have a molding seam/scar within the inner area of the ring, which an expensive bag would not have any molding seams anywhere on the hardware. You can clearly see & feel the seams on the rings. Look at the bag Justine is holding @ 1:23, see the gold, hardware ring dangling below her fingers, it's attaching the bag to the strap, if you run your finger inside the center part of that ring, there will be no seam, it will be smooth, unlike a fake, where you would feel a molding seam around that whole inner ring.
Reminds me of a story ii heard back in the day from a trained person... 'We ONLY study the true "feit", the real McCoy, so we'll immediately see that anything missing or added is purely counterfeit'. Another terrific ride along, ty.
This is so essential! People also don’t often appreciate the involvement that counterfeit luxury items have in other kinds of crime. A lot of counterfeit handbags over the decades have been used to fund human trafficking in and out of Canada and the US, for example.
I still love my LV reverse monogram *ACELUXS* clutch! It's so versatile and goes with so many things, it's definitely a workhorse! I think the fact that I see it everywhere (just like the LV speedy) is a testament to it
my mom bought a no name leather handbag from a local crafter. a bag she used on a daily basis for over 20 years until she passed and bag is still in greeat condition and it didnt cost an arm and a leg. and a great crafter is a great crafter no matter where he/she comes from. paying alot does not mean great quality, many high priced shoes today are not worth what they cost and use cheap materials in production these things cant be seen since who want to take apart an expensive shoe, one will only see this if it at one time is repaired i woould guess it is similar for bags as well. companies today are not in it for being nice and sell for a good price they are in it to make as much as possible.
My favourite thing is make up, but I can't afford the expensive brands, so I go without those, rather than buy fake products that might be dangerous. I'd rather buy from cheaper brands that I know are safe to use! One of my friends saved up for months to be able to buy a Mulberry handbag. I admire her determination. It's still going strong nearly a decade later. Me being me I prefer bags I can put in the washing machine if I need to. You can't do that with a designer handbag.
In the recent years I've noticed that the quality of affordable drugstore brands has improved significantly, while designer makeup has never been impecable anyway.
@@sashkad9246 I purchase and use A LOT of makeup. The best and only impeccable makeup I’ve ever used is 95% from luxury makeup, either from designer brands or luxury beauty brands (Chanel, Pat McGrath, Charlotte Tilbury, Clé de Peau, etc), and 5% high end brands (Benefit, Rare beauty, Milk Makeup, etc). Yes, drugstore makeup has come a very long way, but it’s definitely not half as good as luxury makeup in terms of ingredients, formulation, finish, or wear. Obviously, many products from luxury brands are cash grabs and simply not good either, but when we compare a good luxury product to its drugstore “dupe”, there’s just no competition. Influencers will gasp and tell you it’s the same thing, but that’s just because most influencer sponsorships and brand deals come from drugstore brands. The only exceptions to this are mascara, eyeliner, and brow pens; some drugstore brands make those just as good as the high end ones, if not better sometimes.
@@salmashalaby528 I beg to differ when it comes to luxury make up products especially when it's a fashion brand that also sells make up like Chanel for example. Luxury brands that sell exclusively make up or professional make up brands are another story and for some products you see a net improvement when you splurge.
@@Bakerygo I wasn’t really comparing luxury to luxury, but I also use both including the entire Chanel makeup lineup. Yes, some products are meh (eyebrow products are below average, eye pencils are good but nothing to write home about, the les blancs line is forgettable), but everything else is great, especially the complexion products. Chanel no.1 foundation for example is one of the best medium coverage natural finish foundations out there (it’s the best out of all the similar foundations I have from CT, PMGL, LM, CdP, and Nars). I understand that the Chanel aesthetic is not for everyone (mostly soft and barely visible, not full glam, and geared towards more mature skin/taste), but it’s also not what it used to be a few years back AT ALL. Apart from Chanel, a lot of designer brands have significantly upped their makeup game by appointing incredibly experienced and innovative creative directors for their beauty lines. Armani, Dior, Tom Ford all have a lot of solid products that are some the best in their category/aesthetic. Others still live in the past where designer brands would just produce terrible chalky makeup to capitalize on their name (D&G comes to mind), while others are a mixed bag of hit and miss products, with the hits entirely replaceable with other similar or better quality+price products (Hermès, Gucci, Valentino, etc).
I haven’t bought a bag on a resale site because I just don’t trust it. But when I’ve messaged a seller asking for receipts from the purchase, the sites selling fakes even at a normal aka high, resale price, the seller usually never responds. Also, fake sellers will post pics of the real bag but send the buyer a fake.
This videos are always so helpful! They are rare to find (for good reason, because if we can watch them so can the scammers and counterfeit vendors) but my curiosity on the topic is endless! Thank you Justine! (ps: I also found my one lucky find in a Parisian friperie a Must de Cartier shoulder bag for 20€🎊)
I usually love your videos but I disagree with a lot of this. Have you looked at Chanel’s stitching lately? And the leather quality? And the peeling hardware? Have you checked out Tanner Leatherstein? I’m quite convinced that good fakes by now surpass the originals in quality.
I'd say, if one wants a luxury bag, buy from the brand's shop. Fakes will have serial numbers and certificates, too. They can be pretty good quality on the outside but may use PU lining which deteriorate in time.
In some countries there have been fake Apple stores, for example, where the entire store is fake but the products might or might not be real, as they're selling grey market goods. Russia is doing this now because of sanctions, too. If you shop a designer's store or a major department store, is there no chance of getting a fake? I always wonder about fakes being so good that they get sold in a store that doesn't know what they're selling.
I can’t bring myself to spend $ on luxury handbags though I do appreciate the craftsmanship and fine leather. Certain brands like The Row are priced well second hand. I snatched up a clutch priced at $1,200 for $500 on Vestiaire and it is the perfect black clutch.
Frankly, I don't see the point of paying 1000's for a bag, especially now that so many top brands are using poor quality materials (LV being one of the infamous). I'd rather get an unbranded bag from a local leathershop that is sturdy, functuonal, and will serve me for years. Yes, this won't be an investment bag, but the savings on the purchaise will get me higher returns on the stock market.
@hw7029 , I have a number of Coach leather bags. In my youth, I almost exclusively used Coach bags, to the point I need to do a bit of refurbishing on some of them, not to resell, but my own continued use and enjoyment.
@@amydevol8224 they make some very high quality bags (though they have some lesser quality lower price-point ones too). I bought a new Cassie 19 and have been so taken with it I’ve purchased a preloved Tabby 26 too (the new price was a bit too much I thought…but now I have it I see it’s worth it). I’m really loving the quality and check out all their new releases now :)
@hw7029 All of mine predate the Tabbies with the large initial C(s) on the fastening tabs. For the most part, they were gifts or purchases from Coach outlet stores, the latter items may have had minor faults. My Coach bags all date from the 1960s(?), '70s, and '80s. With one or two, I may have lost the iconic leather hangtag. Several of them could use refurbishing -- replace excessively stretched over-the-shoulder strap, replace worn leather "tape" edging, replace/refurbish brass hardware, etc. I may explore the cost of that; otherwise, I will do my best to clean them up with saddle soap. I haven't always been gentle on them. They were my everyday and often, at the time, only bag until "replaced" by their successor for one of the use faults previously mentioned.
Neither Chanel nor Hermes have authenticity certificates. Chanel used to have an authenticity card whose serial number matched the sticker inside the bag, but it recently switched to a metal plate inside the bag that is chipped, and discontinued the card. As someone who owns several Chanel bags along with a few other designers (almost all bought pre-loved), I have spent a lot of time researching and training my eye to spot fakes (especially when it comes to Chanel since super fakes are almost indistinguishable from the real thing). Also, there are several pro authenticator websites where one can submit detailed pictures of the bag's key features and have them authenticated that way. Of course, not all pre-loved bags would need the additional authentication service if you buy from a trusted reseller to begin with; and there are plenty of those to choose from!
Bedo's Leatherworks does UA-cam videos of repairs to bags and shoes that either the designer refuses to repair or is such bad quality that the customer wants a repair or change in color or lining. He just put out a video about a real Prada ostrich bag that was made of cheap lining that needed replacing. He replaced it with quality leather and kept all the hardware and design. He'll agree that yes, his alterations can technically no longer make it an authentic product, but if this is what a customer wants or is left doing because the brand won't repair it, he's happy to do it and let it be enjoyed for more years. He showed some designer shoes that were glued together with cardboard and fake stitching. Look him up on UA-cam!
This is what I’m talking about! If people want to flex a logo, go ahead. But don’t confuse it with quality and taut it as such. It’s pretentious and annoying.
I volunteer at a rummage sale where we sell upscale clothes, shoes, handbags and scarves that have been donated. We literally spend hours trying to authenticate designer bags to determine if they are real. It's very hard if you don't have an authentic one to compare it against but we do our best.
You should look into getting entrupy. They can verify with 99 percent accuracy (so they claim) and the best thing is if you had something verified authentic with them and it's found to be fake later they have a lifetime guarantee on the bag
Hi Justine, thank you for great work, Turkey mass produces exact same fake handbags, how come those manufactures haven't sued ?they sell a fake Birkin for $1000
It's complicated for a Europe-based brand to sue in a European court and then make the court decision be implemented outside of Europe. And if they brought the lawsuit directly in Turkey, the laws protecting intellectual property are less strong and less implemented... In a nutshell, it's harder to get your intellectual property rights to actually be respected there. Same for China. That's why many counterfeit goods come from China.
Justine , is there already a video on, or would you ever consider making a video on , types of purses/ which ones are essential for french capsule wardrobe/ which purses for which body-type ? I love the big bag concept in one of your videos on chic essentials, but I am also 5 feet tall and have been told to be careful about being bogged down by a bigger purse/ bag. Thank you so much for sharing this content and your approachable education style, it is revolutionizing my clothing and style choices and my confidence in them. ❤❤❤❤
I'm on the other end of the spectrum at 5'11" and small bags look ridiculous on me...bur I already know it. A handbag should look "normal" and proportionate to your size, not like it's too small OR trying to overwhelm you. I would venture that for a petite person such as yourself, a bag that is no more than 25-30 cms...or 10-12 inches...wide would be most appropriate. Of course, the smaller the bag, the less you can carry, but there are loads of videos here on UA-cam that show handbag organization to their optimum.
Don’t care for designer bags. It’s all name and vanity. Can easily find quality bag for good price, and definitely stand out comparing to those who go after fashion blindly.
Great video. Recently it's difficult to casually identify authenticity just based on materials and craftsmanship alone now - there are some counterfeit bags (that do have a higher price than other counterfeits) that have gotten quite good at replicating quality, while some brands are declining in quality. I've gone into a couple stores and noticed things like sloppy paint work, unevenness, etc. If I had seen the handbags out in the wild I would have thought they were counterfeit!
3:55 Fendi Roma Baguette bag my fav. I want that but chain version in mint green (or sage not acid bit something similar) I can't see in the description for safe pages. For Vestiare not sure, eBay big NO, Farfetch no also, I used to buy there lately I have bought Jaquemus bag that I have bought as new and it was used, they didn't returned me shipping cost and I have decided never ever bought there. I still like MyTheresa I have bought Valentino shoes and BirkenstockxManolo arizon. And Net a Porter.
Leather is more expensive that PU or canvas and there are many qualities of leather, but even the most expensive leather out there does not justify the prices of some luxury brands. Craftsmanship is an important cost but again It does not justify the prices. It's obvious that there is a huge mark up. Of course each brand has the right to sell at whatever price they deem appropriate but lately I see a net drop in quality of some very reputable brands. There's a leather craftsman you-tuber that took apart a Chanel wallet in order to examine it's quality and cost of production. It was a very eye opening experiment to say at least! Everyone has the right to spend their money however they like but at least know what you are paying for.
I still love my LV reverse monogram *hqluxy* clutch! It's versatile, fits a variety of items, and is definitely a workhorse! I think seeing it everywhere (like the LV speedy) is proof that it's already a classic.
Right now you can get a Chanel classic flap jumbo for about 60% of their current boutique price on the resale market. I don't think that makes them fake.
This is similar to what you're talking about. I purchased a new coat by a designer I loved on a website where you sell your own items. From the pictures that were posted by the account selling the coat I didn't see any issues at all. When it arrived I immediately noticed how light it was and the quality wasn't there. After pulling out the coats I had purchased years ago from the designer when she was actively selling them on a shopping network I noticed discrepancies on the labeling of the coat I'd just purchased. If I'd taken the time to look at the coats I have as a reference on what to look for then I would've noticed the discrepancies. Unfortunately they don't really allow returns, thank goodness it didn't cost very much. Live and learn I guess.... 🤷🤦
Personally, I think authentic luxury items are overpriced for what they are. Which is why I intentionally buy high-level fakes when I fall in love with a certain style. The quality is impeccable, the craftsmanship is great, and the price is way below retail. 🤷♂️ Also the research is fun. Besides, Hermès paying their artisans 1.700€ a month isn't exactly a plus for them. So the price is obviously not due to the labour, it's just markup and higher profit margins.
I'm not into handbags, but shoes are another story 😂 This was really interesting, though, and I always appreciate the effort you put into every video, Justine. Excellent 💖
Love your content, Justine, very useful as always! Thank you! :) But just a friendly suggestion/advice 🙈 your face looks separate from your body in this video… either try taking your foundation (cc cream or whatever you use) down to your neck as well or use a different shade that matches your skin better 🤎
Hi, I heard a story two years ago, that a lot of high-end luxury shops in France or Paris, for example Louis Vuitton or Chanel, sometimes won't sell to some Chinese 'customers' in person. Someone told me the reason why is they take the bags back to China, then find out how to copy them, basically they are professional counterfeiters, have you heard anything about this? I'm not sure this applies to all Chinese wanting to visit those super-high priced bags or the stores just ban certain Chinese that are expected to be or are known counterfeiters.
Great video Justine thanks! Please could we have a sequel of this video where you would elaborate further on tips and guidance when buying on second hand websites other than selecting the option to have the item checked by the website ? Thanks
You lost me at 8:40 when you justified the price, I believe your buy the name not the actual cost probably they cost less than 300$ to make; there is a leather goods UA-cam creator who breaks down cost of materials and production and explains finishes of leather goods he is very interesting
I just had a peek at the mid-range designar bag shops and said "no thank you". I can't bear logos, and for some of those bags that is what makes the whole thing, otherwise they are plain and uninteresting.
Number 4 is debunked by Tanner Leatherstein, the designer brands also often use inferior and coated leather as it is easy to mass produce there products. I think replicas are getting to a point of no return, the really good ones are so good that the experts make mistakes. So it is fair to say that for the rest of us it can be almost imposible if the fake is a GOOD fake.
I saw a Stella McCartney hand bag in a broken down 200? year old building in a British field. I left it hanging there, but acknowledged that someone who cared might lose their mind. Or it was a fake. WISH I'd taken a photo.
Ok, you sent me down a long rabbit hole of your handbag videos and even some others (like factory craftsfolk building them) and then you asked the same question I was thinking: "The important question is ... What makes an iconic bag?" As a non-purse user (a pocket and wallet kind of bloke) I've been curious about that as I've considered scratch-building a birthday/holiday gift for my wife sometime. I made her a 'hard use carryall' bag for lugging back and forth to work (she trashed anything else she carried) and it has received complements by her co-workers and so thinking perhaps a bespoke leather purse might be next; yes yes it's a trap! I'll be wary :). ... You touched on some of the fitment and construction details in each of the videos but how about features like pockets, snaps, buckles, or compartments vs a single large 'rummage bin'? What is good, annoying, and wonderful about purses? Obviously the big designer bags spend all their time on Appearance/Style and Brand but do they ever do anything like analyze ergonomics for easy-to-use bags (vs the purse that shows up in comedy skits dumping the contents on a table or floor to find anything)? Or security-minded for the often observed credit cards and cash floating around in the general big-pond compartment that's easy to fall out or pickpocket? "Can you help me find my credit card? I think I lost it!"
What is your opinion on luxury brands, luxury handbags for instance, and sustainability and ethical production? Luxury brands are not always 100% sustainably or ethically produced, are they? Do luxury brands make sure that every little tiny detail of their product (thread, every fabric etc) is completely ethically produced, all of the workers involved are paid fare wages, have normal working conditions etc? Or are we as consumers paying high prices for the same or nearly the same unethical production as we would with any regular brand, only we are helping the luxury brand earn a bigger profit from it? What do you think?
Wonderful and informative video as always. Thank you Justine!! 👏👏 This topic has just reminded me to ask you, what are your thoughts on genuine designer products that are not worth it (excluding novelty items like the Gucci pencils). Not sure if this topic is worth having a dedicated video on? What made me think of this is the Dior show at PFW, and one of the celebrities was wearing a *£650* icon chain link necklace. I went to the website to look it up, and it clearly states in the description that it's 100% brass. Not even sterling silver, stainless steel or something, but completely BRASS! 😳 That in itself is a scam. I was wondering if you have any pointers of things like that to avoid, and recommendations for alternatives. 👍
I got a Prada bag as a birthday gift when I was a teenager and didn't know the value of designer bags. I've used it a lot to the point it's slightly worn out but the hardware is still good as new and it's in good enough condition to continue using. I am still having a hard time verifying if it's an authentic bag or a very good quality replica :( any advice?
@@shaaaairuuu You don't. Slme verification companies have even stopped authenticating certain bag models/brands (like the Chanel Classic Flap, or LV) because there are so many reps around.
Justine, do you have any opinion of 1st Dibs as a source for vintage bags and clothing? *and thank you for sharing your knowledge on your brilliant channel!
I would never spend what they charge for a designer bag. They are not worth that much, yes they are well made but still not worth it for me. You can buy well made leather bags without spending that much.
I am uneasy paying the $$$ for luxury brand handbags. I am happy to pay for a Lancel or a Longchamp nevertheless! Justine, would you make a video on how to shop smartly during sales? More often than not, the most desired clothing or shoe sizes (39 EU for the latter) and colors are pretty much instantly gone during sales. Any tips on how to outsmart this? Merci bien! ❤
UPDATE: I launched my own handbag collection, made in Europe using vegan canvas and chrome-free leather 😍 It's available here: www.justineleconte.com/elixir
Why am I watching this? I can't even afford one.
you can find mid-range bags at a very affordable price point in second-hand (see links in the description) - it might need a bit of searching, that's true!
@@justineleconte Thank you for your suggestion. You have helped me a lot to improve my fashion sense over the years and keep myself away from making bad fashion decisions.
@@justineleconte I guess the key is to be patient and know that the search might be years before finding what you want at a good price.
For the same reason I was just watching a short on how to turn over a sheep that's stuck on its back (apparently it's a deadly position for them, so they have to be turned as quickly as possible), just in case
I don't ever want a designer bag but like to watch anyway x
I have no interest, will not spend the money, but I do love and admire the knowledge you have in the field. It is a pleasure to see and hear you.
❤️
Very nice video, you are so kind. But your review would have been better if you had done it with a *suluxs* bag, mark my words, you would have been blown away.
I still struggle with luxury. After the Dior and Armani invoice scandals, when I look at luxury, I feel like the labor and materials are worth 30-50 times less than the purchase price. I know there are other necessary costs and profit margins, but now I feel cheated and ripped off. Ugh. My clothes are all handmade, and I've bought custom shoes and bags before. Luxury doesn't seem that special, and is definitely mass-produced. Of course, there are more conscientious merchants like *unidups* They have pretty awesome quality and are definitely good value for money.
I started collecting, “refurbishing“ and re-selling vintage Aigner bags a few years ago (as a hobby). They are not a super high-end brand but the ones that were made in Italy can be quite pricey. They are so different from the Aigner bags for the American market that were made in China! Over the years I have spent about 150€ on a basic set of leather dyes, edge paints, cleaners and varnishes/wax and it’s great fun to bring those bags back to life. Most of them only need a bit of edge paint and a good polishing to get rid of scratches :)
This must be disclosed for legal reasons if they were ever re-sold. A lot of people don't disclose it for resale and it's actually illegal, not that you'd do that.
@@seabreeze4559 what must be disclosed for legal reasons?
@@seabreeze4559 what do you mean? That I need to disclose that the bags had new edge paint or a fresh coat of dye? I‘m not sure I actually have to disclose that since I‘m a private seller and sell the bags “as seen” but I usually mention that I use Fiebig’s and ROC products so people know it’s of a decent quality.
@@lisamccann1081 depending on the leather and the overall condition you probably don’t need many products. I only have experience with smooth leather. If it just needs a clean and a bit of conditioning a leather soap and carnauba cream (I like the one from Fiebig’s) and a soft cloth should work well. If you want to dye the leather you will also need a leather cleaner to remove the protective layer first. If there are little scratches I can recommend Fiebig’s distressed leather conditioner. Fiebig’s edge kote is also a staple for me. The great thing about all these products is that they also work well for shoes and leather sofas :)
@@sarah.bea. people assume the whole product is made by the design house, if not it's a passing-off issue, check with a local lawyer
I never wear anything with displayed logos. It makes me feel like a walking advertisement for the designer. My family were in the luggage business for generations so I am lucky to detect quality leather items...but no logos please! I'm the same with anything...shoes, scarves.clothes.
I'm so with you on this. I'm an inverted snob. I think logos are down market😅
Big logos are for people who need/want to flex the fact that they bought (insert expensive thing). I’d rather just have really nice clothes and accessories than flashy fancy labels.
agreed
I have an LV Neverfull MM with my own Monogramme and colours on it. It’s impossible to mistake it for a fake and totally unique to me. Logos depend totally on the wearer. I could never wear a fake full of logos, my aura would give me away. But an understated authentic bag or a logo covered authentic bag (depending on my mood) make me feel super confident, it’s hard to put into words.
I have seen some really gooooooooood *suluxs* ; shocking how good they are. I always say, spend your money on what you like. These days, most people can’t even tell the difference anyway.
I ordered a Dolce & Gabbana corset from Vestiaire, and upon inspection after receiving it, it was clearly fake from the less than impeccable craftsmanship as well as the fact that the lace tying it up was actually a shoelace (even with the plastic bits at the end)! Of course I sent it back and Vestiaire checked it themselves when I did so, but they deemed it as genuine. After this experience I don't have much trust in their "experts" and recommend to others that their service is not a reliable method to verify authenticity. Fantastic video by the way!
Secondhand online stores are always hit or miss. The volume of product they must manage leaves little room for accuracy. The RealReal comes to mind. There's no way they have the bandwidth to accurately vet everything. That said, I put a little more trust over sites like TRR or Fashionphile over a public marketplace like Vestiaire and definitely do not trust Poshmark or eBay even though they provide "authentication" services for products that meet a certain threshold. But, honestly, if I can't see and inspect an item in person, I rarely spend too much online. I won't spend more than $150 buying designer things online. I would also need a really good return policy.
I’ve heard of many similar cases, or when the customer secures a return the fake item is put back on the website to sell to a less discerning customer.
@@mizmelbourne eek. So it wasn’t just me then 😬
Avoid vestiare as the plague. Though there's a lot of great sellers too
@@anas.6870 Agreed. I still buy on there regularly, but I try to do my own vetting now.
Thank you for making such great content. I have found a $3,000 Celine Bag in a thrift store for $35 and had to do a lot of research to verify the authenticity. Hands down my best find thrifting ever.
well, well... congratulations on that great deal!
@@justineleconte Indeed, I lucked out that they had no idea what they had. Since it was not as flashy as an LV or Chanel, it flew under the radar.
Amazing find! What service did you use to authenticate? Celine counterfeiters are so 'good' these days, it's really difficult :(
@H. R nobody does sarcasm as well as the French, the English are funny but the frenchies burrrrn. About the second hand shops, they don’t always have time to look at stuff, new personnel doesn’t necessarily have expertise and assume some are fake. I got some fantastic scarves from a local shop, the only thing they are adept at separating are the Hermes, even for those they have no idea which side the hem should be rolled.
Years ago, I purchased a used Balenciaga city bag with authenticity cards. Just for curiosity sake, I googled the model number. The number that came up was for a different style bag. Also, a buckle on the outside appeared a bit bent, damaged. Upon further investigation, the buckle was manufactured that way not damaged so for certain I had a fake. However, I continued to use it because it was a beautiful bag. Just remember to check the cards and Google the number and look for every detail…indeed it should be flawless. Thank you Justine.
Honestly it's good that it's fake. Means Balenciaga wasn't given money for it 😂
Please Justine, talk about the booming industry of high quality counterfeit products and the lessening quality (in design and craftsmanship) of designer bags!
Seconded - what do you make of the price increases for Chanel bags amid more and more complaints about poor quality?
I agree, the quality has dropped in regard to the craftsmanship on stitching and the edging. I've personally experienced it with Prada and Mulberry.
heck yeah i am here for the controversy 😂
The leather used by hermés has gone through a lot of different prosesses with coloring, treatment several times over.
The bag you buy have a leather that is approx ten years of drying and treatments. No counterfeits can copy that(or bother to). Thus the quality aint exactly wet market sourced🤢.
Soo,with keeping your integrity intact,stay away.
Hermés cannot use skins from animals that have been treated badly,because the quality is downhill from others. Fhs
@@tredjesongen lmao, what bull. Tanneries sell their leather to others, whether it be Hermès or a manufacturer producing fake Hermès. Same source.
Go thrifting in super high end residential areas. You could get some decent deals for minor repairs needed things. Only concession is to avoid the main brands and logos since those tend to be valued higher.
Your closet is simple a dream! Not just the HIDUPZ bags but the ready to wear that you have is absolutely stunning.
I'm more and more convinced that too often we're just paying for that logo. I can't wrap my head around the fact that a bag may cost £4k, but its quality is questionable.
I've been watching this guy here on YT who's a leather specialist. He's taking designer bags apart and exposing those well known names.
It's making me reconsider my dream wishlist.
Loved this video though. Always extremely informative. Always learning something new.
An inspiration to my own channel 🙏🏻
Yes, all products! Consumers willingly pay the brand premium because some consumers define themselves by the brands they wear as if they are a car on a race circuit plastered with stickers -- they don't see the difference between "buying" and being "sponsored by".
@@jvin248 so so true.. It's also a way of feeling better about yourself. But for what? Impressing people that couldn't care less
I love his work
Yes. As I like to say, even high quality luxury designer goods hit a ceiling at some point. Justine isn't wrong that the higher end items cost more to produce. But how much of the retail price tag is to cover the manufacturing costs? Probably not a high percentage. We can pretend that it costs Coach $50 to make a bag and it costs Chanel $500 but the difference between the retail prices of the two brands is enormous. And, I can no longer justify that enormous gap. Especially in light if stagnant wages (rich get richer, poor gets poorer, no middle class).
@@jvin248precisely why I veey rarely by clothing or bags that have very visible logos. I don't like it, I'm not a walking advert for. Some brand and if I was I'd be sponsored by that brand, plain amd simple. That being said, the noveau riche street style has become so dominant in later years that lots of products have vulgar "branding bling" sonthe pickings are slimmer, but it depends on the collection, and what branch of the brand. I don't want non designers pegging the brands I wear before noticing anything else about me or my outfit. If you notice it's bc you know fashion and are up close.
I had a bad experience selling my Hermes Birkin on Vestiaire. They insisted that the receipt/proof of purchase was not with the item after I’d sent it to them to be authenticated. For this reason they put pressure on me to reduce the price of the bag. Luckily the buyer trusted what I said & received the bag anyway for the original agreed price. Behold the receipt was in the bag like I said. I would not use them again, their commission on high priced items is hefty & this experience made me doubt their integrity.
I always enjoy your videos, but I’d love to see how your home renovations are progressing too!
Same!😊
I found a Kate Spade purse in a thrift shop for $10 once (I know that's not as valuable as the ones that you mention) and I identified it as a quality purse before I even looked for any branding. The feel of the leather was exceptional and very different from all of the other purses there.
I regret not buying it, but it wasn't really my style and I was trying not to buy unnecessary items.
You left it for someone who can really enjoy it, rather than just hiding in your closet :-)
Excellent advice. There are 2 points I'd like to add; in Toronto (and I'm sure in other major cities) we have one or two companies that buy luxury handbags and jewellery. I pass one every day, and in the window (only when they are open) there is what I refer to as 'the wall of regret' where very expensive handbags are up for resale. The company offers proof of authenticity (actually won't buy them from the seller without this proof). I'm not a handbag person, but I would feel pretty secure purchasing from this company. The other point is repairing a luxury bag if you live somewhere that doesn't have a bricks and mortar store. Some luxury brands license leather repair shops to repair their products, and you can ask to see the documents if you doubt the claim. I'm not sure if this will affect the resale value of the bag, but my friend had her bag repaired at such a shop and its impossible to see the repair. Anyway, we don't often hear about having a bag repaired and I thought I would mention it.
Great timing. I just watched a video from a leather worker who talked about the difference in feel and 'aging' between utility quality leather and higher grades of leather. Fascinating!
I'm not interested in handbags, specially luxury ones but the way you explain things is so nice i just watch most of your videos regardless of theme. i love your videos about the quality of items or about taking care of them because i started sewing my own clothes and i love to see what i can implement to make them feel custom and handmade but also be durable and "luxurious" to wear. even if they don't look fancy to others for me the details of hand stitched button holes, big pockets, good fit (or at least better than fast fashion) and pretty buttons make a biggg diference.
As someone who scours thrift stores and online resale markets for luxury items, this is a very useful and concise guide to keep in mind! Thank you for your efforts and attention to detail ❤
Best way to recognise fakes is to become as familiar with a proven real bag as possible. Hold it, smell it, touch it. Get a feeling for the material. The way it feels to open and close it. It's weight and so on. Really get an intuitive feeling for the real bag. This way you are able to recognise red flags beyond the obvious ones. That's especially important with high quality fakes. If you don't get the chance to familiarise yourself with a real bag, especially if you buy online, pay attention to the trustworthiness of the seller and their return policy. As with many used high priced items, first you buy the seller, secondly the item.
Merci, Justine! Wow, this is a truly helpful guide for those of us who love handbags. I like how you break it down into categories &, along the way, explain exactly why designer bags are so costly. I feel like I could spot a fake quite easily now. Thanks also for the advice on secondhand bags. I'm envious of Dominique, the viewer who thrifted that Céline bag!
Thank you Justine! I've recently thought about an idea for your video: since you will show us your house under renovation (hopefully), I would LOVE to see some ideas from these two books you've shown (Château architechture). I've been looking for these books in translation, but no avail. And i'm so curious of how renovation should be done!
i focused on those bricks and lights in the corner so mcuh during this video... can't wait to see more house renovation updates. thanks too for informative, well-researched, calm, and enjoyable videos... so nice to see genuine focus on the importance of craftsmanship
I recently got into the designer handbag collector community on UA-cam even though I don’t own any luxury designer, just middle designers like Coach and Dooney and Bourke. This is interesting to see these worlds dialoguing now!
If you have older, full-leather D&B and Coach, HANG ON TO THEM!!! I've read many articles that the old Coach's leather quality is very like Hermès leather. If the leather stays clean and conditioned properly, it will last forever and get better with age!!! Full leather beats canvas ANY day of the week!!!
I use my *amzrepe* as a work bag and have had no issues at all. It’s a comfortable bag, fits a good amount and hadn’t lost its shape. With that being said, I also take care of all my bags and don’t carry a water bottle, pens, keys or anything that can damage the interior.
I'll likely never own one of these bags, but I find the market fascinating. Anyone like me would probably love the book Primates of Park Avenue by Wednesday Martin. It's about NYC posh moms and includes a lot of anthropological notes about the lifestyle - and an account of what it took to get a Birkin
Vestiaire’s check is not reliable. My sister paid for it and still got a piece of garbage delivered to her. (Her credit card company luckily returned the money)
There have been fakes found at RealReal, too.
I had a similar experience with Vestaire and will never buy from the site again even though 2nd hand shopping is more sustainable.😢
Thank you for making this video. There are women who want to buy a luxury bag, but they can only afford buying a pre-owned bag, and unfortunately they can end up getting scammed if they don’t know.
I love your videos about handbags! I used your video on good versus poor quality handbags from a few years ago to help me pick out my first serious bag. Your tips helped me find a leather bag from a local crafter that was high quality. After three years of daily use, the bag is aging beautifully and I take very good care of it! ❤
oh I'm so glad that video was helpful! A good handbag is such a satisfying thing, and you get to wear it potentially every day :-)
Have you ever considered a cork bag? I was gifted one, and it wears very well.
One thing I missed from this video is WHY we shouldn't buy a counterfeit - often people say it's ok because it's cheaper, but I think the cost that's in the cheaper price is what you don't see: the human cost the environmental cost.
A real quick way to figure out if it is a fake is in the hardware. A lot of bags have silver/gold ringlets used to attach handles/straps to the bag, and on a fake bag, those ringlets will most likely have a molding seam/scar within the inner area of the ring, which an expensive bag would not have any molding seams anywhere on the hardware. You can clearly see & feel the seams on the rings. Look at the bag Justine is holding @ 1:23, see the gold, hardware ring dangling below her fingers, it's attaching the bag to the strap, if you run your finger inside the center part of that ring, there will be no seam, it will be smooth, unlike a fake, where you would feel a molding seam around that whole inner ring.
Reminds me of a story ii heard back in the day from a trained person... 'We ONLY study the true "feit", the real McCoy, so we'll immediately see that anything missing or added is purely counterfeit'. Another terrific ride along, ty.
This is so essential! People also don’t often appreciate the involvement that counterfeit luxury items have in other kinds of crime. A lot of counterfeit handbags over the decades have been used to fund human trafficking in and out of Canada and the US, for example.
I still love my LV reverse monogram *ACELUXS* clutch! It's so versatile and goes with so many things, it's definitely a workhorse! I think the fact that I see it everywhere (just like the LV speedy) is a testament to it
my mom bought a no name leather handbag from a local crafter. a bag she used on a daily basis for over 20 years until she passed and bag is still in greeat condition and it didnt cost an arm and a leg. and a great crafter is a great crafter no matter where he/she comes from. paying alot does not mean great quality, many high priced shoes today are not worth what they cost and use cheap materials in production these things cant be seen since who want to take apart an expensive shoe, one will only see this if it at one time is repaired i woould guess it is similar for bags as well.
companies today are not in it for being nice and sell for a good price they are in it to make as much as possible.
My favourite thing is make up, but I can't afford the expensive brands, so I go without those, rather than buy fake products that might be dangerous. I'd rather buy from cheaper brands that I know are safe to use! One of my friends saved up for months to be able to buy a Mulberry handbag. I admire her determination. It's still going strong nearly a decade later. Me being me I prefer bags I can put in the washing machine if I need to. You can't do that with a designer handbag.
In the recent years I've noticed that the quality of affordable drugstore brands has improved significantly, while designer makeup has never been impecable anyway.
@@sashkad9246 I purchase and use A LOT of makeup. The best and only impeccable makeup I’ve ever used is 95% from luxury makeup, either from designer brands or luxury beauty brands (Chanel, Pat McGrath, Charlotte Tilbury, Clé de Peau, etc), and 5% high end brands (Benefit, Rare beauty, Milk Makeup, etc). Yes, drugstore makeup has come a very long way, but it’s definitely not half as good as luxury makeup in terms of ingredients, formulation, finish, or wear. Obviously, many products from luxury brands are cash grabs and simply not good either, but when we compare a good luxury product to its drugstore “dupe”, there’s just no competition. Influencers will gasp and tell you it’s the same thing, but that’s just because most influencer sponsorships and brand deals come from drugstore brands. The only exceptions to this are mascara, eyeliner, and brow pens; some drugstore brands make those just as good as the high end ones, if not better sometimes.
@@salmashalaby528 I beg to differ when it comes to luxury make up products especially when it's a fashion brand that also sells make up like Chanel for example. Luxury brands that sell exclusively make up or professional make up brands are another story and for some products you see a net improvement when you splurge.
@@Bakerygo I wasn’t really comparing luxury to luxury, but I also use both including the entire Chanel makeup lineup. Yes, some products are meh (eyebrow products are below average, eye pencils are good but nothing to write home about, the les blancs line is forgettable), but everything else is great, especially the complexion products. Chanel no.1 foundation for example is one of the best medium coverage natural finish foundations out there (it’s the best out of all the similar foundations I have from CT, PMGL, LM, CdP, and Nars). I understand that the Chanel aesthetic is not for everyone (mostly soft and barely visible, not full glam, and geared towards more mature skin/taste), but it’s also not what it used to be a few years back AT ALL.
Apart from Chanel, a lot of designer brands have significantly upped their makeup game by appointing incredibly experienced and innovative creative directors for their beauty lines. Armani, Dior, Tom Ford all have a lot of solid products that are some the best in their category/aesthetic. Others still live in the past where designer brands would just produce terrible chalky makeup to capitalize on their name (D&G comes to mind), while others are a mixed bag of hit and miss products, with the hits entirely replaceable with other similar or better quality+price products (Hermès, Gucci, Valentino, etc).
I always wish your videos were longer, even though they are packed with usable information! They make me want to visit France.
I don't have the money for purchasing a luxury item, but here I am watching your video. Great content ❤
Thank you! 🤗
I haven’t bought a bag on a resale site because I just don’t trust it. But when I’ve messaged a seller asking for receipts from the purchase, the sites selling fakes even at a normal aka high, resale price, the seller usually never responds. Also, fake sellers will post pics of the real bag but send the buyer a fake.
This videos are always so helpful! They are rare to find (for good reason, because if we can watch them so can the scammers and counterfeit vendors) but my curiosity on the topic is endless! Thank you Justine! (ps: I also found my one lucky find in a Parisian friperie a Must de Cartier shoulder bag for 20€🎊)
oh wow... well done you!
I usually love your videos but I disagree with a lot of this. Have you looked at Chanel’s stitching lately? And the leather quality? And the peeling hardware? Have you checked out Tanner Leatherstein? I’m quite convinced that good fakes by now surpass the originals in quality.
I'd say, if one wants a luxury bag, buy from the brand's shop. Fakes will have serial numbers and certificates, too. They can be pretty good quality on the outside but may use PU lining which deteriorate in time.
I just can't imagine spending a lot of money on a handbag. I love your videos though.
Your content is always the best, you've been helping me to understand a lot in fashion , thank you Justine and God bless you always
In some countries there have been fake Apple stores, for example, where the entire store is fake but the products might or might not be real, as they're selling grey market goods. Russia is doing this now because of sanctions, too. If you shop a designer's store or a major department store, is there no chance of getting a fake? I always wonder about fakes being so good that they get sold in a store that doesn't know what they're selling.
Well the grey market stores aren’t authorized sellers, that’s easy. Just go only to authorized sellers.
Would love to see more videos on your home renovation ❤
I can’t bring myself to spend $ on luxury handbags though I do appreciate the craftsmanship and fine leather.
Certain brands like The Row are priced well second hand. I snatched up a clutch priced at $1,200 for $500 on Vestiaire and it is the perfect black clutch.
not Chanel not Gucci but some others have outlets and some others do seasonal discount in Italy.
Frankly, I don't see the point of paying 1000's for a bag, especially now that so many top brands are using poor quality materials (LV being one of the infamous). I'd rather get an unbranded bag from a local leathershop that is sturdy, functuonal, and will serve me for years. Yes, this won't be an investment bag, but the savings on the purchaise will get me higher returns on the stock market.
A lot of people buy vintage Coach bags as they are high quality, timeless styles, and a relatively low price
@hw7029 , I have a number of Coach leather bags. In my youth, I almost exclusively used Coach bags, to the point I need to do a bit of refurbishing on some of them, not to resell, but my own continued use and enjoyment.
@@amydevol8224 they make some very high quality bags (though they have some lesser quality lower price-point ones too). I bought a new Cassie 19 and have been so taken with it I’ve purchased a preloved Tabby 26 too (the new price was a bit too much I thought…but now I have it I see it’s worth it). I’m really loving the quality and check out all their new releases now :)
@hw7029 All of mine predate the Tabbies with the large initial C(s) on the fastening tabs. For the most part, they were gifts or purchases from Coach outlet stores, the latter items may have had minor faults. My Coach bags all date from the 1960s(?), '70s, and '80s. With one or two, I may have lost the iconic leather hangtag. Several of them could use refurbishing -- replace excessively stretched over-the-shoulder strap, replace worn leather "tape" edging, replace/refurbish brass hardware, etc. I may explore the cost of that; otherwise, I will do my best to clean them up with saddle soap. I haven't always been gentle on them. They were my everyday and often, at the time, only bag until "replaced" by their successor for one of the use faults previously mentioned.
@@mizmelbourne P.S. Although today probably considered vintage, all of mine were new when I got them. So, all of them are 40-50+ yrs old.
Potentially silly question, but would these tips apply for the more mid-tier luxury brands? Eg. Kate Spade, Gucci?
Neither Chanel nor Hermes have authenticity certificates. Chanel used to have an authenticity card whose serial number matched the sticker inside the bag, but it recently switched to a metal plate inside the bag that is chipped, and discontinued the card. As someone who owns several Chanel bags along with a few other designers (almost all bought pre-loved), I have spent a lot of time researching and training my eye to spot fakes (especially when it comes to Chanel since super fakes are almost indistinguishable from the real thing). Also, there are several pro authenticator websites where one can submit detailed pictures of the bag's key features and have them authenticated that way. Of course, not all pre-loved bags would need the additional authentication service if you buy from a trusted reseller to begin with; and there are plenty of those to choose from!
Bedo's Leatherworks does UA-cam videos of repairs to bags and shoes that either the designer refuses to repair or is such bad quality that the customer wants a repair or change in color or lining. He just put out a video about a real Prada ostrich bag that was made of cheap lining that needed replacing. He replaced it with quality leather and kept all the hardware and design. He'll agree that yes, his alterations can technically no longer make it an authentic product, but if this is what a customer wants or is left doing because the brand won't repair it, he's happy to do it and let it be enjoyed for more years. He showed some designer shoes that were glued together with cardboard and fake stitching. Look him up on UA-cam!
This is what I’m talking about! If people want to flex a logo, go ahead. But don’t confuse it with quality and taut it as such. It’s pretentious and annoying.
I volunteer at a rummage sale where we sell upscale clothes, shoes, handbags and scarves that have been donated. We literally spend hours trying to authenticate designer bags to determine if they are real. It's very hard if you don't have an authentic one to compare it against but we do our best.
You should look into getting entrupy. They can verify with 99 percent accuracy (so they claim) and the best thing is if you had something verified authentic with them and it's found to be fake later they have a lifetime guarantee on the bag
Hi Justine, thank you for great work, Turkey mass produces exact same fake handbags, how come those manufactures haven't sued ?they sell a fake Birkin for $1000
It's complicated for a Europe-based brand to sue in a European court and then make the court decision be implemented outside of Europe. And if they brought the lawsuit directly in Turkey, the laws protecting intellectual property are less strong and less implemented... In a nutshell, it's harder to get your intellectual property rights to actually be respected there. Same for China. That's why many counterfeit goods come from China.
Justine , is there already a video on, or would you ever consider making a video on , types of purses/ which ones are essential for french capsule wardrobe/ which purses for which body-type ? I love the big bag concept in one of your videos on chic essentials, but I am also 5 feet tall and have been told to be careful about being bogged down by a bigger purse/ bag. Thank you so much for sharing this content and your approachable education style, it is revolutionizing my clothing and style choices and my confidence in them. ❤❤❤❤
I'm on the other end of the spectrum at 5'11" and small bags look ridiculous on me...bur I already know it. A handbag should look "normal" and proportionate to your size, not like it's too small OR trying to overwhelm you.
I would venture that for a petite person such as yourself, a bag that is no more than 25-30 cms...or 10-12 inches...wide would be most appropriate. Of course, the smaller the bag, the less you can carry, but there are loads of videos here on UA-cam that show handbag organization to their optimum.
Don’t care for designer bags. It’s all name and vanity. Can easily find quality bag for good price, and definitely stand out comparing to those who go after fashion blindly.
Good for you
Great video. Recently it's difficult to casually identify authenticity just based on materials and craftsmanship alone now - there are some counterfeit bags (that do have a higher price than other counterfeits) that have gotten quite good at replicating quality, while some brands are declining in quality. I've gone into a couple stores and noticed things like sloppy paint work, unevenness, etc. If I had seen the handbags out in the wild I would have thought they were counterfeit!
3:55 Fendi Roma Baguette bag my fav. I want that but chain version in mint green (or sage not acid bit something similar)
I can't see in the description for safe pages. For Vestiare not sure, eBay big NO, Farfetch no also, I used to buy there lately I have bought Jaquemus bag that I have bought as new and it was used, they didn't returned me shipping cost and I have decided never ever bought there. I still like MyTheresa I have bought Valentino shoes and BirkenstockxManolo arizon. And Net a Porter.
Leather is more expensive that PU or canvas and there are many qualities of leather, but even the most expensive leather out there does not justify the prices of some luxury brands. Craftsmanship is an important cost but again It does not justify the prices. It's obvious that there is a huge mark up. Of course each brand has the right to sell at whatever price they deem appropriate but lately I see a net drop in quality of some very reputable brands. There's a leather craftsman you-tuber that took apart a Chanel wallet in order to examine it's quality and cost of production. It was a very eye opening experiment to say at least! Everyone has the right to spend their money however they like but at least know what you are paying for.
I still love my LV reverse monogram *hqluxy* clutch! It's versatile, fits a variety of items, and is definitely a workhorse! I think seeing it everywhere (like the LV speedy) is proof that it's already a classic.
Very very helpful! Thank you ❤
Thank You!! I would love a video on how to recognize high Quality knits, cashmere sweaters for example 😊
You are my favourite fashion adviser ❤️
Proof of authenticity can also be fake 🤷♀️ Happens a lot with Chanel or Hermes bags.
Oh I absolutely remember a friend that bought a shirt with a tag, that if you didn't look closely enough, looked like LEVIS, but it read ELVIS. 🤣
Right now you can get a Chanel classic flap jumbo for about 60% of their current boutique price on the resale market. I don't think that makes them fake.
This is similar to what you're talking about. I purchased a new coat by a designer I loved on a website where you sell your own items. From the pictures that were posted by the account selling the coat I didn't see any issues at all. When it arrived I immediately noticed how light it was and the quality wasn't there. After pulling out the coats I had purchased years ago from the designer when she was actively selling them on a shopping network I noticed discrepancies on the labeling of the coat I'd just purchased. If I'd taken the time to look at the coats I have as a reference on what to look for then I would've noticed the discrepancies. Unfortunately they don't really allow returns, thank goodness it didn't cost very much.
Live and learn I guess.... 🤷🤦
Thanks for empowering us all to avoid the scammers!
@justine Thank you for all your help. Over the years, I've learnt so much from your videos.
Personally, I think authentic luxury items are overpriced for what they are. Which is why I intentionally buy high-level fakes when I fall in love with a certain style. The quality is impeccable, the craftsmanship is great, and the price is way below retail. 🤷♂️ Also the research is fun.
Besides, Hermès paying their artisans 1.700€ a month isn't exactly a plus for them. So the price is obviously not due to the labour, it's just markup and higher profit margins.
Exactly the video I needed! Please also do apparel and shoes if possible. Thank you!
I'm not into handbags, but shoes are another story 😂
This was really interesting, though, and I always appreciate the effort you put into every video, Justine. Excellent 💖
Love your content, Justine, very useful as always! Thank you! :)
But just a friendly suggestion/advice 🙈 your face looks separate from your body in this video… either try taking your foundation (cc cream or whatever you use) down to your neck as well or use a different shade that matches your skin better 🤎
Hi, I heard a story two years ago, that a lot of high-end luxury shops in France or Paris, for example Louis Vuitton or Chanel, sometimes won't sell to some Chinese 'customers' in person. Someone told me the reason why is they take the bags back to China, then find out how to copy them, basically they are professional counterfeiters, have you heard anything about this? I'm not sure this applies to all Chinese wanting to visit those super-high priced bags or the stores just ban certain Chinese that are expected to be or are known counterfeiters.
I loved your video about how to describe different shoe designs. Could you do something similar with clothing and maybe bags?
Tanner Leatherstein has some great information about that topic, especially leather quality :-)
Exactly! He’s doing us all a favor. I know why and what I buy now.
The colour actually can be trademarked. For example, the red soles of Christian Louboutin high heels are protected by trademark
Great video Justine thanks!
Please could we have a sequel of this video where you would elaborate further on tips and guidance when buying on second hand websites other than selecting the option to have the item checked by the website ? Thanks
Just found an authentic Louis Vuitton at a flea market for 20$ such a surreal experience and I was just assuming it was fake. Glad I took the risk.
Oh my days! That’s *the* dream find. Lucky you.
You lost me at 8:40 when you justified the price, I believe your buy the name not the actual cost probably they cost less than 300$ to make; there is a leather goods UA-cam creator who breaks down cost of materials and production and explains finishes of leather goods he is very interesting
I just had a peek at the mid-range designar bag shops and said "no thank you". I can't bear logos, and for some of those bags that is what makes the whole thing, otherwise they are plain and uninteresting.
Number 4 is debunked by Tanner Leatherstein, the designer brands also often use inferior and coated leather as it is easy to mass produce there products. I think replicas are getting to a point of no return, the really good ones are so good that the experts make mistakes. So it is fair to say that for the rest of us it can be almost imposible if the fake is a GOOD fake.
Reps can be so good you walk into the boutique carrying a unicorn bag and no one will bat an eye. Reps today ain’t your grandmothers reps 😂
As profesional as always Justine. Thank you for this video, also I really liked the background and the quality (resolution) of the video.
I saw a Stella McCartney hand bag in a broken down 200? year old building in a British field. I left it hanging there, but acknowledged that someone who cared might lose their mind. Or it was a fake. WISH I'd taken a photo.
The best video, reminds me of my COPYMAXY
Ok, you sent me down a long rabbit hole of your handbag videos and even some others (like factory craftsfolk building them) and then you asked the same question I was thinking: "The important question is ... What makes an iconic bag?" As a non-purse user (a pocket and wallet kind of bloke) I've been curious about that as I've considered scratch-building a birthday/holiday gift for my wife sometime. I made her a 'hard use carryall' bag for lugging back and forth to work (she trashed anything else she carried) and it has received complements by her co-workers and so thinking perhaps a bespoke leather purse might be next; yes yes it's a trap! I'll be wary :). ... You touched on some of the fitment and construction details in each of the videos but how about features like pockets, snaps, buckles, or compartments vs a single large 'rummage bin'? What is good, annoying, and wonderful about purses? Obviously the big designer bags spend all their time on Appearance/Style and Brand but do they ever do anything like analyze ergonomics for easy-to-use bags (vs the purse that shows up in comedy skits dumping the contents on a table or floor to find anything)? Or security-minded for the often observed credit cards and cash floating around in the general big-pond compartment that's easy to fall out or pickpocket? "Can you help me find my credit card? I think I lost it!"
I would love to see your process, I watch Hans Atelier and he makes handbags.
Great point about whether high end analyse ergonomics of their products. This would be worth paying for
Unfortunately, while a lot of what is mentioned in the video is true, now a days, some of these brands have lowered their quality and craftsmanship
Great to see you Justine, thank you ❤xx
What is your opinion on luxury brands, luxury handbags for instance, and sustainability and ethical production? Luxury brands are not always 100% sustainably or ethically produced, are they? Do luxury brands make sure that every little tiny detail of their product (thread, every fabric etc) is completely ethically produced, all of the workers involved are paid fare wages, have normal working conditions etc? Or are we as consumers paying high prices for the same or nearly the same unethical production as we would with any regular brand, only we are helping the luxury brand earn a bigger profit from it? What do you think?
Wonderful and informative video as always. Thank you Justine!! 👏👏 This topic has just reminded me to ask you, what are your thoughts on genuine designer products that are not worth it (excluding novelty items like the Gucci pencils). Not sure if this topic is worth having a dedicated video on? What made me think of this is the Dior show at PFW, and one of the celebrities was wearing a *£650* icon chain link necklace. I went to the website to look it up, and it clearly states in the description that it's 100% brass. Not even sterling silver, stainless steel or something, but completely BRASS! 😳 That in itself is a scam. I was wondering if you have any pointers of things like that to avoid, and recommendations for alternatives. 👍
I got a Prada bag as a birthday gift when I was a teenager and didn't know the value of designer bags. I've used it a lot to the point it's slightly worn out but the hardware is still good as new and it's in good enough condition to continue using. I am still having a hard time verifying if it's an authentic bag or a very good quality replica :( any advice?
Use the authentication services of an authorized Prada reseller, there are many to choose from.
@@cecilyerker but where do I find them and how do I know that they are reliable?
@@shaaaairuuu You don't. Slme verification companies have even stopped authenticating certain bag models/brands (like the Chanel Classic Flap, or LV) because there are so many reps around.
Justine, do you have any opinion of 1st Dibs as a source for vintage bags and clothing?
*and thank you for sharing your knowledge on your brilliant channel!
This why I "invest" in Chanel, at a Chanel shop in Paris, with a box, bag, and receipt in hand
High end designer handbags rarely (if ever) are on sale.
I'd Only purchase directly from the House itself.
I would never spend what they charge for a designer bag. They are not worth that much, yes they are well made but still not worth it for me. You can buy well made leather bags without spending that much.
What about your Marshall’s, TJ maxs’ and the like??
I am uneasy paying the $$$ for luxury brand handbags. I am happy to pay for a Lancel or a Longchamp nevertheless!
Justine, would you make a video on how to shop smartly during sales? More often than not, the most desired clothing or shoe sizes (39 EU for the latter) and colors are pretty much instantly gone during sales. Any tips on how to outsmart this? Merci bien! ❤
The Le Pliage from Longchamp is so worth it for rainy days! Those bags are indestructible...
that Givenchy handbag is a beauty. is it still somewhere available to buy?
Thank you for this timely video. Very interesting topics too.
Dearest Justine, if you had to have one and only one Hermes scarf which one would you pick?