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This account is based on an engaging dialogue with Koyaana Redstar, the head of luxury buying at Luxe Du Jour, an esteemed online boutique specializing in vintage designer handbags. The content has been edited for brevity and clarity.

With two decades of experience in the resale industry, including having worked with prominent names like Rebag and The RealReal, Koyaana offers unique insights into the evolving landscape of luxury fashion.

Currently, a significant concern for consumers is rising tariffs, which have led to a surge in online content from Chinese manufacturers promoting luxury handbags. These TikTok videos appeal to U.S. customers, suggesting they can buy directly from these sources, claiming to produce bags for high-end brands such as Herms and Louis Vuitton.

Interestingly, these videos dont merely market these handbags as dupes, a term used for cheaper knock-offs of highly coveted items. Instead, they position themselves as the actual manufacturers behind the luxury brands, which raises some serious legitimacy questions.

Myth-busting Luxury Claims

It's widely known that many brands outsource some of their production to China, so its not surprising for consumers. However, certain Chinese TikTokers have gone even further, asserting that they are the true sources behind high-end luxury products, claiming that brands like Herms simply label their goods. This assertion, however, is profoundly misleading.

Luxury brand Herms has publicly refuted these claims, reinforcing its commitment to quality and heritage. The company has firmly invested in artisanship, with workshops located in France and various parts of Europe, where trained craftspeople meticulously handcraft each piece.

With the digital age giving everyone a platform, many consumers scroll through TikTok and Instagram, often believing that what they see online is factual. Therefore, its essential to approach such claims with a discerning eye.

Quality Matters: Spotting Fakes

As someone deeply entrenched in the handbag industry, Koyaana can easily identify the differences between authentic luxury bags and their counterfeit counterparts. The physical characteristics of these poorly made fakessuch as incorrectly shaped handles and inconsistent proportionsare often glaringly obvious. For instance, Koyaana mentions that many fake handbags have handles that are either too tall or too round, which instantly signals their inauthenticity.

In one particular TikTok video, a user displayed what she claimed was a mini Kelly bag, purportedly sourced directly from the brands manufacturer. However, upon closer inspection, Koyaana recognized it as a counterfeit. Not only did it feature a flat handle that was not consistent with the authentic design, but it also had a leather grain that Koyaana had never encountered on a genuine Herms bag.

The Case for Resale

When considering whether to purchase a luxury handbag, the resale market offers a viable alternative that maintains authenticity while often providing considerable savings. Unlike a fake bag, which holds no resale value, an authentic used bag can be a good investment, as it can be sold later.

While the rising costs associated with luxury handbags due to tariffs may push some consumers to seek out cheaper alternatives, Koyaana encourages potential buyers to explore reputable resale platforms. Many of these platforms offer popular bags in excellent conditionsometimes even brand newat prices that remain below retail.

Reflect on Your Purchasing Choices

If you are still inclined to purchase a bag youve seen on TikTok, purportedly from a luxury brand's Chinese manufacturer, Koyaana advises taking a moment for self-reflection. Ask yourself why you are drawn to this item. There is no stigma in acknowledging a desire for a beautiful bag, even if its not a designer piece. If a dupe fits your lifestyle and budget, and you've made that choice thoughtfully, then that is certainly your prerogative.

However, Koyaana warns against the allure of counterfeit bags masquerading as luxury items. Wearing a counterfeit Herms Birkin and claiming its authentic not only undermines the craftsmanship behind genuine luxury handbags but also spreads misinformation about the brand.