A recent viral TikTok video claimed that 80% of luxury handbags from many top luxury brands were actually made in China, suggesting that these brands only handle final assembly and branding in Europe to fool their consumers. This has led to widespread confusion and debate as many people have hopped on this trend to corroborate that the quality of their counterfeit items have been just as good as the real thing for years. However, upon proper inspection and understanding of the luxury market, it becomes clear that these brands uphold strict manufacturing standards, deeply rooted in their European heritage and craftsmanship standards.
Where Are Luxury Handbags Actually Made?
Contrary to the viral claims and propaganda circulating the internet, top luxury fashion houses have always maintained a commitment to high-quality craftsmanship and authenticity. The majority of their handbags and accessories are crafted in European facilities located in France and Italy where centuries-old artisanal skills continue to thrive. Here is a list of five of the top fashion houses whose authenticity has been questioned by this viral debate and where they actually are made.
1. Hermès:
Over 60% of the fashion house’s employees work in France with over 60 working sites organized into regional hubs. To supplement this established network 15 productions sites are scattered across Switzerland, Italy, the UK, the USA, Portugal, and Australia. To cultivate continual improvement of its artisans’ skills they have rolled out over 10 training schools which provides people with qualifications in leatherwork as well as certificates in cutting and stitching techniques used to create their iconic handbags such as the Birkin.
2. Gucci:
Their manufacturing supply chain includes both internal facilities that are owned and managed by Gucci and external facilities managed by trusted suppliers. Over 95% of their manufacturers are based in Italy. This fashion house is dedicated to many of its iconic handbag silhouettes and work diligently to complete every piece with the enduring artistry that has been passed on for decades. The Gucci Jackie 1961 bag is a perfect example of the House’s heritage in artistic craftsmanship while still embracing contemporary design.
3. Prada:
With 23 of 26 industrial facilities operating out of Italy, Prada continually develops ways to improve the work environment and reorganize its manufacturing structure to preserve artisanal know-how. 9 out of their 11 leather goods facilities are located in Italy with investment plans set up to expand their Italian operations and emphasize their “Made in Italy” ethos. Additionally, most of their fashionable sunglasses are produced out of their Italian manufacturers.
YSL handbags and leather goods are primarily manufactured in Florence, Italy despite its brand headquarters being located in Paris, France. Therefore, all of their handbags will have a “Made In Italy” tag and any other claims are signs of a counterfeit. In 2023 the fashion house opened a major leather goods atelier in Tuscany, Italy to bring together not only the development of accessories, but to also be an environment for sharing expertise, generating ideas, and encouraging experimentation.
Despite the large market of dupes and replicas for Louis Vuitton items, authentic leather goods from this luxury fashion house are exclusively manufactured in France, Spain, Italy, and the US. From 1990 to the early 2020s, Louis Vuitton included Date Codes that had two letters followed by four numbers either on a leather tab or stamped directly onto the item. The two letters indicate which factory location each item was produced in.
Understanding the Claims and the Reality
The viral video and ensuing media coverage conflated the idea of luxury brands outsourcing certain manufacturing processes with the broader production practices of the brand. While certain components may be produced in various countries, the core value of a luxury handbag lies in a fashion houses’s devotion to high-quality craftsmanship and continued investment in improving techniques for future generations.
Ensuring Authenticity at Luxe Du Jour
At Luxe Du Jour, we fully understand and value authenticity in luxury fashion. We perform a robust multi-factor authentication process for every item we consign, lend, and sell. While the allure of discounted luxury goods from overseas might seem tempting, it’s important to purchase from verified sources that will ensure impeccable quality. Are you ready for your next 100% authentic piece? Head to LDJ.com and checkout with code KAM50 for a surprise discount.
Stay genuine, Luxe babes!