I love this. I’m a luxe shopper and love high quality goods. However, high quality doesn’t mean it needs to be high priced. I always go for *suluxy* , their quality is great. Great video.
and then EU puts fines in Shein and Temu but Dior, Burberry, Louis Vuitton might follow the same practice. Not to mention, that some of these brands burn the remaining stock instead of selling it as outlet products....
Really? Coach bag I bought from their outlet store 10 yrs ago still looks very good, no peeling no tarnishing on the hardware. And it’s very affordable. I hope my other higher end designer will age like that too.
@@anggiaangela4810I’ve had designer and mid level pieces that look amazing after decades . Can’t speak for Burberry quality . Quality has gone down every where , but I don’t think it’s like shein quality , people just want to feel better about choosing the less ethical option lol
Love the way *hotdups* presents! You really put a lot of focus into presenting the bag. I don’t think there is any other UA-camr who can present a bag in as much detail as you do.
And have huge mark up percentages... like all I can think about it make up us a few pennies per oan and we pay so so high mark ups.....I think we're starting to realize that clothing, purses, etc are the same
I don’t want designer- I want quality. Designer is no longer synonymous with quality these days. I don’t actually care for a logo anyway. I think it looks cheap and screams, “LOOK AT ME! PLEASE THINK I HAVE MONEY!”
I agree, but if you listen to Caitlin's points, she gets other value from the whole luxury bag buying/owning experience. I'm on your side, so I can't really argue her points well, but she does go over them in this video.
@@judithvictoria3109 yesss i paid a good amount of money for a very good "no brand" leather purse and it looks pristine 5 years later. also the designs are soooooo much better and there's such attention for detail because the person making them actually cares!
Yes! When the lady was asking if you like the style or the logo in the video, I thought the YSL was ugly, but the dupe of the Birkin I liked better than the Birkin. I have a dupe and I use that more than the designer stuff I have. Quality is more important to me.
If you actually research the history of luxury, luxury meant items that were 100% cotton, silk and so forth. Luxury was about the craftsmanship. Then luxury became commercialized. It went from being about craftsmanship to about exclusion. This is why when you look at the top 1% they're not wearing hermes, Chanel or any of that other stuff. They're going directly to the leathersmith, with their own designs and that leathersmith is making exactly what they want. They're going directly to the cobbler, to get their shoes made. They go directly to the source. Companies like chanel, Gucci and Prada, they're the middle man. If you can afford a SLG such as a wallet or a belt made from real leather, you can actually go directly to a leathersmith, and have these items made to your design specifics. And it's cheaper.
In the past, a brand signified a level of quality - and yes, that could be high or middle or low quality. Now, that is not so true. So part of this is that we haven't caught up with the changes in the market - the quality differences have become less clear and smaller overall.
@@heavenj7 Technically, you can carry your crap in a plastic grocery bag. The reason most people don’t is because of how they would be perceived by others.
Shop local. Fake designer gear still cost hundreds of dollars so the money you would spend on a fake luxury bag you could use supporting local craftsmen and designers.
this!!! i actually really liked the dior saddle bag that was shown in this video and looked around to see what the counterfeits were like. there's an independent leatherworker who i love and follow all of her work/videos, and her bags are priced like $500-700 because she handmakes them and shows process videos all of the time. while contemplating if i should spend $20 on something made in what is likely a slave sweatshop, or save up to buy something that will last from an independent artist, the consumerism really fades away! i will definitely save up because the artist's work will definitely LAST, too.
For a long time, as Chanel prices have risen, I no longer thought I could afford it. I think I would be happy to have a *esluxy* as a travel bag that I don't have to take care of. By the way, I'm sure no one would have a hard time telling the difference. Thanks for the comparison.
I think luxury kind of destroyed itself. If Dior is spending 54 to manufacture a 3k bag using slave labor. What’s the difference between that and a good fake? They are also making lots of trendy pieces at questionable quality for higher and higher prices. I lost interest in it for these reasons. I have mixed feelings on carrying my own luxury bags now.
I work in LV, this is incorrect. We are trained how to spot fakes, it’s not that difficult. Even the “1:1” or “super fakes” can be authenticated by inspecting.
😵💫Jewelry doesn’t hold its value . Gold does sure but go jewelry no. Unless u own some named jewelry ..r u a dead Russian princess or Art Deco dead artist?
I tried to wear fake items but I ended up getting rid of them because it felt so weird to me. I prefer now buying something unique that’s in my budget rather than a fake luxury piece.
@@melinehoff this is what I prefer. And it’s more unique! But I found this tone Soo judgey yikes 😱 like the comment before mine 😅 I think I learned from this? I’m so glad I grew up and came from NO money. And worked my way up in life being first one to go to college and grad school..I’ve gone from poor to ok! And back again…but I’ve never judged others 🤷♀️
Surprisingly, I don't mind if someone buys a replica bag. If someone is a nurse or a teacher or even sales associate who dreams of Chanel or Birkin, but they don't make so much money or don't have a rich family, if this purchase will make them happy, that's what matters. Even if I know that I paid 10k dollars for the same bag, but she paid 500 - it doesn't trigger me at all. Not a big deal.
I’m having a big moral crisis since the Dior story came out, before that I judged fakes harshly because the labor was untraceable…. The labor aspect was luxuries strongest selling point for me. It occurred to me after the Dior exposé, that I’d never even looked into labor, when I’ve bought luxury designers, like I do when buying contemporary and midrange brands. I obviously still won’t buy fakes…. But I’m not as judgy about that aspect anymore.
So here’s the thing about fake bags that no one seems to talk about because its implications about class, and your economic standing? When I see a person who is wearing average fashion (say, something recognizable from Walmart) carrying a Hermes bag-there’s a moment of recognition and understanding that it’s fake. But, were I walking in a highly affluent area and I saw a person dressed in higher-end clothing; then I’d struggle to identify if the bag were real or fake. My point being, that even with FAKE luxury items there’s still a hierarchy, and there’s still a sense of entitlement. Fake luxury goods aren’t made for the “poor”-they’re made for the mids, and the wealthy who are trying to skate by.
You know I used think about this when I am wearing my authentic luxe goods. I wonder if my Gap or old navy clothing makes my authentic bag look fake 😂 but I also recognize that I dress well despite where I get my clothes for and it's not my problem if someone assumes my stuff aren't authentic 🤷🏻♀️
You can't tell a book by it's cover! I've known wealthy, have been there. Some aren't interested in those expensive things. Other things are more important. Oh, but it's handmade. So is everything. Someone is sitting there at a sewing machine sewing that leather. You can't take it with you. But if you want to be "in" then waste your money!
My weight goes up and down so I buy cheaper clothes and spend my money on authentic bags and shoes. Ive no issues if people think my bag is fake. Sometimes its a blessing if they do
Why should i feel that i have accomplished something by owning a real hermes bag. Its just a f%&^ing bag. Its marketing. I would say that I am an idiot to spend £15k on bag. Give me the dupe or superfake anyday. I will have £14k change and I wont feel like an accomplished sucker for buying into the hype.
GREAT POINT! I wish I thought of this too lol. Accomplishment are working your way into the top ranks of your company, or after years of infertility, you finally are able to have a baby (😊 me!). It's about the things you've achieved and sacrificed to provide a better life for yourself (and for your family, depending on your goals and situation). A bag will never compare to experiences, like the family we worked so hard to create, and now to nurture into adulthood and watch them become a positive contribution to society.
Personally I’d rather have neither and buy something that’s quality and ethical. I understand saving up for a high quality slow fashion piece that will last for decades and bring pleased with it. If luxury brands aren’t offering actual quality and are making products as unethically as counterfeits I don’t understand the allure. It’s not luxury, it’s BS.
I think women feel they have been swindled for a long time by the % of markup on luxury items, particularly bags, and especially in the last several years. I watch a UA-cam channel of a guy who deconstructs luxury bags and then tells what the cost of the materials are…it was eye opening. I had always assumed that I was paying for the extremely high quality materials, which sadly isn’t the case. I feel stupid now every time I even consider buying a designer bag. I bought a Teddy Blake bag that I think for the price has far better leather quality than most of the designer bags I own.
absolutely this! you cannot convince me that a chanel flap is worth 10k. it is not. it just isn't. sure, they may be made of out nice leather, but there is no leather that justifies more than maybe $1000 for a regular sized handbag.
Personality traits of buying fakes: Value conscious: Dior makes a well known bag design for only $57... And you're paying thousands for it, and for a label that only provides social status as a value. They are paying a couple hundred. Who's more conscious of value? Integrity and Justice: Are you joking? Do a Dior unboxing right now. Tell me how many people in the comments will believe you have integrity and a sense of justice after that. See how many call YOU "morally bankrupt". And everyone knows, it's not just Dior who is doing these practices. Or are we just going to ignore what we were ALL saying just a few months ago in order to feel morally superior now? Personal gratification: You "revere" owning a luxury bag that is not worth a fraction of the price you're paying for it, and ignoring the opportunity cost of putting that money in your retirement or towards your childrens education instead, all while claiming this bag is "an investment". No it's not. Don't kid yourself. You could have also made an "investment" into your community by buying from a local artisan or at a arts festival, but you chose to support LVMH. 😂 Status consumption: Why did you buy the original? Probably for the same reason someone bought the fake, right? No difference at all. I'm not trying to be harsh but it needs to be said *clearly*. Every time Caitlin does a video on this topic, she claims to not judge people for buying fakes and then spends 47 minutes and 32 seconds (for example) bashing normal people by using literally the most extreme examples of haul influencers, or the idea of "buying a whole wardrobe overnight". It is out of touch to believe that normal people are doing either of those things. Most buyers want a specific design that they can't find else where and they know it's not worth $4k+, which means that most people own regular bags and a few counterfeits but get lumped into the same pit as the worst examples. Should we lump designer bags buyers into the same extreme examples and "gluttonous" stereotypes? Before you get offended, just think about it a bit. All the things we learned about the Dior scandal, do you feel "proud" when you look at those bags now? Did you feel "proud" of your Balenciaga products after they came out in support of child @bu$€?
100% agree with every single one of your points - they were the exact thoughts I had when watching. This whole video felt uncomfortably classist and hypocritical to me.
I mean she's doing this kind of vid once in a while to gain traffic lol, always the same thoughts and she's quite hyp0cr1tical so take it with a grain of salt
Everything she said basically meant that people who buy superfakes are engaging in overconsumption. As if superfakes is some sort of fast fashion brand. What is cheap about buying a $500 bag? Whats so "fast fashion" about it? Educate me please On a serious note, I feel like she might be coping. And I totally understand why... :(
Agreed! I came across this channel a few days ago and watched her hot take on Ozempic and she kind of had the same tone as she does here, just two different topics. I find this video kind of classist and biased. She admits to being “tempted” by faux Hermes, but then goes on to contradict herself minutes later. It’s laughable. Something tells me she DOES look down upon people who have counterfeit items, or even duped. Maybe it’s because she’s been duped into spending thousands on meaningless items?
When I was in high school, I had a real Gucci bag, and two real Gucci watches.....that my mother paid for. It was easy to spend someone else's money, but there was absolutely no reason for me to have those. Now the most designer thing I have is a second hand Coach crossbody bag. It's not that I can't afford a luxury bag now, but I would rather spend my money elsewhere. In my mind, if you're buying a bag (or car, or shoes, or clothes, or jewely) that's that expensive, I expect the see the lifestyle backing it up. I've seen a lot of people spend money on these status symbols when they're struggling to pay bills. But I guess if you really have to have something, I would rather see someone with a fake, who can also feed their children and pay their bills.
Caitlin for me it's the money 100%. I own a couple of designer handbags and a couple of super fakes. The difference in quality is minuscule, and it doesn't justify the jump in price for thousands of dollars in price. I like my money inside my handbag or bank.
An ex-gf had a store that sold used luxury handbags, so she went through training around detecting fakes etc. She herself had real luxury handbags. She was quite good at detecting them - from her tests in the courses, but she noticed that the fakes were becoming extremely, extremely good - yes, you can look inside the bag and still be fooled. It has started to be the absolute smallest details that are extremely slightly different.
For some Hermes pieces it was down to the thickness of the font used in the stamp that’s only detectable with a magnifying glass. I think another was the correct color and thickness of the thread combined with the year of production for certain bags plus the leather type and color had to match the year of production. It’s crazy how good the fakes are.
I think it's more so that we've learned luxury doesn't equate to quality anymore. We've realized that women in particular are paying mark ups of 10,000% on mid leather at best. It's really made us rethink the value we attribute to things overall especially with finding out the materials and labor aren't even paid reasonably. I also think with the creation of the internet, we've now got so much ability to buy direct from the people that make the goods anyways so why not cut out the mark up and the middle man.
I own a couple real bags and a couple counterfeit bags, the counterfits came out of the box smelling and looking exactly like my real bags.... Nobody can tell the difference ... And now i have stopped shopping altogether because i own too much stuff but seriously i feel duped by luxury because damm you can get the same thing for a quarter of the price.....
I'm right there with you, in the exact same boat. When I have to build more shelving to store more stuff, it is time to stop. The really good fakes are literally the same. I love my bags, both the reals and fakes, because I actually use them and they fit my lifestyle. Btw, my sisters name is Kayla!
If the design is the same, and the quality is the same (or better in some cases unfortunately) I see how the line between “real” and “fake” is BLURRY LOL
I used to be soooo against fakes, but as long as someone isn’t buying them in excess, I don’t really care anymore. There are some Etsy sellers that hand make fakes, and I have not bought one (yet, anyway), but I have not bought a real bag recently either mainly due to the price increases + horrible quality issues. At this point I think I might feel more morally corrupted spending almost 10k on a purse that is made in a sweatshop with borderline slave labor… like there’s nothing “just” about that imo
Couldn’t agree more! These brands have made their money and now they’re just exploiting and insulting, loyal customers with the terrible quality and price increases.
For a long time, as Chanel prices went up, I no longer thought I could afford it. I think I will be happy that I have the *HOTDUPS* as my travel bag, I don't need to take care of it. By the way, I am sure no one will have a hard time telling the difference. Thanks for the comparison.
No purse is worth thousands of dollars. Talk to yourself about your own self-esteem and why you would rather have someone else's name on your purse when you could pay a few hundred dollars to have a real artist make you a one of a kind handbag with your own name or design.
As an interesting motivational point to do that….. Apparently there were some 50s handbags that literally unfolded into a mini vanity mirror and all. Custom creation gives you all kinds of fabulous and fun options.
Maybe I'm just not that into handbags but what I don't get is, how would it not be so much cooler to have lovely unique, top-quality bespoke bag from a smaller/lesser known band/designer/craftsperson, than something with a fake label on it no matter how good the quality or imitation may be? 🥴
Luxury has been fast fashion for a while now. Lv releasing new collection every month, Chanel has 10+ runway shows a year, and creative directors leaving and finding new employment every other year. So luxury isn't that luxe anymore.
The logos both hold immense power and at the same time are almost worthless to the consumer. If the logo had actual worth, the fake would not be an attractive option because despite appearing similar there would be some valuable immutable quality it did not possess by virtue of being fake. However, its often seems to consumers that what separates fakes vs authentic items is only a paper trail documenting the origin- its not the quality of the materials, quality of the workmanship, or usefulness of the item. If the only real tangible difference between bag A costing $3k and an identical appearing bag B costing $200 is the presence of a proof of purchase from an authorized retailer, most people wont care. The brand logo is what holds value, not the actual physical branded items the brand produces. I think luxury brands are at fault for pinching pennies on quality and workmanship while at the same time astronomically increasing prices. The value proposition is no longer fair.
Great video! Super informative and great tips! I have the Caviar WOC and the Black Lambskin Trendy CC. Although I like both leathers, I prefer the lambskin, but my heart just loves the look and feel of lambskin! When I went to buy my Jumbo Classic Flap Bag, I did a lot of research and ultimately decided on the lambskin for aesthetic reasons (and the weight difference you mentioned). I am very happy with my decision *HOTDUPS*
I own authentic Hermes, Loewe, Gucci etc… the quality of these items now is so disappointing. I have a few friends who’ve bought hand made Hermes replicas and they are the same. I have an unbranded Hermes dupe that was hand made by an ex Hermes worker, it’s 100% perfection. I won’t stop buying the real things, but I am also 100% open to high end dupes or replicas. I don’t really care about anyone’s opinions.
because dior is making a bag for $50 and selling it for 100x the price, when I can get it for $70 and I don’t have the pressure of keeping it pristine and being scared to even take it out in public
The *HOTDUPS* bags are well made. They are comfortable to carry on your shoulders. You can fit quite a bit of stuff in them! So awesome! I loved them so much I bought a few as gifts, I got the turquoise and brown!
buying a counterfeit purse for a fraction of the price is not unethical when the real thing is unethically charging ridiculous amounts of money for something because they say so. supply and demand, if the demand is artificial i fail to see the issue in ruining that system. actually i think its a pretty ethical, morally good thing to protest against the companies charging more for artificial scarcity.
I think the best way to protest is NOT to buy them. Buying counterfeits is supporting criminals stealing logo's that are not their's and making money off them. I agree that the prices are ridiculous. So better buy a dupe, than a counterfeit.
@@lilylillux dawg, stealing a what? a logo? you cant be serious. If the only thing they stole was a logo id be even more surprised, they stole what most would consider to be art and made money on it. My argument is the "price" to create that art is inflated because of a bogus market based on artificial scarcity and marketing rhetoric. The best way to protest the common business practices of artificial scarcity and high prices based on a name is to buy these still hand crafted counterfeits for a realistic price and be happy with the end product you have. Which is something to add to your wardrobe, that i would argue is definitely art when put together as an outfit by the end user and that is the only art that matters here. Unless youre buying real one-off, well thought out pruses for thousands of dollars from the artist who created them, you are just buying the logo like YOU implied and that is just such a scam in modern day consumerica that it oughta be illegal. honestly people buying just for the logo is to fashion what counterfeits are to brands. Its better to support some local girl making purses out of recycled saddles anyway. rage against the big fashion machine.
@@its_notta_cedar stealing a logo is the least thing they are doing. Buying their superfakes finance things you would find more than unethical. It's illegal for a reason. No one is forcing you to pay the ridiculous price. It's not like your life is depending on a bag, and it's too expensive for you to save your life with it. You have the pre-loved market, you have dupes, and you have branded high quality bags to make your end appearance. If you are buying a superfake, you're buying it because of the logo. Pretending it's something it's not, pretending your something your not, while giving your money to financing terrorists, kidnappers, drug market, and what else not. I assure you the "local girl", giving an innocent appearance, is not the one making superfakes. I do see your point, though. Not buying the real thing as a protest against the insane prices...it could work. I'd just rather buy the dupe.
With all due respect, the "fake" or counterfeit market is a completely reasonable reaction to these ridiculously priced "luxury" goods. These "status" items or whatever you call them and the way people worship them is weird AF anyway.
I appreciate your honesty about the draw of exclusivity and the logos and whatnot. I always thought I just loved the designs and the logos didn’t matter, but then I feel in love with the Gucci Diana mini tote- it is way out of my price range so I looked for dupes. They just didn’t have the same magic. I had to admit to myself that the brand does matter, the logo does matter. As much as I didn’t want to admit it.
I think those tik tok influencers are the worst thing that happened to lyxury brands, bc they make those bags look very cheap. I would rather invest into a smaller niche brand, which still has a great quality and wear it for years to come.
I completely agree - wether liking the Gucci logo, the Hermés game, spending less, spending more - nothing of it inherently makes anyone a bad person. It's absolutely crazy how judgmental people are! I've seen both Birkin girlies bragging, but also people looking down on girlies who own designer bags - crazy how we can't just let different things have different worth to different people. Somehow I never see men being scrutinized about the value of the cars, speakers, tvs or watches they buy on the same level- it's as if society can't let women just exist on their own terms. Personally, the reason I wouldn't buy fakes is the same as why i wouldn't buy any other brand - If the supply chain is not transparent and they don't have sustainability commitments - then it's a no go.
@@canesugar911 Some people collect expensive collectible cards, stamps, coins, plastic figures, sneakers, sports paraphenalia, even videogame characters that are thousands of dollars each - A expensive golf club has a higher mark-up than a Gucci bag but it's only the girlies being called delulu 🥱
Owning a luxury handbag is NOT an accomplishment. I chuckled when you said owning a fake luxury bag does not give you the same feeling of accomplishment as owning the real one. Stop making the luxury handbag owners wealthy; invest your hard earned money. You will feel real accomplishment doing it. We should wear fashion and not a name to feel good.
I stand behind the words of Run DMC: Calvin Klein ain't no friend of mine don't want nobody's name on my behind. I don't understand the obsession with brands. And, in 1994, when I graduated high school I was accepted into FIDM to be a buyer. Man am I happy I chose a different career path!!
If you buy a logo it’s not luxury. Luxury nowadays is when you have medical care when you need it, if you have access to high quality food, if you sleep on high quality pillows, if you go on a trip when you want to and go where you want. High quality silk shirt is as expensive as a bag and good luck finding a decent fake )) Those “influencers” are not just pushing fake bags for their own profit, they’re selling fake dreams and values. Bag with logo does not provide a quality of life.
Just moved back to the states after living in South Korea for 2 years. When I say I’ve seen some VERY convincing fakes. It’s crazy. Personally not for me, but I won’t lie they look good these days. And the amount of people that carry them?! I stopped trying to guess who’s was real or fake a long time ago.
I purchase super reps. One of the many reasons why I buy them, is because I’m a handbag nerd. After years of collecting authentic bags, I fell into the rep rabbit hole after reading crazy rich Asians. Realizing that even the wealthy buy them, my interest was picked. Honestly, the super reps are SO good that I can’t ever go back. For me, it’s not about seeming rich, it’s rather about playing dress up. I grew up watching Sex and the City and Gossip Girl. Fashion is a big part of my identity. If people ask me if my bag is real (happens very rarely) I tell them the truth. I have no shame because I don’t find owning reps shameful. I think we forget that in the end these things are just that, things.
Imagine giving your assistant 10k to go buy you something and they show up with a really good fake, and pocketing the change. Two months later the cops are raiding your house
@@Pastasalada Yes, but keep in mind that buying a luxury bag means almost nothing since the quality isn't there, and Dior paid like $50 to make a 2k bag. So really that assistant was doing someone a favor.
I bought a fake handbag and you are right. The excitement isn't the same you are not proud of it even though it looks real and nice. I was a teenager and learned my lesson.
Buy gold, land, proprety, and invest in stocks... Also buy a superfake hermes if it makes you happy and use the money you were going to spend on it for something that directly benefits you and your family's future. These brands do not care about their employees (Dior) or their customers ( Chanel used to have all the hardware in solid gold and now its just gold plated). Their quality is going down while the prices are going up. Buy the fakes and invest your money elsewhere. Pro tip: if you have great style no one will know LOOL.
I want to share how this counterfeit business goes even further into less-expensive brands, just to make the point about how ridiculous this gets; In Harajuku (Japan) there has been a fashion sub-style called "Gothic Lolita" or EGL (Elegant Gothic Lolita) for several decades. It is mostly centered around elaborate dresses made of yards of material, custom-printed fabric and even customer-made lace trim and buttons. The brands associated with this style are very small companies and all their pieces are limited run and "expensive" because they cannot manufacture any of it at volume and at the quality level they wish to maintain. So a dress on average, brand new, is between $190 USD and $350 USD. But if you scroll around on the internet, it's pretty easy to find identical dresses on "odd websites" for $50 US and $150 USD (the "high quality replicas"). So within a niche fashion, with an incredibly tiny consumer base willing to buy and wear these pieces, there is a HUGE market of counterfeits being sold by third parties. Earlier I mentioned the custom printed-fabrics; any custom-print fabric is copyright protected internationally because the print is a piece of "art" that can be protected (where as the cut of the material; the pattern/construction of a garment cannot be copyrighted) but even then there have been multiple cases of counterfeit-makers literally stealing old or incomplete PDF files from these small brands to then copy the custom-print exactly. I would really urge anyone who reads this to try and not buy fakes; there is an unhealthy mentality being expressed by the counterfeiters themselves; they are aggressively going out of their way to steal the work, effort and creativity of others. It doesn't matter what the original price point of the object is; it is not good to reward people who relentlessly take from others and try to avoid putting in the legitimate work to accomplish success without stepping on others. Everyone who makes fake items literally have full-access to just make their own product; they are choosing instead to steal / leech off of someone else's efforts. The tiny Japanese brands that focus on this tiny sub-culture fashion do struggle to keep the lights on year in and year out; they keep a brave face and do not only discuss it but fakes are hurting them badly. I imagine for luxury it does not hurt their bottom line directly, but it will eventually hurt their public image by diluting the symbolism or implication of what it means for an object to be associated with their brand.
IMO one of the worst parts of fakes and super fakes is when another consumer is conned buying that bag second-hand thinking they are getting an authentic product. The original buyer is fine paying for a fake at bargain prices but then can possibly resell on a plethora of websites at resale price reflecting an authentic item.
some people get joy out of wearing a bag they like, NOT buying it. To them, the experience is saving and buying a real bag doesn’t entice them as much as owning and wearing a bag that looks like the real bag.
Ppl wearing fakes are SMART . That’s how you stay wealthy! Why do you need to look to a celebrity to signal that something is okay? That’s weak minded. A lot of these items are made in sweatshops. The same sweatshops that make the items sold on Canal street. It’s crazy that a bag makes someone feel accomplished. I have a lot of luxury things I got as gifts but tbh it’s all just fake status that isn’t real if you aren’t in the 1%.
I don’t see the point in wearing fakes? I’d rather just live without the item that I can’t afford than walk around feeling like an imposter. I’d also rather support a small local designer who will not only be cheaper, but have much better quality
It's pretty disturbing when these influencers are literally referring to the brands in the video, knowing full well that they're fake. It's false advertising and feels super wrong.
@@HandbagDiva it really is fraud! Akin to like a Ponzi scheme because the ones who lose out are the viewers who are buying fakes. Openly admitting it’s fake is one thing, but passing it off as the legit brand is way different. People are more impressionable and easily manipulated than we think.
The only thing i disagree with your view is when you said the fake manufacturers have employees under horrible conditions, on which the part that i disagree is that the original brands does as well, all the high end brands produce in china and usually have a small final touch in europe to be able to use the ``made in X`` tag, the whole fashion industry fell to their knees to china. The only difference is that the originals mark up their profit for much more.
We don't owe anything to anybody , if we can and will accept everyone for who they are. No one should judge a person on their choices when it is on their body and their budget. There should be no shame .
I love luxury handbags, because I’m a handbag junkie. Up until last week, I was rocking my bags while driving a Kia and wearing Walmart leggings, so folks saying that other items indicate a fake bag are absolutely wrong. Buy what you like and spend as much as you can/want. Life is short! ❤❤ Edit: I can’t in good conscience carry a fake. I tried once and gave it away, because it felt wrong. I would rather save up and only own a few special pieces.
Right! I can’t believe people think just because we have luxury bags we have to dress up every day? I wear my comfy clothes while still carrying one of my luxury bags! Super crazy
The concept of a real vs fake bag is so interesting because all the materials can be acquired. Its not like a dish with a secret recipe and unique ingredients. It's leather, brass, cotton, etc. Anyone with enough time, the skill to craft bags in general and access to an original to use as a pattern can gather the materials and replicate it. Its almost like the only thing keeping the difference between a real and fake bag alive is an "honor system".
I love your nuanced take on the situation. As someone who has worked in luxury goods many of the wealthy people that I’ve come across whether in my career in business or working in luxury, many are of out of touch with the normal everyday person situation and plight. And it can make them feel a sense of entitlement and othering, knowing that they are different than the everyday person. I can understand how every day people would want to feel better about their perceived station in life would want to present themselves in a specific way because whether we want to admit it or not the way you present yourself alters how you are treated. How you look changes the way you are treated and realistically no human being wants to be treated as less than or less worthy. Many want a better perceived quality of life and if we place value on things like this it’s inevitable to the human experience for the masses to want to feel special as well. It’s a survival game. The reality is there is a difference in treatment based on looks and social status and class identifiers. What you look like affects possible opportunities you may get . Many will play the part in order to maybe elevate their living conditions. At its core this is human nature. (Some rise above it and couldn’t care less about designers and status and others just want to equal the playing field of preferential treatment. )
I have worn fake converses before. I was in middle school, it was blue with hearts on it. I loved the design, it was cheap and mom bought it. I did not think it was fake or anything about it other than “I like these shoes” , until my friend came and told me “she saw the writing in the back but it does not have the logo” - I just shrugged and said I did not know, it just came this way. I kept on happily wearing them too. I also still own a fake bag, I bought it years ago - thinking I loved the color. Now, I realise that it is a fake of a designer and I do feel self conscious about wearing it. But I think, all the stigma about fakes come from people enjoying designer and this community. Most other people, can still just like something, and buy it. Without even a knowing how much the originals actually cost.
I’d rather have a fake bag. It’s still a functional, beautiful bag at a fraction of the price! I just started the video but seriously if anyone can tell me where to get a fake Gucci Diana mini tote with the monogram and crystals I will be forever grateful 😂
@@emajjamariebecause they’re right. The quality is the same if not sometimes lower than the original product, and the price of the luxury good is not worth the actual product.
@@val834 That's arguable. But, my question is - Why do you want to spend money to pretend to have bought something real and original when you could spend that money on something that's the same price, but not a counterfeit?
Exactly! If I want something I buy the thing i want. If I cant afford it or dont think its worth the price, I move on and buy something else that I think is worth the price. I wouldn't buy counterfeit that steals someone else's design thats gross and inauthentic behavior @emajjamarie
@@emajjamarie because it’s their desire to own that logo on a product, or multiple products. I mean you can think that’s wrong, but it’s still their money and their own ways of approaching the situation 🤷🏻♀️
Personally, I prefer dupes. Generally I don’t want anything because of the brand name but because I like the look. But also I don’t care if other people feel any type of way about designers. There’s so many more important things to care about when it comes to reasons to like/dislike someone vs their clothing habits.
My auntie (who was a CEO and now a founder of a pharma research company) literally wears fake bags. Considering her sizeable income, you'd NEVER believe they're fake. Meanwhile her dumbass niece with 1/8th her income (ME) was out here cashing out on the real deal lol. I don't want fake bags either, but now I don't want any obvious and overtly expensive designer bags. I want incredible quality and my incredible style. This just confirmed to me exactly why I spend my money at smaller, lesser known independent boutiques. Amazing quality, luxurious, worth all my coins and NOT being made replica out of (because hardly anyone knows it).
Honestly, I have found that once I bought my first authentic bag, I could not even consider a fake or counterfeit, especially after I toured a flagship store and learned about how these specific bags are made and the history of them. I bought a fake once and never actually carried it for the simple fact it was fake and my mind wouldn’t allow me to. It was on a shelf in my closet and once I bought my first authentic one, I trashed the fake.
I buy luxury because of the quality. Once I started to pay more for things (shoes, handbags, clothing) my eyes opened at the difference between items bought at discount stores vs luxury. All of my luxury items have lasted for years, so they pay for themselves down the road. I don't baby them, they get thrown about because I'm a mindless fool (lol) but I know they can withstand it because of the quality. Am I going into debt over it? No. I'm just fortunate enough to be able to buy them. However I absolutely hate blaring logos. So much so my first luxury purchase was a black on black YSL wallet. That was purchased over 8 years ago and it still looks brand new. My favorite brand is Chanel but I haven't bought new since 2021 when I had to return a WOC because the quality was so horrible and the chain felt like it was 3D printed. All of the chains in my Chanels are heavy but that's because they were created before 2020. After 2020 quality for a lot of bags have dropped, so if I ever want another Chanel in the future, it'll be pre-loved.
I'm so tired of these fakes and people pretending to have money they don't have. I would never buy fakes since I was in Italy and was told not to buy them off the street as it goes to the mafia, nope, not doing it! And I don't even have money to buy the original, but I would rather not own any in my life than buy counterfeit. I definitely agree with the traits you presented, I also have a strong sense of justice, maybe that's the problem.
I'm a value for money lady. I'll buy a sub-$300 vintage designer bag in an eclectic style at a rate of about 1/year to get the quality, but I don't do loud logos, it has to be leather, and it has to fill a niche in my collection. I own less than 10 bags total. I feel like I SHOULD be attracted to these fakes because if the quality is really that good, it would be nice to avoid being extorted by luxury brands, but ultimately I get the kind of thing I am looking for without buying new and without supporting terrible labor practices. Imagine, if places like Dior are exploitative, how much worse people selling fakes are. That being said, it occurs to me that the superfake market is able to get to a level that is almost indistinguishable from the real thing because of a combination of the lowered quality standards and dramatic production cost to consumer price ratio of luxury brands as a whole
I will never support fakes. I had them before, at first look they are 'good' or even 'better',but once you start using it they fall apart fast and some fall apart ugly uugh. I know there's a decline in lux quality and that's why we should be more picky and careful shedding $$ on lux items and if you don't like lux, buy reliable brands. I end up buying dupes and they're way better. So far, my LVs and Chanel are up par but my premium outlet Gucci's and YSL have some hardware and stitching prob😢. A curated or minimal lux collection for a lux lover is a way to go unless you are in business or a collector.
I used to buy Louis Vuitton, for 40 yrs. Now. I enjoyed it a lot..lots of compliments.- those were the days! I’m Fil am went back to retire in Phil’s. Irs amazing how many counterfeits here openly selling in websites, shops. Actually, really love it- for people to carry LV T a fraction of a cost. Fashion change, people change, TIME change, ❤❤❤
It's not hurting anyone wearing a fake bag. It's none of anyone's business what people buy or don't buy. However, I think if it's fake people should be transparent about it. As long as they are truthful people shouldn't judge.
Once people realize that bags are frivolous they tend to buy fake ones. Why spend money if you don’t need too most people can’t tell the difference between real and fake
The good counterfeits that have fooled the realreal and the LV store (I took one of mine in as an experiment and they repaired the bag for me) aren’t purchased on DH Gate. A few years ago I somehow stumbled into this underground online community that focuses on perfecting counterfeits. It blew my mind. They will get a real version of the bag/shoe/ whatever and reproduce it until it’s a mirror image of the original. I wish I could send you a video/photos of what I own from them so you can see the quality difference between that and crap from DH Gate. And yes I know, a fake is still a fake. But in the world of counterfeits there’s a huge quality spectrum and generally anything you buy from a website like DH Gate is bottom of the barrel.
Man, it's wild how much hype there is around designer bags when they often don’t even match the quality. It's like we're all in this big fashion game, and the rules are a bit rigged! 😂 Just gives you a lot to think about when shopping. The thrill of the chase for that 'must-have' bag can really cloud our judgment. Guess it’s all about what makes you feel good for real! 👜✨
I believe that what's called counterfeits are just extra cheep production lines from the luxury brands. Luxury brands have their own customers who want and can pay large amounts of money but at the same time they know there are other people who want to buy from their brands while they cannot afford these high prices. So let's have other production lines which much much affordable prices for those people. So they're now selling both and controlling the whole market. And I guess the Dior scandal is somehow an example or a proof that this might truly be happening. Luxury brands are controlling the whole industry. It's like "eat yourself before somebody eats you" This is how I see it now. Cause you can see new limited edition pieces in all brands coming at the same time on both sides of luxury and counterfeits. Just thoughts 😢
Do you even have proofs that counterfeit support child labor or trafficking and other activities?? Assuming it does and actually having proof are 2 different things. How do you know the clothing stores you shop from don't practice shady labor practices?
I think it is a value conscience due to the fact that luxury isn’t as luxury as it once was. The quality has gone down meanwhile the cost has gone up. There are many women who use to buy authentic and due to the above also feel it’s insulting to them as a consumer and have decided to buy super fakes that have just as good quality at a much lower cost. Even look at Dior. Where the cost to make the bag exponentially less than what they are selling it for
There are other things that require money into Dior bags. The 57$ are just one part of their cost. They are a legitimate company with a lot of expenses, whilst counterfeit "companies" are illegal and the money they earn is not going to where it's supposed to be going.
I hate hate counterfeit products, and then to see them selling the used fakes is scary because you know someone else will buy it and resell it and will most likely not disclose or not even know/realize it is fake... it makes me feel so gross and scummy
One and only time I bought anything fake as a Cartier love bracelet to see if I’d like wearing the real thing before I paid &6k. I was tempted by the real thing bc for as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted a bracelet I don’t ever have to take off. But I have tiny wrists, and the only ones I could find were from a few luxury brands. I wore it for a while and realized that screw thing inside the bracelet was so uncomfortable. I knew I’d never buy the real thing. So I took it off and saved myself $6k.
Great video, love the content! Just wanted to add a perspective about personality traits: what about people who buy both, authentic and fake, high end and cheap no name bags. What does it say about their personality? I wouldn’t read too much into personalities just based on what type of bags someone is buying.
You said something about how social media makes people care more about appearances than authenticity. That’s not true, but there’s a really weird spin on it. Young people care a TON about authenticity. But what’s strange about how it manifests in social media is that it’s about the APPEARANCE of authenticity. So you don’t have to be authentic, you only have to look authentic.
Dear Caitlin,I have never desired a designer bags because nobody would actually believe it is a real one. And I would never buy a fake because of the law and more importantly it would not make me happy. I come to holidays to Türkiye every year and it is every where there. Tourists buying and wearing these and it makes me wondering if they are really satisfied with these because you can see the quality is different. I love Furla bags, I know this is not going to impress anyone but they are good quality and nobody things I bought a fake one although fakes of especially Metropolis exists. Excuse my english, i am not native english but i did my best to explain where I stand. Regards from the Czech republic 💐
For me personally I can not have a fake designer item. I live in Dubai and every second person here wears designer bags/jewelry, I heard it’s a big market of fake items here but I never even seen it . The other good side of living here you always have friends working in luxury and you have access to staff sales and discounts, that’s why I do have quite a big designer bags collection.
I think one of the reasons a lot of ppl, especially young ppl, believe that celebrities or influencers own authentic items is bc it's believed they can afford them.
I learned years ago that you can get hold of the manufacturing warehouses and get designer shoes, bags, etc.. before the logo's are put on for a fraction of the price. But I've never cared about the logo's I prefer durability
Counterfeits are becoming normalized whether we like it or not. Western cities are becoming increasingly unsafe and it is understandable that people don’t want to take their expensive investment bags everywhere. Younger generations have little to no hope of ever amassing the wealth needed to pay for the real items. We can dislike it all we want but that is what’s happening.
The counterfeit industry is solely the reason why I will never buy a Louis Vuitton bag even though I love the aesthetic of their bags. Every LV bag I ever see makes me instantly think 'fake'.
I have a real LV. I bought it in the Las Vegas LV store in the Caesar’s Forum shops. I still have the receipt, the dust bag, etc. All that being said, I carried it until Covid hit, and then I put it up in my closet where it still is to this day. When Covid first hit, it was being touted as this super killer virus being spread quickly, and everyone I knew was disinfecting their groceries item by item with Clorox wipes before they brought them into their homes. I didn’t want to disinfect my LV bag every time I carried it so I put it up, and started carrying a simple crossbody bag that stayed on my body. I don’t think I’ll ever go back to carrying it bc I’ve really come to like that my crossbody purse is always on my body under my control. I wanted it really bad when I bought it, but now I rarely think about it unless I watch a video such as this one. If I had a chance to go back in time, I’d make a different decision and save the money it cost me tbh.
When I buy an LV bag, I buy it for my own pleasure, not for what other people might think of me. I will not lose sleep if other people think my bag is fake. I am enjoying my LV bag, and that's all that matters to me 😊
But it's not about others, it's about you! The feeling of having the real thing is not in the least bit similar to having a fake. Who cares if they think it's fake when you know it isn't. You saved for it, and made it happen. I actually prefer if random people think it's fake. My people know.
I have a few vintage designer bags, but there are no visible logos. The materials and construction are beautiful. One is a simple and classic black Gucci crossbody that’s is 40 years old and looks new!! The only indication is the tiny logo on the tiny zipper pull. You’d need a magnifying glass to see it. And I spent maybe $250? It’s a bag that will last me forever.
Real or fake doesn’t matter. What matters is how do you feel about yourself on the inside? Real or fake designer products can never fill the holes in people’s self esteem. 😢 Ask yourself this question before buying something that you really don’t need: If I knew that I was going to die in one week, does this thing actually fulfill a purpose? Does it REALLY make me feel better? Honestly, if you answer ‘yes’ I suspect that it’s the dopamine hits that you’re looking for. I agree that SM is definitely influencing the mind to consume and creating a society of narcissists. The decision to buy real or fake is part of the narcissistic traits because all it’s about is the great and glorious ‘ME!’ The companies that feed off of consumers want you to think that the over priced crap is something to behold. It literally beholdens you to their program of better than. If you buy this bag it makes you better than the person who doesn’t have it. Bottom line. They made it up (Luxury) and people follow it 😂. In some circles that’s called being a sucker. Yikes!! Perception my dear Watson, perception.
for me I have 3 fakes only because I really liked the design and if I would buy the real thing that would cost me like 7 months salary in Egypt all of my salary for a whole year and even if I saved up and bought the real thing I would be so scared to use it and won't enjoy it and luxury brands are not so ethical either
it's normal because who can pay $10,000 for a handbag? my family make a decent living, but we are not lawyers or in finance. i have kids, and there is just no way! maybe $500-$1000 for a nice bag once every few years (well maybe not even that frequently), ok, now when i'm in that budget, it opens the world up to the super fakes. besides, once you spend $5,000 plus on a bag you can't use it! sure, i can save a hand bag for nicer events, but i don't want to be terrified every time i take it out that i might get a mark on it.
whats the point of buying luxury if u can get the same thing for way cheaper maybe even from the same factory? like do you really think your bags are made by skilled workers with sustainable materials? no! its minimum wage either in asia or eastern europe! i literally know theres a place that makes LEGIT burberry in my town and guess what... the workers arent exactly affluent and mostly earn pocket income by taking stuff and selling secondhand bc then THEY actually see the income the bag makes. luxury is a scam. but honestly i would say support original brands from smaller countries, yes even the ones you think are shitty like china. dupes are just not worth it
like how do u think my mom can buy a burberry coat for 100$ when the original is at least 10 times that... its because its not fucking worth that much!!!
AAA fakes are basically nearly impossible to authenticate anymore. AA is difficult and A is something most professional authenticators can actually see the differences. The AAA fakes can actually be better quality than the authentic item because the quality with most brands has plummeted. From what I've seen from comments with these youtubers that promote fake bag sellers, "I want the look" is what people keep saying. They want to look rich, but they mostly go for items that aren't even regarded that high end anymore (like LV MC), but it's what people they hang out with recognize. 🤷♀
Check out the authentication courses specializing in Hermes, Dior, Prada and more with 15% OFF using my code CAITLIN15: bit.ly/3T4Hxna 😊
Just to let you know! I'm not sure why, but the code doesn't seem to be working!
I adore your sweater 😻
40:00 The paper itself already gave me red flags! It looked as fake as it could be!
I love this. I’m a luxe shopper and love high quality goods. However, high quality doesn’t mean it needs to be high priced. I always go for *suluxy* , their quality is great. Great video.
I was originally thinking of getting a YSL Hobo but *esluxy* changed my mind and now I’m sure this is my next Sunset bag purchase
Working for Burberry made me realize that none of these luxury items are worth the price. They all break the same as quality is poor.
and then EU puts fines in Shein and Temu but Dior, Burberry, Louis Vuitton might follow the same practice. Not to mention, that some of these brands burn the remaining stock instead of selling it as outlet products....
Really? Coach bag I bought from their outlet store 10 yrs ago still looks very good, no peeling no tarnishing on the hardware. And it’s very affordable. I hope my other higher end designer will age like that too.
That might just be a Burberry problem 😂
@@anggiaangela4810I’ve had designer and mid level pieces that look amazing after decades . Can’t speak for Burberry quality . Quality has gone down every where , but I don’t think it’s like shein quality , people just want to feel better about choosing the less ethical option lol
Love the way *hotdups* presents! You really put a lot of focus into presenting the bag. I don’t think there is any other UA-camr who can present a bag in as much detail as you do.
Maybe the originals are overvalued 😂😂😂
And embarrassingly undermade
Absolutely
TOTALLY!!!! 😂
Agreed!
And have huge mark up percentages... like all I can think about it make up us a few pennies per oan and we pay so so high mark ups.....I think we're starting to realize that clothing, purses, etc are the same
I don’t want designer- I want quality. Designer is no longer synonymous with quality these days.
I don’t actually care for a logo anyway. I think it looks cheap and screams, “LOOK AT ME! PLEASE THINK I HAVE MONEY!”
Totally 💯!!! I prefer to buy a good leather purse 👜 made by an artisan then go in debt 💸 just to have a “luxury bag”
In my experience the ones who are looking like they have money are usually the ones that are in debt
I agree, but if you listen to Caitlin's points, she gets other value from the whole luxury bag buying/owning experience. I'm on your side, so I can't really argue her points well, but she does go over them in this video.
@@judithvictoria3109 yesss i paid a good amount of money for a very good "no brand" leather purse and it looks pristine 5 years later. also the designs are soooooo much better and there's such attention for detail because the person making them actually cares!
Yes! When the lady was asking if you like the style or the logo in the video, I thought the YSL was ugly, but the dupe of the Birkin I liked better than the Birkin. I have a dupe and I use that more than the designer stuff I have. Quality is more important to me.
If you actually research the history of luxury, luxury meant items that were 100% cotton, silk and so forth. Luxury was about the craftsmanship.
Then luxury became commercialized. It went from being about craftsmanship to about exclusion.
This is why when you look at the top 1% they're not wearing hermes, Chanel or any of that other stuff. They're going directly to the leathersmith, with their own designs and that leathersmith is making exactly what they want. They're going directly to the cobbler, to get their shoes made.
They go directly to the source. Companies like chanel, Gucci and Prada, they're the middle man.
If you can afford a SLG such as a wallet or a belt made from real leather, you can actually go directly to a leathersmith, and have these items made to your design specifics. And it's cheaper.
In the past, a brand signified a level of quality - and yes, that could be high or middle or low quality. Now, that is not so true. So part of this is that we haven't caught up with the changes in the market - the quality differences have become less clear and smaller overall.
Yes! This! Someone is way too stuck on the name
Exactly!!!!
@@heavenj7
Technically, you can carry your crap in a plastic grocery bag. The reason most people don’t is because of how they would be perceived by others.
You know it!
Shop local. Fake designer gear still cost hundreds of dollars so the money you would spend on a fake luxury bag you could use supporting local craftsmen and designers.
💯
this!!! i actually really liked the dior saddle bag that was shown in this video and looked around to see what the counterfeits were like. there's an independent leatherworker who i love and follow all of her work/videos, and her bags are priced like $500-700 because she handmakes them and shows process videos all of the time. while contemplating if i should spend $20 on something made in what is likely a slave sweatshop, or save up to buy something that will last from an independent artist, the consumerism really fades away! i will definitely save up because the artist's work will definitely LAST, too.
Or actually go to thrift stores or pawn shops or consignment stores. You can actually get nice quality stuff for good prices at those places
For a long time, as Chanel prices have risen, I no longer thought I could afford it. I think I would be happy to have a *esluxy* as a travel bag that I don't have to take care of. By the way, I'm sure no one would have a hard time telling the difference. Thanks for the comparison.
I think luxury kind of destroyed itself. If Dior is spending 54 to manufacture a 3k bag using slave labor. What’s the difference between that and a good fake? They are also making lots of trendy pieces at questionable quality for higher and higher prices. I lost interest in it for these reasons. I have mixed feelings on carrying my own luxury bags now.
I have recommended it to my friends many times *preluxz* bags.
Most luxury brands no longer authenticate in store because of how good the superfakes are now.
Wow.. that's crazy!!
It was difficult 20 years ago, and yes, super fakes have been around for decades.
I work in LV, this is incorrect. We are trained how to spot fakes, it’s not that difficult. Even the “1:1” or “super fakes” can be authenticated by inspecting.
@@Mullaa-uj4kg
That sounds so silly to me. OMG what did society do prior to the INVASION of designer brands? 😂
Naah...I think the value rose for the designer's bag
A bag is not an investment. Smart people with that kind of money buy jewelry, or straight up gold. No brand is that amazing to justify those prices.
😵💫Jewelry doesn’t hold its value . Gold does sure but go jewelry no. Unless u own some named jewelry ..r u a dead Russian princess or Art Deco dead artist?
Stocks and shares and bonds in index funds. That is an investment.
Truth
Actually a Birkin is touted as a better investment than gold, the second you walk out from the store its value goes up
Absolutely!! They are buying art which will appreciate in value over time.
I tried to wear fake items but I ended up getting rid of them because it felt so weird to me. I prefer now buying something unique that’s in my budget rather than a fake luxury piece.
Good you got rid of it. People who wear fakes counterfeit items are pretenders. Just get a unique bag.
@@melinehoff this is what I prefer. And it’s more unique! But I found this tone Soo judgey yikes 😱 like the comment before mine 😅 I think I learned from this? I’m so glad I grew up and came from NO money. And worked my way up in life being first one to go to college and grad school..I’ve gone from poor to ok! And back again…but I’ve never judged others 🤷♀️
Agree 100%
Same
Same
Surprisingly, I don't mind if someone buys a replica bag. If someone is a nurse or a teacher or even sales associate who dreams of Chanel or Birkin, but they don't make so much money or don't have a rich family, if this purchase will make them happy, that's what matters. Even if I know that I paid 10k dollars for the same bag, but she paid 500 - it doesn't trigger me at all. Not a big deal.
I love my super fake Birkin. 😂😂😂
Beautiful Chanel bag, sis! And great info! I haven’t bought one yet but would love to! Again, great info about the *esluxy* ! Thanks for sharing!
I’m having a big moral crisis since the Dior story came out, before that I judged fakes harshly because the labor was untraceable…. The labor aspect was luxuries strongest selling point for me. It occurred to me after the Dior exposé, that I’d never even looked into labor, when I’ve bought luxury designers, like I do when buying contemporary and midrange brands. I obviously still won’t buy fakes…. But I’m not as judgy about that aspect anymore.
Lol
So here’s the thing about fake bags that no one seems to talk about because its implications about class, and your economic standing? When I see a person who is wearing average fashion (say, something recognizable from Walmart) carrying a Hermes bag-there’s a moment of recognition and understanding that it’s fake. But, were I walking in a highly affluent area and I saw a person dressed in higher-end clothing; then I’d struggle to identify if the bag were real or fake. My point being, that even with FAKE luxury items there’s still a hierarchy, and there’s still a sense of entitlement. Fake luxury goods aren’t made for the “poor”-they’re made for the mids, and the wealthy who are trying to skate by.
You know I used think about this when I am wearing my authentic luxe goods. I wonder if my Gap or old navy clothing makes my authentic bag look fake 😂 but I also recognize that I dress well despite where I get my clothes for and it's not my problem if someone assumes my stuff aren't authentic 🤷🏻♀️
You can't tell a book by it's cover! I've known wealthy, have been there. Some aren't interested in those expensive things. Other things are more important. Oh, but it's handmade. So is everything. Someone is sitting there at a sewing machine sewing that leather. You can't take it with you. But if you want to be "in" then waste your money!
My weight goes up and down so I buy cheaper clothes and spend my money on authentic bags and shoes. Ive no issues if people think my bag is fake. Sometimes its a blessing if they do
Big big facts!
Uh oh. I totally wear Joe Fresh clothing and carry (authentic) designer bags lol. (I only have 3, it's not like I"m a collector.)
Why should i feel that i have accomplished something by owning a real hermes bag. Its just a f%&^ing bag. Its marketing. I would say that I am an idiot to spend £15k on bag. Give me the dupe or superfake anyday. I will have £14k change and I wont feel like an accomplished sucker for buying into the hype.
GREAT POINT! I wish I thought of this too lol. Accomplishment are working your way into the top ranks of your company, or after years of infertility, you finally are able to have a baby (😊 me!). It's about the things you've achieved and sacrificed to provide a better life for yourself (and for your family, depending on your goals and situation).
A bag will never compare to experiences, like the family we worked so hard to create, and now to nurture into adulthood and watch them become a positive contribution to society.
Exactly this is a sad mindset to have.
Personally I’d rather have neither and buy something that’s quality and ethical. I understand saving up for a high quality slow fashion piece that will last for decades and bring pleased with it.
If luxury brands aren’t offering actual quality and are making products as unethically as counterfeits I don’t understand the allure. It’s not luxury, it’s BS.
That’s a good one , accomplished sucker 😂.
There is NOT a single purse / bag, watch, dress, shoe that justisfies a price tag which is basically half the price of a car.
Buying any product that didn’t involve paying everyone at least minimum wage is not the solution and not a flex .
So why buy a fake, just buy a unique design. I don’t understand people who buy counterfeit. It’s projects fake.
@@baby.nay. babe these "luxury" brands aren’t paying their workers minimum wage
It all depends on what you love. I love handbags so there’s value in them for me. They make me happy and that’s all that matters.
@@evie7601depends... but the counterfeit industry doesn't also... there are other brands around that do - but they don't brag with a logo...
I think women feel they have been swindled for a long time by the % of markup on luxury items, particularly bags, and especially in the last several years. I watch a UA-cam channel of a guy who deconstructs luxury bags and then tells what the cost of the materials are…it was eye opening. I had always assumed that I was paying for the extremely high quality materials, which sadly isn’t the case. I feel stupid now every time I even consider buying a designer bag. I bought a Teddy Blake bag that I think for the price has far better leather quality than most of the designer bags I own.
absolutely this! you cannot convince me that a chanel flap is worth 10k. it is not. it just isn't. sure, they may be made of out nice leather, but there is no leather that justifies more than maybe $1000 for a regular sized handbag.
Don't forget about Dior's $57 value bags
Men too with their watches tho
I like my Teddy Blake bags. Buying the dupe of the Hermes made me lose interest completely in having Hermes.
Teddy Blake makes really nice quality bags!
Personality traits of buying fakes:
Value conscious: Dior makes a well known bag design for only $57... And you're paying thousands for it, and for a label that only provides social status as a value. They are paying a couple hundred. Who's more conscious of value?
Integrity and Justice: Are you joking? Do a Dior unboxing right now. Tell me how many people in the comments will believe you have integrity and a sense of justice after that. See how many call YOU "morally bankrupt". And everyone knows, it's not just Dior who is doing these practices. Or are we just going to ignore what we were ALL saying just a few months ago in order to feel morally superior now?
Personal gratification: You "revere" owning a luxury bag that is not worth a fraction of the price you're paying for it, and ignoring the opportunity cost of putting that money in your retirement or towards your childrens education instead, all while claiming this bag is "an investment". No it's not. Don't kid yourself. You could have also made an "investment" into your community by buying from a local artisan or at a arts festival, but you chose to support LVMH. 😂
Status consumption:
Why did you buy the original? Probably for the same reason someone bought the fake, right? No difference at all.
I'm not trying to be harsh but it needs to be said *clearly*. Every time Caitlin does a video on this topic, she claims to not judge people for buying fakes and then spends 47 minutes and 32 seconds (for example) bashing normal people by using literally the most extreme examples of haul influencers, or the idea of "buying a whole wardrobe overnight". It is out of touch to believe that normal people are doing either of those things. Most buyers want a specific design that they can't find else where and they know it's not worth $4k+, which means that most people own regular bags and a few counterfeits but get lumped into the same pit as the worst examples. Should we lump designer bags buyers into the same extreme examples and "gluttonous" stereotypes?
Before you get offended, just think about it a bit. All the things we learned about the Dior scandal, do you feel "proud" when you look at those bags now? Did you feel "proud" of your Balenciaga products after they came out in support of child @bu$€?
100% agree with every single one of your points - they were the exact thoughts I had when watching. This whole video felt uncomfortably classist and hypocritical to me.
I mean she's doing this kind of vid once in a while to gain traffic lol, always the same thoughts and she's quite hyp0cr1tical so take it with a grain of salt
100%
Everything she said basically meant that people who buy superfakes are engaging in overconsumption. As if superfakes is some sort of fast fashion brand. What is cheap about buying a $500 bag? Whats so "fast fashion" about it? Educate me please
On a serious note, I feel like she might be coping. And I totally understand why... :(
Agreed! I came across this channel a few days ago and watched her hot take on Ozempic and she kind of had the same tone as she does here, just two different topics. I find this video kind of classist and biased. She admits to being “tempted” by faux Hermes, but then goes on to contradict herself minutes later. It’s laughable. Something tells me she DOES look down upon people who have counterfeit items, or even duped. Maybe it’s because she’s been duped into spending thousands on meaningless items?
When I was in high school, I had a real Gucci bag, and two real Gucci watches.....that my mother paid for. It was easy to spend someone else's money, but there was absolutely no reason for me to have those. Now the most designer thing I have is a second hand Coach crossbody bag. It's not that I can't afford a luxury bag now, but I would rather spend my money elsewhere. In my mind, if you're buying a bag (or car, or shoes, or clothes, or jewely) that's that expensive, I expect the see the lifestyle backing it up. I've seen a lot of people spend money on these status symbols when they're struggling to pay bills. But I guess if you really have to have something, I would rather see someone with a fake, who can also feed their children and pay their bills.
Caitlin for me it's the money 100%. I own a couple of designer handbags and a couple of super fakes. The difference in quality is minuscule, and it doesn't justify the jump in price for thousands of dollars in price.
I like my money inside my handbag or bank.
where do u find good replicas?
An ex-gf had a store that sold used luxury handbags, so she went through training around detecting fakes etc. She herself had real luxury handbags. She was quite good at detecting them - from her tests in the courses, but she noticed that the fakes were becoming extremely, extremely good - yes, you can look inside the bag and still be fooled. It has started to be the absolute smallest details that are extremely slightly different.
For some Hermes pieces it was down to the thickness of the font used in the stamp that’s only detectable with a magnifying glass. I think another was the correct color and thickness of the thread combined with the year of production for certain bags plus the leather type and color had to match the year of production. It’s crazy how good the fakes are.
@@jessicahudson3085It’s the hardware that no one has been able to replicate on Hermes. The pearling is their own method and it’s what I look at first.
I think it's more so that we've learned luxury doesn't equate to quality anymore. We've realized that women in particular are paying mark ups of 10,000% on mid leather at best. It's really made us rethink the value we attribute to things overall especially with finding out the materials and labor aren't even paid reasonably. I also think with the creation of the internet, we've now got so much ability to buy direct from the people that make the goods anyways so why not cut out the mark up and the middle man.
I own a couple real bags and a couple counterfeit bags, the counterfits came out of the box smelling and looking exactly like my real bags.... Nobody can tell the difference ... And now i have stopped shopping altogether because i own too much stuff but seriously i feel duped by luxury because damm you can get the same thing for a quarter of the price.....
I'm right there with you, in the exact same boat. When I have to build more shelving to store more stuff, it is time to stop. The really good fakes are literally the same. I love my bags, both the reals and fakes, because I actually use them and they fit my lifestyle. Btw, my sisters name is Kayla!
Agree 💯
I get the same joy opening a fake and the real.😂
Omg, exactly.
@@kayleigh3310😂😂😂
@@beckygonzalez4048 I promise you they perform the exact same way.
If the design is the same, and the quality is the same (or better in some cases unfortunately) I see how the line between “real” and “fake” is BLURRY LOL
The problem is whether we want trademarks to matter. Businesses depend on trademark - luxury isn't the only place.
I used to be soooo against fakes, but as long as someone isn’t buying them in excess, I don’t really care anymore. There are some Etsy sellers that hand make fakes, and I have not bought one (yet, anyway), but I have not bought a real bag recently either mainly due to the price increases + horrible quality issues. At this point I think I might feel more morally corrupted spending almost 10k on a purse that is made in a sweatshop with borderline slave labor… like there’s nothing “just” about that imo
Couldn’t agree more! These brands have made their money and now they’re just exploiting and insulting, loyal customers with the terrible quality and price increases.
@@Bananass92 exactly!! If we need a whole course to differentiate between authentic bags and fake ones, that’s realllly saying something 🤦🏻♀️
@@chrissylekas👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
You can also look into the pre-loved market. You can find gems in this market. I would rather buy pre-loved than fake. But that's just me 🤷
For a long time, as Chanel prices went up, I no longer thought I could afford it. I think I will be happy that I have the *HOTDUPS* as my travel bag, I don't need to take care of it. By the way, I am sure no one will have a hard time telling the difference. Thanks for the comparison.
No purse is worth thousands of dollars. Talk to yourself about your own self-esteem and why you would rather have someone else's name on your purse when you could pay a few hundred dollars to have a real artist make you a one of a kind handbag with your own name or design.
Exactly! I'd rather support small businesses on Etsy
Exactly!!!
As an interesting motivational point to do that….. Apparently there were some 50s handbags that literally unfolded into a mini vanity mirror and all. Custom creation gives you all kinds of fabulous and fun options.
Maybe I'm just not that into handbags but what I don't get is, how would it not be so much cooler to have lovely unique, top-quality bespoke bag from a smaller/lesser known band/designer/craftsperson, than something with a fake label on it no matter how good the quality or imitation may be? 🥴
Because the fake can be cool lovely looking too and cheap that’s y. It’s not hard to figure out
My thoughts exactly. Well Said. i prefer the bespoke unique.
And at least you’re supporting a small business
I totally agree
Where did you find bespoker?
Luxury has been fast fashion for a while now. Lv releasing new collection every month, Chanel has 10+ runway shows a year, and creative directors leaving and finding new employment every other year. So luxury isn't that luxe anymore.
The logos both hold immense power and at the same time are almost worthless to the consumer. If the logo had actual worth, the fake would not be an attractive option because despite appearing similar there would be some valuable immutable quality it did not possess by virtue of being fake. However, its often seems to consumers that what separates fakes vs authentic items is only a paper trail documenting the origin- its not the quality of the materials, quality of the workmanship, or usefulness of the item. If the only real tangible difference between bag A costing $3k and an identical appearing bag B costing $200 is the presence of a proof of purchase from an authorized retailer, most people wont care. The brand logo is what holds value, not the actual physical branded items the brand produces. I think luxury brands are at fault for pinching pennies on quality and workmanship while at the same time astronomically increasing prices. The value proposition is no longer fair.
Great video! Super informative and great tips! I have the Caviar WOC and the Black Lambskin Trendy CC. Although I like both leathers, I prefer the lambskin, but my heart just loves the look and feel of lambskin! When I went to buy my Jumbo Classic Flap Bag, I did a lot of research and ultimately decided on the lambskin for aesthetic reasons (and the weight difference you mentioned). I am very happy with my decision *HOTDUPS*
I own authentic Hermes, Loewe, Gucci etc… the quality of these items now is so disappointing. I have a few friends who’ve bought hand made Hermes replicas and they are the same. I have an unbranded Hermes dupe that was hand made by an ex Hermes worker, it’s 100% perfection. I won’t stop buying the real things, but I am also 100% open to high end dupes or replicas. I don’t really care about anyone’s opinions.
Do you think that Teddy Blake bags are similar since you own a authentic Hermes
because dior is making a bag for $50 and selling it for 100x the price, when I can get it for $70 and I don’t have the pressure of keeping it pristine and being scared to even take it out in public
All these *esluxy* bags are super pretty!
For fall, this tea-colored *esluxy* bag would be so cute with nude, tan, or even tonal clothing! I’d pair a tan wool coat with that bag!
The *HOTDUPS* bags are well made. They are comfortable to carry on your shoulders. You can fit quite a bit of stuff in them! So awesome! I loved them so much I bought a few as gifts, I got the turquoise and brown!
buying a counterfeit purse for a fraction of the price is not unethical when the real thing is unethically charging ridiculous amounts of money for something because they say so. supply and demand, if the demand is artificial i fail to see the issue in ruining that system. actually i think its a pretty ethical, morally good thing to protest against the companies charging more for artificial scarcity.
I think the best way to protest is NOT to buy them.
Buying counterfeits is supporting criminals stealing logo's that are not their's and making money off them.
I agree that the prices are ridiculous. So better buy a dupe, than a counterfeit.
@@lilylillux dawg, stealing a what? a logo? you cant be serious. If the only thing they stole was a logo id be even more surprised, they stole what most would consider to be art and made money on it.
My argument is the "price" to create that art is inflated because of a bogus market based on artificial scarcity and marketing rhetoric. The best way to protest the common business practices of artificial scarcity and high prices based on a name is to buy these still hand crafted counterfeits for a realistic price and be happy with the end product you have.
Which is something to add to your wardrobe, that i would argue is definitely art when put together as an outfit by the end user and that is the only art that matters here. Unless youre buying real one-off, well thought out pruses for thousands of dollars from the artist who created them, you are just buying the logo like YOU implied and that is just such a scam in modern day consumerica that it oughta be illegal.
honestly people buying just for the logo is to fashion what counterfeits are to brands. Its better to support some local girl making purses out of recycled saddles anyway. rage against the big fashion machine.
@@its_notta_cedar stealing a logo is the least thing they are doing. Buying their superfakes finance things you would find more than unethical. It's illegal for a reason.
No one is forcing you to pay the ridiculous price. It's not like your life is depending on a bag, and it's too expensive for you to save your life with it. You have the pre-loved market, you have dupes, and you have branded high quality bags to make your end appearance. If you are buying a superfake, you're buying it because of the logo. Pretending it's something it's not, pretending your something your not, while giving your money to financing terrorists, kidnappers, drug market, and what else not. I assure you the "local girl", giving an innocent appearance, is not the one making superfakes.
I do see your point, though. Not buying the real thing as a protest against the insane prices...it could work. I'd just rather buy the dupe.
With all due respect, the "fake" or counterfeit market is a completely reasonable reaction to these ridiculously priced "luxury" goods.
These "status" items or whatever you call them and the way people worship them is weird AF anyway.
@@petitefleurici I am.
I appreciate your honesty about the draw of exclusivity and the logos and whatnot. I always thought I just loved the designs and the logos didn’t matter, but then I feel in love with the Gucci Diana mini tote- it is way out of my price range so I looked for dupes. They just didn’t have the same magic. I had to admit to myself that the brand does matter, the logo does matter. As much as I didn’t want to admit it.
I think those tik tok influencers are the worst thing that happened to lyxury brands, bc they make those bags look very cheap. I would rather invest into a smaller niche brand, which still has a great quality and wear it for years to come.
I completely agree - wether liking the Gucci logo, the Hermés game, spending less, spending more - nothing of it inherently makes anyone a bad person.
It's absolutely crazy how judgmental people are!
I've seen both Birkin girlies bragging, but also people looking down on girlies who own designer bags - crazy how we can't just let different things have different worth to different people.
Somehow I never see men being scrutinized about the value of the cars, speakers, tvs or watches they buy on the same level- it's as if society can't let women just exist on their own terms.
Personally, the reason I wouldn't buy fakes is the same as why i wouldn't buy any other brand - If the supply chain is not transparent and they don't have sustainability commitments - then it's a no go.
Real fashion girlies think birkins are a mark of an unfashionable person .
I agree , the fake could be made of lead infused polyurethane . I don’t want to buy something that likely involved underpaying people.
Cope harder my dear
@@canesugar911 Some people collect expensive collectible cards, stamps, coins, plastic figures, sneakers, sports paraphenalia, even videogame characters that are thousands of dollars each - A expensive golf club has a higher mark-up than a Gucci bag but it's only the girlies being called delulu 🥱
No points in fakes cause you'll never be able to fool the most important person in your life... YOURSELF!
Agreed
Owning a luxury handbag is NOT an accomplishment. I chuckled when you said owning a fake luxury bag does not give you the same feeling of accomplishment as owning the real one.
Stop making the luxury handbag owners wealthy; invest your hard earned money. You will feel real accomplishment doing it.
We should wear fashion and not a name to feel good.
Can’t do a fake. I’d rather just not have one at all then.
Yes, fully agree.
I love my authentic bags but I will not buy anymore. I'm done for now. If I want more I will sell what I have.
I stand behind the words of Run DMC:
Calvin Klein ain't no friend of mine don't want nobody's name on my behind. I don't understand the obsession with brands. And, in 1994, when I graduated high school I was accepted into FIDM to be a buyer. Man am I happy I chose a different career path!!
😂😂😂 love it
If you buy a logo it’s not luxury. Luxury nowadays is when you have medical care when you need it, if you have access to high quality food, if you sleep on high quality pillows, if you go on a trip when you want to and go where you want. High quality silk shirt is as expensive as a bag and good luck finding a decent fake )) Those “influencers” are not just pushing fake bags for their own profit, they’re selling fake dreams and values. Bag with logo does not provide a quality of life.
Just moved back to the states after living in South Korea for 2 years. When I say I’ve seen some VERY convincing fakes. It’s crazy. Personally not for me, but I won’t lie they look good these days. And the amount of people that carry them?! I stopped trying to guess who’s was real or fake a long time ago.
Why would you try to tell real from fake?
I purchase super reps. One of the many reasons why I buy them, is because I’m a handbag nerd. After years of collecting authentic bags, I fell into the rep rabbit hole after reading crazy rich Asians. Realizing that even the wealthy buy them, my interest was picked. Honestly, the super reps are SO good that I can’t ever go back. For me, it’s not about seeming rich, it’s rather about playing dress up. I grew up watching Sex and the City and Gossip Girl. Fashion is a big part of my identity. If people ask me if my bag is real (happens very rarely) I tell them the truth. I have no shame because I don’t find owning reps shameful. I think we forget that in the end these things are just that, things.
where do u get said super reps
Yes plz share!
I would suggest starting on Reddit. But if anyone needs guidance feel free to reach out to me
Lol the whole time I was watching this I was thinking of Carrie and Samantha and the fake Fendi bags
Imagine giving your assistant 10k to go buy you something and they show up with a really good fake, and pocketing the change. Two months later the cops are raiding your house
That’s why when getting something valuable get up from the couch and do it yourself, trust no one but yourself with your money.
If you got 10k to buy a random bag, you probably don't really care what happens to the rest of the money.
@@Pastasalada
Yes, but keep in mind that buying a luxury bag means almost nothing since the quality isn't there, and Dior paid like $50 to make a 2k bag. So really that assistant was doing someone a favor.
@@vvitch-mist20 most likely not but they’d care if they found out by getting called out on camera for having a fake bag
@@Elfie1107 If you care THAT much about having a fake bag you have broken priorities. Please go touch grass.
I bought a fake handbag and you are right. The excitement isn't the same you are not proud of it even though it looks real and nice. I was a teenager and learned my lesson.
Sometimes people just can’t afford the real thing so having a fake is enough to make them happy
Buy gold, land, proprety, and invest in stocks... Also buy a superfake hermes if it makes you happy and use the money you were going to spend on it for something that directly benefits you and your family's future. These brands do not care about their employees (Dior) or their customers ( Chanel used to have all the hardware in solid gold and now its just gold plated). Their quality is going down while the prices are going up. Buy the fakes and invest your money elsewhere. Pro tip: if you have great style no one will know LOOL.
and best of all! find local artisans that will create the bags, shoes and clothes you like and work with them and their small business :)
You have a point. I would just correct you where you wrote "buy a superfake" and write: buy a dupe!
I want to share how this counterfeit business goes even further into less-expensive brands, just to make the point about how ridiculous this gets; In Harajuku (Japan) there has been a fashion sub-style called "Gothic Lolita" or EGL (Elegant Gothic Lolita) for several decades. It is mostly centered around elaborate dresses made of yards of material, custom-printed fabric and even customer-made lace trim and buttons. The brands associated with this style are very small companies and all their pieces are limited run and "expensive" because they cannot manufacture any of it at volume and at the quality level they wish to maintain. So a dress on average, brand new, is between $190 USD and $350 USD. But if you scroll around on the internet, it's pretty easy to find identical dresses on "odd websites" for $50 US and $150 USD (the "high quality replicas"). So within a niche fashion, with an incredibly tiny consumer base willing to buy and wear these pieces, there is a HUGE market of counterfeits being sold by third parties. Earlier I mentioned the custom printed-fabrics; any custom-print fabric is copyright protected internationally because the print is a piece of "art" that can be protected (where as the cut of the material; the pattern/construction of a garment cannot be copyrighted) but even then there have been multiple cases of counterfeit-makers literally stealing old or incomplete PDF files from these small brands to then copy the custom-print exactly.
I would really urge anyone who reads this to try and not buy fakes; there is an unhealthy mentality being expressed by the counterfeiters themselves; they are aggressively going out of their way to steal the work, effort and creativity of others. It doesn't matter what the original price point of the object is; it is not good to reward people who relentlessly take from others and try to avoid putting in the legitimate work to accomplish success without stepping on others. Everyone who makes fake items literally have full-access to just make their own product; they are choosing instead to steal / leech off of someone else's efforts. The tiny Japanese brands that focus on this tiny sub-culture fashion do struggle to keep the lights on year in and year out; they keep a brave face and do not only discuss it but fakes are hurting them badly. I imagine for luxury it does not hurt their bottom line directly, but it will eventually hurt their public image by diluting the symbolism or implication of what it means for an object to be associated with their brand.
IMO one of the worst parts of fakes and super fakes is when another consumer is conned buying that bag second-hand thinking they are getting an authentic product. The original buyer is fine paying for a fake at bargain prices but then can possibly resell on a plethora of websites at resale price reflecting an authentic item.
some people get joy out of wearing a bag they like, NOT buying it. To them, the experience is saving and buying a real bag doesn’t entice them as much as owning and wearing a bag that looks like the real bag.
Ppl wearing fakes are SMART . That’s how you stay wealthy! Why do you need to look to a celebrity to signal that something is okay? That’s weak minded. A lot of these items are made in sweatshops. The same sweatshops that make the items sold on Canal street. It’s crazy that a bag makes someone feel accomplished. I have a lot of luxury things I got as gifts but tbh it’s all just fake status that isn’t real if you aren’t in the 1%.
There isn't a single bag that would cost more than $100 to make, think about that when paying $20k for a bag.
I’ll be honest I’ll always buy a dupe or replica your saving money and having quality
I don’t see the point in wearing fakes? I’d rather just live without the item that I can’t afford than walk around feeling like an imposter. I’d also rather support a small local designer who will not only be cheaper, but have much better quality
It's pretty disturbing when these influencers are literally referring to the brands in the video, knowing full well that they're fake. It's false advertising and feels super wrong.
I get so pissed when I watch an unboxing and then i recognize the item is fake. I wish YT would cancel their channels for doing that.
@@HandbagDiva it really is fraud! Akin to like a Ponzi scheme because the ones who lose out are the viewers who are buying fakes.
Openly admitting it’s fake is one thing, but passing it off as the legit brand is way different. People are more impressionable and easily manipulated than we think.
Yes, they are wanting to pretend that they have money and bought the real thing.
The only thing i disagree with your view is when you said the fake manufacturers have employees under horrible conditions, on which the part that i disagree is that the original brands does as well, all the high end brands produce in china and usually have a small final touch in europe to be able to use the ``made in X`` tag, the whole fashion industry fell to their knees to china. The only difference is that the originals mark up their profit for much more.
We don't owe anything to anybody , if we can and will accept everyone for who they are. No one should judge a person on their choices when it is on their body and their budget. There should be no shame .
I love luxury handbags, because I’m a handbag junkie. Up until last week, I was rocking my bags while driving a Kia and wearing Walmart leggings, so folks saying that other items indicate a fake bag are absolutely wrong. Buy what you like and spend as much as you can/want. Life is short! ❤❤
Edit: I can’t in good conscience carry a fake. I tried once and gave it away, because it felt wrong. I would rather save up and only own a few special pieces.
Right! I can’t believe people think just because we have luxury bags we have to dress up every day? I wear my comfy clothes while still carrying one of my luxury bags! Super crazy
@@neebieslittleluxuries YES! 🙌
The concept of a real vs fake bag is so interesting because all the materials can be acquired. Its not like a dish with a secret recipe and unique ingredients. It's leather, brass, cotton, etc. Anyone with enough time, the skill to craft bags in general and access to an original to use as a pattern can gather the materials and replicate it.
Its almost like the only thing keeping the difference between a real and fake bag alive is an "honor system".
Replicating an item is ok. Stealing a logo and putting it on a replicate is what bothers.
I love your nuanced take on the situation. As someone who has worked in luxury goods many of the wealthy people that I’ve come across whether in my career in business or working in luxury, many are of out of touch with the normal everyday person situation and plight. And it can make them feel a sense of entitlement and othering, knowing that they are different than the everyday person. I can understand how every day people would want to feel better about their perceived station in life would want to present themselves in a specific way because whether we want to admit it or not the way you present yourself alters how you are treated. How you look changes the way you are treated and realistically no human being wants to be treated as less than or less worthy. Many want a better perceived quality of life and if we place value on things like this it’s inevitable to the human experience for the masses to want to feel special as well. It’s a survival game. The reality is there is a difference in treatment based on looks and social status and class identifiers. What you look like affects possible opportunities you may get . Many will play the part in order to maybe elevate their living conditions. At its core this is human nature. (Some rise above it and couldn’t care less about designers and status and others just want to equal the playing field of preferential treatment. )
I have worn fake converses before. I was in middle school, it was blue with hearts on it. I loved the design, it was cheap and mom bought it. I did not think it was fake or anything about it other than “I like these shoes” , until my friend came and told me “she saw the writing in the back but it does not have the logo” - I just shrugged and said I did not know, it just came this way. I kept on happily wearing them too.
I also still own a fake bag, I bought it years ago - thinking I loved the color. Now, I realise that it is a fake of a designer and I do feel self conscious about wearing it.
But I think, all the stigma about fakes come from people enjoying designer and this community. Most other people, can still just like something, and buy it. Without even a knowing how much the originals actually cost.
I’d rather have a fake bag. It’s still a functional, beautiful bag at a fraction of the price! I just started the video but seriously if anyone can tell me where to get a fake Gucci Diana mini tote with the monogram and crystals I will be forever grateful 😂
Why not just get something original with the money you would spend on a counterfeit item?
@@emajjamariebecause they’re right. The quality is the same if not sometimes lower than the original product, and the price of the luxury good is not worth the actual product.
@@val834 That's arguable. But, my question is - Why do you want to spend money to pretend to have bought something real and original when you could spend that money on something that's the same price, but not a counterfeit?
Exactly! If I want something I buy the thing i want. If I cant afford it or dont think its worth the price, I move on and buy something else that I think is worth the price. I wouldn't buy counterfeit that steals someone else's design thats gross and inauthentic behavior @emajjamarie
@@emajjamarie because it’s their desire to own that logo on a product, or multiple products. I mean you can think that’s wrong, but it’s still their money and their own ways of approaching the situation 🤷🏻♀️
Personally, I prefer dupes. Generally I don’t want anything because of the brand name but because I like the look. But also I don’t care if other people feel any type of way about designers. There’s so many more important things to care about when it comes to reasons to like/dislike someone vs their clothing habits.
My auntie (who was a CEO and now a founder of a pharma research company) literally wears fake bags. Considering her sizeable income, you'd NEVER believe they're fake. Meanwhile her dumbass niece with 1/8th her income (ME) was out here cashing out on the real deal lol. I don't want fake bags either, but now I don't want any obvious and overtly expensive designer bags. I want incredible quality and my incredible style. This just confirmed to me exactly why I spend my money at smaller, lesser known independent boutiques. Amazing quality, luxurious, worth all my coins and NOT being made replica out of (because hardly anyone knows it).
Pharma… a very ethical industry to begin with.
Your aunt is pouring money into criminal organizations that deal with fake luxury goods to finance their operations. Very ethical, indeed!
The "dumbass" isn't you in this story. But you did make me laugh 😊
Honestly, I have found that once I bought my first authentic bag, I could not even consider a fake or counterfeit, especially after I toured a flagship store and learned about how these specific bags are made and the history of them. I bought a fake once and never actually carried it for the simple fact it was fake and my mind wouldn’t allow me to. It was on a shelf in my closet and once I bought my first authentic one, I trashed the fake.
I buy luxury because of the quality. Once I started to pay more for things (shoes, handbags, clothing) my eyes opened at the difference between items bought at discount stores vs luxury. All of my luxury items have lasted for years, so they pay for themselves down the road. I don't baby them, they get thrown about because I'm a mindless fool (lol) but I know they can withstand it because of the quality.
Am I going into debt over it? No. I'm just fortunate enough to be able to buy them. However I absolutely hate blaring logos. So much so my first luxury purchase was a black on black YSL wallet. That was purchased over 8 years ago and it still looks brand new. My favorite brand is Chanel but I haven't bought new since 2021 when I had to return a WOC because the quality was so horrible and the chain felt like it was 3D printed. All of the chains in my Chanels are heavy but that's because they were created before 2020. After 2020 quality for a lot of bags have dropped, so if I ever want another Chanel in the future, it'll be pre-loved.
I buy (authentic) the same silk thread that supplies Hermes for the creation of their scarves - I use it for embroidery (one of my hobbies).
I'm so tired of these fakes and people pretending to have money they don't have. I would never buy fakes since I was in Italy and was told not to buy them off the street as it goes to the mafia, nope, not doing it! And I don't even have money to buy the original, but I would rather not own any in my life than buy counterfeit. I definitely agree with the traits you presented, I also have a strong sense of justice, maybe that's the problem.
I'm a value for money lady. I'll buy a sub-$300 vintage designer bag in an eclectic style at a rate of about 1/year to get the quality, but I don't do loud logos, it has to be leather, and it has to fill a niche in my collection. I own less than 10 bags total. I feel like I SHOULD be attracted to these fakes because if the quality is really that good, it would be nice to avoid being extorted by luxury brands, but ultimately I get the kind of thing I am looking for without buying new and without supporting terrible labor practices. Imagine, if places like Dior are exploitative, how much worse people selling fakes are.
That being said, it occurs to me that the superfake market is able to get to a level that is almost indistinguishable from the real thing because of a combination of the lowered quality standards and dramatic production cost to consumer price ratio of luxury brands as a whole
I will never support fakes. I had them before, at first look they are 'good' or even 'better',but once you start using it they fall apart fast and some fall apart ugly uugh. I know there's a decline in lux quality and that's why we should be more picky and careful shedding $$ on lux items and if you don't like lux, buy reliable brands. I end up buying dupes and they're way better. So far, my LVs and Chanel are up par but my premium outlet Gucci's and YSL have some hardware and stitching prob😢. A curated or minimal lux collection for a lux lover is a way to go unless you are in business or a collector.
I used to buy Louis Vuitton, for 40 yrs. Now. I enjoyed it a lot..lots of compliments.- those were the days!
I’m Fil am went back to retire in Phil’s. Irs amazing how many counterfeits here openly selling in websites, shops.
Actually, really love it- for people to carry LV T a fraction of a cost. Fashion change, people change, TIME change, ❤❤❤
It's not hurting anyone wearing a fake bag. It's none of anyone's business what people buy or don't buy.
However, I think if it's fake people should be transparent about it. As long as they are truthful people shouldn't judge.
Once people realize that bags are frivolous they tend to buy fake ones. Why spend money if you don’t need too most people can’t tell the difference between real and fake
The good counterfeits that have fooled the realreal and the LV store (I took one of mine in as an experiment and they repaired the bag for me) aren’t purchased on DH Gate. A few years ago I somehow stumbled into this underground online community that focuses on perfecting counterfeits. It blew my mind. They will get a real version of the bag/shoe/ whatever and reproduce it until it’s a mirror image of the original. I wish I could send you a video/photos of what I own from them so you can see the quality difference between that and crap from DH Gate.
And yes I know, a fake is still a fake. But in the world of counterfeits there’s a huge quality spectrum and generally anything you buy from a website like DH Gate is bottom of the barrel.
Man, it's wild how much hype there is around designer bags when they often don’t even match the quality. It's like we're all in this big fashion game, and the rules are a bit rigged! 😂 Just gives you a lot to think about when shopping. The thrill of the chase for that 'must-have' bag can really cloud our judgment. Guess it’s all about what makes you feel good for real! 👜✨
I believe that what's called counterfeits are just extra cheep production lines from the luxury brands. Luxury brands have their own customers who want and can pay large amounts of money but at the same time they know there are other people who want to buy from their brands while they cannot afford these high prices. So let's have other production lines which much much affordable prices for those people. So they're now selling both and controlling the whole market. And I guess the Dior scandal is somehow an example or a proof that this might truly be happening. Luxury brands are controlling the whole industry. It's like "eat yourself before somebody eats you"
This is how I see it now. Cause you can see new limited edition pieces in all brands coming at the same time on both sides of luxury and counterfeits.
Just thoughts 😢
I’d rather get authentic but more affordable brands that still have good quality and functionality than counterfeits
Do you even have proofs that counterfeit support child labor or trafficking and other activities?? Assuming it does and actually having proof are 2 different things.
How do you know the clothing stores you shop from don't practice shady labor practices?
9:57 that mindset is exactly why these brands are successful by giving a sense of accomplishment which is pretty empty and all marketing
I think it is a value conscience due to the fact that luxury isn’t as luxury as it once was. The quality has gone down meanwhile the cost has gone up. There are many women who use to buy authentic and due to the above also feel it’s insulting to them as a consumer and have decided to buy super fakes that have just as good quality at a much lower cost. Even look at Dior. Where the cost to make the bag exponentially less than what they are selling it for
There are other things that require money into Dior bags. The 57$ are just one part of their cost. They are a legitimate company with a lot of expenses, whilst counterfeit "companies" are illegal and the money they earn is not going to where it's supposed to be going.
I hate hate counterfeit products, and then to see them selling the used fakes is scary because you know someone else will buy it and resell it and will most likely not disclose or not even know/realize it is fake... it makes me feel so gross and scummy
One and only time I bought anything fake as a Cartier love bracelet to see if I’d like wearing the real thing before I paid &6k. I was tempted by the real thing bc for as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted a bracelet I don’t ever have to take off. But I have tiny wrists, and the only ones I could find were from a few luxury brands. I wore it for a while and realized that screw thing inside the bracelet was so uncomfortable. I knew I’d never buy the real thing. So I took it off and saved myself $6k.
But I was treated VERY differently while I wore it. It was shocking.
I'll never understand any of this.....what a waste of money all of it is, makes the consumer look like pure idiots
Great video, love the content! Just wanted to add a perspective about personality traits: what about people who buy both, authentic and fake, high end and cheap no name bags. What does it say about their personality? I wouldn’t read too much into personalities just based on what type of bags someone is buying.
You said something about how social media makes people care more about appearances than authenticity. That’s not true, but there’s a really weird spin on it. Young people care a TON about authenticity. But what’s strange about how it manifests in social media is that it’s about the APPEARANCE of authenticity. So you don’t have to be authentic, you only have to look authentic.
The leather for the fakes are raised no differently than the “original”.
Dear Caitlin,I have never desired a designer bags because nobody would actually believe it is a real one. And I would never buy a fake because of the law and more importantly it would not make me happy. I come to holidays to Türkiye every year and it is every where there. Tourists buying and wearing these and it makes me wondering if they are really satisfied with these because you can see the quality is different.
I love Furla bags, I know this is not going to impress anyone but they are good quality and nobody things I bought a fake one although fakes of especially Metropolis exists.
Excuse my english, i am not native english but i did my best to explain where I stand.
Regards from the Czech republic 💐
For me personally I can not have a fake designer item. I live in Dubai and every second person here wears designer bags/jewelry, I heard it’s a big market of fake items here but I never even seen it . The other good side of living here you always have friends working in luxury and you have access to staff sales and discounts, that’s why I do have quite a big designer bags collection.
I think one of the reasons a lot of ppl, especially young ppl, believe that celebrities or influencers own authentic items is bc it's believed they can afford them.
Nowadays, I see, the luxury handbag and luxury obsession as very weak and lacks personality. I'd rather spend my money on my house or vacations.
I learned years ago that you can get hold of the manufacturing warehouses and get designer shoes, bags, etc.. before the logo's are put on for a fraction of the price. But I've never cared about the logo's I prefer durability
Counterfeits are becoming normalized whether we like it or not. Western cities are becoming increasingly unsafe and it is understandable that people don’t want to take their expensive investment bags everywhere. Younger generations have little to no hope of ever amassing the wealth needed to pay for the real items. We can dislike it all we want but that is what’s happening.
How can you say you had the websites for good counterfeits and them say you don't remember them... Lame af
The counterfeit industry is solely the reason why I will never buy a Louis Vuitton bag even though I love the aesthetic of their bags. Every LV bag I ever see makes me instantly think 'fake'.
I have a real LV. I bought it in the Las Vegas LV store in the Caesar’s Forum shops. I still have the receipt, the dust bag, etc. All that being said, I carried it until Covid hit, and then I put it up in my closet where it still is to this day. When Covid first hit, it was being touted as this super killer virus being spread quickly, and everyone I knew was disinfecting their groceries item by item with Clorox wipes before they brought them into their homes. I didn’t want to disinfect my LV bag every time I carried it so I put it up, and started carrying a simple crossbody bag that stayed on my body. I don’t think I’ll ever go back to carrying it bc I’ve really come to like that my crossbody purse is always on my body under my control. I wanted it really bad when I bought it, but now I rarely think about it unless I watch a video such as this one. If I had a chance to go back in time, I’d make a different decision and save the money it cost me tbh.
Gucci and Fendi, as well.
YES THIS!!!! I will never buy any LV bag purely because it screams fake 🥲
When I buy an LV bag, I buy it for my own pleasure, not for what other people might think of me. I will not lose sleep if other people think my bag is fake. I am enjoying my LV bag, and that's all that matters to me 😊
But it's not about others, it's about you! The feeling of having the real thing is not in the least bit similar to having a fake. Who cares if they think it's fake when you know it isn't. You saved for it, and made it happen. I actually prefer if random people think it's fake. My people know.
I have a few vintage designer bags, but there are no visible logos. The materials and construction are beautiful. One is a simple and classic black Gucci crossbody that’s is 40 years old and looks new!! The only indication is the tiny logo on the tiny zipper pull. You’d need a magnifying glass to see it. And I spent maybe $250? It’s a bag that will last me forever.
Real or fake doesn’t matter. What matters is how do you feel about yourself on the inside?
Real or fake designer products can never fill the holes in people’s self esteem. 😢
Ask yourself this question before buying something that you really don’t need: If I knew that I was going to die in one week, does this thing actually fulfill a purpose? Does it REALLY make me feel better?
Honestly, if you answer ‘yes’ I suspect that it’s the dopamine hits that you’re looking for.
I agree that SM is definitely influencing the mind to consume and creating a society of narcissists. The decision to buy real or fake is part of the narcissistic traits because all it’s about is the great and glorious ‘ME!’
The companies that feed off of consumers want you to think that the over priced crap is something to behold. It literally beholdens you to their program of better than. If you buy this bag it makes you better than the person who doesn’t have it. Bottom line.
They made it up (Luxury) and people follow it 😂. In some circles that’s called being a sucker. Yikes!!
Perception my dear Watson, perception.
for me I have 3 fakes only because I really liked the design and if I would buy the real thing that would cost me like 7 months salary in Egypt all of my salary for a whole year and even if I saved up and bought the real thing I would be so scared to use it and won't enjoy it and luxury brands are not so ethical either
it's normal because who can pay $10,000 for a handbag? my family make a decent living, but we are not lawyers or in finance. i have kids, and there is just no way! maybe $500-$1000 for a nice bag once every few years (well maybe not even that frequently), ok, now when i'm in that budget, it opens the world up to the super fakes. besides, once you spend $5,000 plus on a bag you can't use it! sure, i can save a hand bag for nicer events, but i don't want to be terrified every time i take it out that i might get a mark on it.
But, why counterfeit instead of something original that's actually in your budget?
whats the point of buying luxury if u can get the same thing for way cheaper maybe even from the same factory? like do you really think your bags are made by skilled workers with sustainable materials? no! its minimum wage either in asia or eastern europe! i literally know theres a place that makes LEGIT burberry in my town and guess what... the workers arent exactly affluent and mostly earn pocket income by taking stuff and selling secondhand bc then THEY actually see the income the bag makes. luxury is a scam. but honestly i would say support original brands from smaller countries, yes even the ones you think are shitty like china. dupes are just not worth it
like how do u think my mom can buy a burberry coat for 100$ when the original is at least 10 times that... its because its not fucking worth that much!!!
AAA fakes are basically nearly impossible to authenticate anymore. AA is difficult and A is something most professional authenticators can actually see the differences. The AAA fakes can actually be better quality than the authentic item because the quality with most brands has plummeted.
From what I've seen from comments with these youtubers that promote fake bag sellers, "I want the look" is what people keep saying. They want to look rich, but they mostly go for items that aren't even regarded that high end anymore (like LV MC), but it's what people they hang out with recognize. 🤷♀