A friend working at LV told me that a customer with his mistress came in couple weeks ago to buy a Coussin bag. Before my friend package the bag, he pulled out an identical fake and put it into the original dust bag and box. That original box with the fake bag goes to his wife, and the real bag goes to the mistress. That story made me sick for couple days...

@deborahcurtis1385

2 жыл бұрын

OMG! People working with the public get a real insight into human nature, and it's not always pretty.

@annavictoria2406

2 жыл бұрын

People are sick 🤢

@AkiCurtis

2 жыл бұрын

@@annavictoria2406 so bad... 🤢

@marinareviews9072

2 жыл бұрын

so sad

@leelee12123

Жыл бұрын

I’m kind of hoping that she find out it’s fake and it’s not only the handbag that is fake.

My friend bought a Dior saddlebag back in the day off Ebay. We called Dior in San Francisco (where we lived) and asked if we could come in and have it appraised (basically examined and told if it was fake or not). The manager was SO kind and respectful to us. He let us look at the Dior boutique bag. The bags were identical, then he let us hold them. The Dior boutique bag was significantly heavier than the Ebay Dior bag because the stitching, zippers and hardware were of such better quality. They did an amazing job knocking off the bag, the manager even said he couldn’t tell the difference. The devil is in the details. My friend was able to open a case against the seller and get her money back but it was an ordeal. I’ll always remember how great the Dior boutique staff were and will be brand loyal to them because of this reason.

@oldpalmcity

3 жыл бұрын

Dior has amazing customer service!

@strawberriesncandii

3 жыл бұрын

Dior has always been good to me. Love the brand.

@Drmicky141

3 жыл бұрын

using weight to tell real from fake is an interesting idea

@wellnessseekers

3 жыл бұрын

@@oldpalmcity They really do. I love them!

@wellnessseekers

3 жыл бұрын

@@oldpalmcity Agreed 100%

I think she's one of the smartest "luxury" KZreadrs. Thank you Sophie for everything you say. I have a lot of admiration for you ❤️

@caterinawilliams998

3 жыл бұрын

I think Sophie is the best! XxxC

@SophieShohetOfficial

3 жыл бұрын

You are all so lovely! I am really grateful to have you all as a community, it always feels nice here ☺️ Hugs to you Sarah & Caterina ❤️❤️xxx

@MariaElena-id8vw

3 жыл бұрын

I thought the same! She make us to think beyond! 😄🤓🙋🏻‍♀️👌

@leeg2252

3 жыл бұрын

Yes, Sophie is a cut above the rest. Love her intelligence and common sense!

@bushrafatima1784

3 жыл бұрын

Totally agree ❤️

I’ve heard so many horror stories from luxury sellers on eBay where buyers have received bags, asked to return and sent back fake items! I just don’t understand anybody who can be so dishonest xx

@andreapirringer7008

3 жыл бұрын

Incredible

@SL-lz9jr

3 жыл бұрын

This is why I’ve used The RealReal and Rebag to sell it. It’s not worth the stress and anxiety. I won’t get as much in commission but I feel at ease. I also sold to my friends but I’ve run out of friends who want luxury brands. Most of my friends don’t care for luxury brands and as I’ve aged and seen one too many influencer carrying these things online, I honestly don’t feel it’s special anymore. Now I look for high end indie brands. It’s just sad that people don’t have a conscience. I could never lie like that

@seabreeze4559

3 жыл бұрын

that's why you send the bag first then the card and everything later like receipts

@lindagarrido4353

3 жыл бұрын

​@@SL-lz9jr Fashionphile is also a good place to sell your bags. Plus, you have the option to sell them your bag directly. Yes, you make less, but you get the cash immediately.

@catnip4587

3 жыл бұрын

Wow. I have heard of Resale sites selling fakes but didn’t realize buyers have bought real bags and sent back fakes. Fraud works both ways

I’m still that 16 year old girl who gets weird going into store even though I have the money to buy and I’m actually 40 lolol

Honestly, IMHO the quality of new, authentic is so shoddy and the prices are so exorbitant - people are saying, "Meh, I'll buy a superfake". The, authentic vintage market is strong because new/authentic quality has taken a huge nose dive...plated pot metal hardware vs solid brass, thinned canvas, textile linings replacing suede, etc. :'(

@jiia.cherry

3 жыл бұрын

I AGREEE!!! I don't know why but I'm utterly disappointed with LV's leather in the modern days... The rumors are pretty true, the leathers of the superfakes feel way better 😔😔😔

@bjelln

3 жыл бұрын

100%. I bought my first "LV" bag in college because I wanted to see if I liked it enough to buy a real one when I graduated. It was a super fake (I was pretty naïve back then to what goes on behind the world of fakes). It's been over 15 years and I still carry that bag - no one says anything or has ever even asked about its authenticity. It has aged and patinaed sooo incredibly well I still can't believe it's a fake. I have no intention of replacing it with a real one anymore when I hear how horrible the quality has gotten. :(

@sophiewelsh8619

3 жыл бұрын

@@bjelln How did you find out that it was a superfake? I'm new to buying luxury items secondhand and have no idea how to tell for sure whether these items are real or not :(

@bjelln

3 жыл бұрын

@@sophiewelsh8619 I knew it when I bought it. And the price I paid was a give away as well :)

I identify with feeling like everyone and their mom has a designer bag, or multiple designer bags! Thanks for reminding me that it's just this community that is being amplified because of social media 😅

@angelasoWA

3 жыл бұрын

Also social media uses sophisticated algorithms to feed the things you are interested in to your feed. So, it seems like everyone has a designer bag, but really, the algorithm is only feeding your photos and video that you are interested in.

@Lafemmefutile

3 жыл бұрын

😂 Right. I had to remember that of all the people I know in real life, only a handful actually own luxury items. However when I get online, everyone has MULTIPLE Chanel bags, closet full of it. Not realistic.

@10418

3 жыл бұрын

@@Lafemmefutile you get it right.

@MsJbetancur

3 жыл бұрын

Does it matter if everyone has a designer bag?

I've always felt the same way: I'd rather have the genuine article of a less expensive brand than a fake luxury item. Kudos to you for shining a light on the horrors and the criminal activity of counterfeit industry, and for posting those heart-rending pictures of sweatshops. I don't think people are aware, and they should be.

In my opinion, LV should keep the date codes and add the chips. This way, there are two ways to authentic...also making it harder to fake. The chip has to match the date code.

@Defdefdef216

3 жыл бұрын

Yes agree. If they do chips and no tags? How will co-signers and reseller websites be able to authenticate? Is this a target for this sector of business? 🧐

@WineAndWatevs

3 жыл бұрын

I agree! The tag, plus the computer chip and the online record of purchase (I know LV keeps a record of all your purchases) is the perfect way to prevent fakes.

@miriamhavard7621

3 жыл бұрын

Agree!!!

@sandra_w

3 жыл бұрын

Totally agree!!

@seabreeze4559

3 жыл бұрын

@@Defdefdef216 yes, they want to put off professional resellers who buy up all the stock of hot products like that caramel flap bag.... allegedly.... I heard...

I think there is a difference between a fake trying to pose as the real thing and a dupe that doesn’t use branding but is copying the style of bag. I like the chip idea all bags should do the same.

@vnssz

3 жыл бұрын

Yessss! I love buying cheaper alternatives with similar styles, but I’d never buy a fake bag with logos etc.

@PetWessman

3 жыл бұрын

I agree! I am not in a position to buy Chanel or Dior, but I have a Rebecca Minkoff Love bag in chevron and it’s scratched my Le Boy/classic flap-itch while being a quality bag in nice, soft leather. I would, however, not DREAM of picking up anything that claims to be a designer that should be much more expensive at a suspiciously low cost, or even buying it without the safety of a company such as Vestaire Collective or The Real Real.

@deborahcurtis1385

2 жыл бұрын

@@PetWessman the RealReal has been challenged by fakes getting through because they didn't have proper quality control.

I think that the ridiculous inflation in price for designer bags while at the same time we all acknowledge that the quality is going down is to blame. The only reason that the fake industry can thrive is because they can recreate bags that basically look and feel the exact same at 1/10th of the price. The designer bags need to reach a quality and pricing that make sense in order for this fake industry to take a hot because otherwise people will keep buying them

@carriefernandez8705

3 жыл бұрын

Yep, just see the silver Chanel wristlet that Sophie posted about not too long ago. When the fakes are made BETTER than the authentics (LV and Chanel specifically have this happen a lot) then imo it's almost foolish to buy the authentic. Re: trafficking, I would just like to add that we have no idea if LVMH/etc are also in on trafficking behind the scenes. There's all sorts of shady industries, like counterfeit honey, so who knows what the real brands have their paws in behind the scenes. And even if what LVMH/etc is able to trace is done ethically, there's always things that they can't trace. In the cosmetics world, this happens with mica. A lot of the mines employ child labor - like, 5 year olds. Run that through a few rounds of "wholesalers" and poof, can't trace anything. It's basically money laundering, but with the products themselves instead of the money.

@annaswanson5903

3 жыл бұрын

@@carriefernandez8705 exactly, the bags are only assembled in Europe and US. It’s made in China and then they attach one zipper and put LV NYC on the bag. The fashion industry has always been a dark hole of poor working conditions low pay, environmental degradation etc. And anyway, I’m not saying that fakes are right or wrong. It’s just a reality and I honestly don’t see that changing unless the designer bags are priced closer to their manufacturing costs

@jifeak

3 жыл бұрын

Absolutely agree with you 100%. My 15 year old vintage LV bag and 2010 Chanel bowling bag looks like it will outlive the new LV and Chanel bags being sold today at ridiculous prices. I had seen a Chanel super-fake recently and I kid you not, the quality is almost same as authentic and only a close examination will see two flaws that can tell.

@oldpalmcity

3 жыл бұрын

@@annaswanson5903 You full of BS! You, fakers just like to believe in the old myth that luxury bags are made in China. They are NOT! Yes, the best animal skins and fabrics may be sourced from all over the world, but the entire process of treatment of rough materials and manufacturing is happening in Europe. Google and find the videos of creating of Lady Dior bag for example!

@annaswanson5903

3 жыл бұрын

@@oldpalmcity Though not common practice, some luxury brands admit to having outsourced manufacturing to China. However, most of them tend to sweep it under the rug to avoid influencing a change in perception that could affect their profitability.

The Russian tag means 'style' - I think you asked once, not 'steel' :-)

@Hfin

3 жыл бұрын

Since it's pronounced kind of like 'steel' that's probably where that came from, I would think an english speaking person transliterating the text would pronounce it 'steel'.

@bakica_vangica

3 жыл бұрын

We love a Heron Preston moment

@valeriek627

3 жыл бұрын

I was just about to write the same 🇷🇺❤️😅 great video, Sophie!👍

I just bought the LV Neverfull Empreinte and unboxed this morning. I was in a panic not to find a date code and found no good info online so I spent an hour on hold to speak to someone at LV, and then the associate told me about the chip. Had I just watched your video first I would not have freaked out thinking I bought a fake bag (direct from LV!). Ugh. Thank you, always love your content!!!

@joannasliwa8147

3 жыл бұрын

Happy for you ! I could never buy a luxury item online , even from a brand website

@lizabelleh2010

3 жыл бұрын

@@joannasliwa8147 here's the more embarrassing part - I bought it from the store! I was on my way out of Neiman Marcus in a rush to get somewhere and decided to pop my head into the LV boutique to ask if they had new stock of the bag that had been sold out. They had one and it was my quickest LV purchase ever! I didn't take a close look at it until today, and saw some discrepancies. I was googling "Date code" fro this bag and couldn't find anything. They also changed the inside tag and it doesn't have "Made in..." anymore. When I finally got through to LV the rep said these changes just happened for most bags produced this March and moving forward.

@joannasliwa8147

3 жыл бұрын

@@lizabelleh2010 The positive point of your experience is that you will have no problem to return it and get your money back ( if you are not happy with all " aesthetic " and " proof to be authentic " changes ) . I thought you bought on LV website . Then I can't get why LV staff did not highlight it straight away while showing the handbag .

@lizabelleh2010

3 жыл бұрын

@@joannasliwa8147 I agree, I wish she would have said something. I blame myself a little for being in such a rush, and I wondered if the purchase experience is more abbreviated due to Covid, however I bought a bag in Guam in December and it was almost the same as it used to be - without the free champagne :)

@leahmunoz6008

3 жыл бұрын

Congrats on the new bag!

I remember a few years ago the Longchamp bags were a thing everyone had and i wanted one for Christmas... My dad thought he bought a real bag and i had to explain to him unter the Christmas tree this is a fake one 💔 To make sure he got a real bag he actually contacted the store in Paris after Christmas 😁 Till this day he gets the newsletter and always tells me about the newest bags when i visits home 😂❤️

@laurakelleher1995

3 жыл бұрын

That’s so cute! Lol

@sapphirecamui6447

3 жыл бұрын

AWW, your dad was/is so sweet! Give him a hug next time , from me. I can't hug mine because we're not on good terms. He's also too stingy to give 1 dollar if i ask. u.u

@catnip4587

3 жыл бұрын

Longchamp bags are still and always be a thing. The holy grail commuter bag

@glambox92

3 жыл бұрын

Omg that is such a cute story! My dad bought me my first Longchamp bag on sale and he was so happy to get a discount on it 😂 win win ☺️

@fashionandluxury101

3 жыл бұрын

Love Lomgchamps

Where is the control when the pieces are made in Chinese factories though. I believe many high end bags are made in China and just add a zipper or button in Europe to get the "made in Italy/France" loophole. And I totally see Chinese factories duping bags in-factory.

@rtoma1974

2 жыл бұрын

And a lot of bags/clothing "made in Italy" are just sweat shops in Italy, owned by Chinese businessmen, employing low paid Chinese immigrant workers. It's all BS. The real bags are just as exploitative as the fakes.

@deborahcurtis1385

2 жыл бұрын

@@rtoma1974 apparently that's how Covid19 arrived in Italy it hit hardest in the north where the factories are. But I disagree on exploitation. If you don't want a certain brand, you can get better quality bags that will last. Coach, etc. there's plenty of mid-priced brands and Sophie did a video on this topic.

@itswhatitis277

2 жыл бұрын

@@rtoma1974 absolutely true, theres articles and exposés documenting this

And that’s why I love vintage.(vintage is 20 years plus) It’s not the “it” bag, it’s not the popular bag , it’s one of a kind so the likelihood of it being a fake is very minimal

@seabreeze4559

3 жыл бұрын

vintage has been faked because there's a market, esp on ebay

@jiia.cherry

3 жыл бұрын

Me too! I bought vintage Chanel bags and it's incredibly more aturdy than the modern made ones. Which is INSANE

@stridery

3 жыл бұрын

I bought a vintage prada bag but had to return it because the leather was dry rot, it will literally fall apart if not being taken care of properly.

@lesliecraven3087

3 жыл бұрын

@@stridery it happens. And it’s difficult with the photos on the Internet to see. return policies are always helpful. I understand if you never would buy pre-loved again. FASHIONPHILE always lets you return it

Great. So in a few years time when the real deal gets worn out, the scammers can take the chip out and put it in a superfake. It then becomes a “excellent condition consignment”.

I can only afford 1-2 luxury bags (havent decided what to get yet / leaning towards LV or Gucci) BUT for the time being, I just use my reg brand bags that are real. Id rather have cheaper but real bags (my coach/kate spade etc) than have fakes of higher end tbh

THANK YOU for talking about the slave labor and human trafficking issues with fake bags! It is not harmless. I'm so appreciative that you are using your channel to spread awareness. It's something I've always wanted to talk about here on youtube, and you have such incredible reach online ❤️

Sophie, I think this video was one of your best one so far . You are a responsible social media influencer who is so diligent in the background work and super Eloquent. The pic of the sweat shop with kid looking into the camera was really heart breaking… we as buyers need to be more responsible. Thank you for putting out such great content.

I feel like influencer culture (KZread, Istagram, Twitter) creates this problem. It seems people who are influenced by certain creators would feel pressured into purchasing luxury goods no matter what. I feel that the counterfeiting industry benefits hugely from those who can't afford the real thing or are just desperate enough to have that certain item. It's not just luxury bags it's also higher end cosmetics too. You got to be carful more than ever because these type of "scams" are becoming more & more widespread thanks to the pandemic.

@jiia.cherry

3 жыл бұрын

Oh the skincare one is really dangerous, the stuff they put inside the skincare is disgusting 🤢

@kmshepherd4256

3 жыл бұрын

I have bought skincare online from a cheap website and although it was a genuine product, it was so old the formulation had gone off. Had to chuck it away. Complete waste of money.

@dawnlovescouture2644

3 жыл бұрын

That’s a great point. I started buying luxury bags before social media existed. Prices were cheaper then. Social media has absolutely influenced people to want designer goods and increased demand so much that prices for genuine and the counterfeits have become rampant.

I love these kinds of videos Sophie. Great content and always giving your viewers grounded perspective ❤

A replica is with the logo. A dupe would be inspired by.

I read a very good Vanity Fair article on fakes awhile back and I think you can still find it online if you search for it, all on counterfeit luxury goods. We all know a lot of it comes from China but it also mentioned there are asian owned factories located in Italy. The reason they said it's such a thriving business (along with the huge demand for it) is because the laws are more lax, than if you were drug dealing. So the jail time is much lower if you got caught. It's incredibly interesting. Thanks for keeping the conversation going Sophie!

There was also crazy news I saw a few years ago. A woman bought designer handbags on those brands' official online, but returned fake bags to over 60 department stores.

@oldpalmcity

3 жыл бұрын

I believe she is a prison right now.

@Valery-xy7de

3 жыл бұрын

@@oldpalmcity yes she is

@nadiaaguiar386

3 жыл бұрын

oh damn. its insane how someone could do this...no scruples AT all!

I think Sophie is one of the most down to earth people on YT. Thank you for talking about this and in such an eloquent way 👏🏻👏🏻

I will never buy a designer item on eBay, I looked for Gucci belt and couldn't believe what sellers were listing as genuine item... you can see they are fake. It took me longer to save for it, but I just bought mine in the store.

Great video Sophie. I got scammed on Ebay a few months ago with a YSL bag. Luckily when I contacted the seller she was very apologetic even though she said it was authentic still and she didn't know how it was fake she gladly accepted the return and refunded me straight away. I was extremely lucky. Thank God. I am so glad you got your money back. Much love. Jenni from Australia. XX

Growing up I lived in Morocco where super dupes are a very frequent thing. The shocking part is that people bought those bags knowing that it’s fake, but paying up to a 1000£ for a fake that is well done. I remember my friend’s aunt who was actually very rich and owned many real birkin bags, took us with her one day to buy a fake “well made” Hermes bag. This is a real virus that gets to people’s head. Thanks for this video, very interesting ♥️

Be wary of a seller when they tell you they “ lost or thrown away the receipt/documents and have no proof of purchase” 😒😆.

@eighteenpercent18

3 жыл бұрын

Fakes even copy reciepts and other papers as proof now and include them! Edit: I mean even fakes go to the extend to counterfeit receipts. I'm actually glad RFID can be used in this way, and I think it makes RFID bags more valuable in resale.

@veggiequeen2738

3 жыл бұрын

This is a great tip! ☺️🙏

@9gala6

3 жыл бұрын

Bill ist NOT any proof of authenticity! Wake up

@deborahcurtis1385

2 жыл бұрын

@@eighteenpercent18 Yes I'm a bit wary of anyone who shows receipts on the website... Also anyone who has fake nails embellished with fake diamonds etc. Or products displayed on fake fur. There's a theme in there....lol

What a nightmare!!!! So sorry that happened to you especially as a young lady. Some people are so cruel!

Thank you for this important information, Sophie. Hopefully, you have helped someone to avoid dissapointment and loss. ❤

I also know someone who worked for a very famous department store who told me the same thing - that scammers swap the real goods with fakes. Awful. Thanks for sharing this so important to spread the word and educate.

I accidentally bought a fake Chanel on eBay. Like you, it was my first Chanel and the price was in my budget. As soon as I got it, I knew it was fake. The flap had cardboard inside and the bag smelled like a chemical, faux leather. I immediately contacted the seller and he reassured me the bag was real. No sir! I fought him and got my money back. I still buy preloved but I send the items in for authentication immediately after receiving them (before accepting the purchase). I love and trust Real Authentication.

@quorrakai

3 жыл бұрын

The good thing about eBay is that a seller has to return your money. Once you get eBay involved, they will help. There is no such thing as no returns on eBay now. Especially if the item is fake, broken, not as described etc. A good tip for a real seller is that they have all the paperwork. The sales receipt, the authenticity card etc. My husband bought me a real Chanel on eBay. It was vintage and it came with all the paperwork. It wasn't cheap but it was real and gorgeous. If the price is too good to be true, be careful. Japanese sellers on EBay are also good! 😊

I’ve bought fakes in the past, never felt comfortable carrying them. Then I found out how they are being made and it changed me. I said to myself that I would never buy fakes again and would save my money, even if it took forever lol great Way to shine a light on this. 👍

@ddqio7774

3 жыл бұрын

how were they being made? the fakes i mean

@lindagarrido4353

3 жыл бұрын

@@ddqio7774 Child labor.

@ddqio7774

3 жыл бұрын

@@lindagarrido4353 that's tragic but not surprising at all. Thanks for letting me know

@5ftNothing

3 жыл бұрын

I'm so pleased you changed your mind, and I hope you manage to save up enough money to buy yourself something really special ❤

@justicenixon3347

3 жыл бұрын

Unfortunately some designer brands use child labor as well, exploit their workers and aren’t sourcing things ethically. Buying replicas are probably the worst end of it but some designer brands aren’t all ethically making their products

Thank you Sophie, this is an excellent topic for discussion. You really are classy and admirable 🖤

I'm loving the storytime videos ☺️

Great video. You are so on point. It is easy to get caught up into thinking everyone has all this “stuff” Having one or a few beautiful handbags is a privilege and honestly can be more than enough. Enjoy the ones we have and save up for the next.

I'm going to tell you in a little story. We have a lot of textile companies working for big industries, especially clothing. I'm not going to share any brands, but some UK-based and Spain-based brands have worked with some companies in Indonesia for their clothes. And yes, the companies that manufactures the clothing is actually selling the clothes underground. Yes, they're stolen so that theory of being stolen is possible.

@SL-lz9jr

3 жыл бұрын

That’s what I thought. If manufacturing companies can violate human labor laws, why wouldn’t they just have an underground black market business? They’ve already got the sewing patterns. They probably have relationships with the textile manufacturers,especially if they’re all in the same country. I don’t see why it’s not possible to make fake items using real materials. Unless these brands have full control of the supply chain (aka, they own the operations from producing raw material all the way to completion), it seems so easy to get away with it

@seabreeze4559

3 жыл бұрын

a lot of foreign manufacture is sold on the black market, a lot of tech is stolen by chinese companies once they have the moulds, hence apple and co's policing of what goes in/out

@oldpalmcity

3 жыл бұрын

Not so much in the1st world countries , where all the luxury handbags are made..

@elizabethgamboademoreno7807

3 жыл бұрын

There are people who can buy same materials because they worked at the manufacturer and reproduce the exact bag... It's a perfect counterfeit. How else would the super replicas come about?

@elizabethgamboademoreno7807

3 жыл бұрын

@@oldpalmcity where the handbags are assembled... Not made... That's what the law stipulates. The made in really means assembled in... But where are the parts produced? The law does not force them to say... Many luxury brands manufacture with cheap labor... That's just a fact... Don't believe me? Call your favorite brand and ask where their materials are from and their labourers... From the thread to the buttons to the leather...

your life stories and storytimes are my favourite videos!!

Great video Sophie, well done!!!

I've wanted a Louis Vuitton wallet and bag for the longest time. But the older I get the more I'm turned off by it. Only because it's one of the most counterfeited brands in the world. And why would I want something that people think would be fake to begin with if they don't know? Just a thought of mine. I do have some LV wallets, but I'm getting rid of them for something that's more interesting and not many people have. Love your videos, Sophie! I'm always excited for the new ones.

@rtoma1974

2 жыл бұрын

When I see someone carrying LV anything, I always assume it's fake. Even all the fancy white ladies. What's the point?

Super fakes started offering chips in their bags only a couple weeks after the luxury brands did. I assume it's not hard to replicate since it's just a basic RFID card with only a date and location on it... the same as chips on your credit cards and metro cards. I honestly think this move was more of a stab at the re-sell market than the replica market.

@JH-jm2zb

3 жыл бұрын

Exactly, the scammers already made fakes with chips way before , and someone at lvmh got caught up in the scheme as well, inside job. There's a news article about it.

@JH-jm2zb

3 жыл бұрын

Someone inside lvmh was able to replicate the RFID chips, and sold it to conterfeiters! What type of info are they putting in the RFID TAGS/cHIPs!?1

@deborahcurtis1385

2 жыл бұрын

@@JH-jm2zb It just gets worse!!!

I love the chip idea from LV. On a similar topic I accidently bought a fake / replica LV bag as a young teenager, I had no idea what the logo was at the time I just liked the look of the bag. I found it not long ago in my parents attic and I'm embarrassed thinking I carried that around and people would have seen lol. It has the full monogram print and is very plastic looking.

@elizabethgamboademoreno7807

3 жыл бұрын

Like Sophie said... Don't worry. Most people don't know anyways... Don't let your past define you.

Thank you Sophie. My girl, always brings TRUTH!

Thank you so much for this video. It's not often I feel compelled to comment as a long time viewer of your channel. This one should definitely be seen. Thank for your experience and knowledge. 😊

Love how you are so informative and help your subbies

Loving your deep content Sophie! ❤️

Love your outfit with russian letters on it! Greetings from Russia!

I'm so sorry that happened to you, but glad you were able to get your money back. There's a difference between selling a fake and your customer knowing it's fake and being okay with it, and selling a fake but passing it off as the real thing to scam someone out of their money. If you want to buy a fake and know it's fake then that's fine. It's your money and you can spend it how you please. I have a wedding ring set that I know is fake. I'm not quite sure what it is, but it was like $.50 on Amazon, so it's definitely not real diamonds. I wear that set whenever I send in my wedding rings to the ring spa so my ring finger isn't bare. It does look quite nice for being possibly plastic, and does kind of sparkle so I'm sure that upon first glance it *might* look real. The difference is that I knew it was a fake when I bought.

Great lesson. These things must be told. You've done well. Thank you

❤️❤️❤️ Стиль?!) 🥰 thank You for the funny smirk to Russian part of audience with your turtleneck 🤗❤️

@rtoma1974

2 жыл бұрын

What does that Russian word mean in English? That's all I could concentrate on.

@blackazor

2 жыл бұрын

@@rtoma1974 style ))

Great video, very informative! Thanks for the heads up! ❤️

Sophie, thank you for bringing up that COUNTERFEIT GOODS (of any kind of product) supports CRIME and TERRORISM. I refuse to buy a fake item after I learned this really early in life. There’s not a whole lot I can do to solve crime in the world, but I can just not buy something. Same with not supporting child labor by consuming less (it’s not just fast fashion, lots of brands use the same factories).

Very illuminating! Thank you for doing this video 💖

I love this video Sophie! Before I could afford any designer purses, I also bought a fake thinking it was real on the resale market! And I was so excited to take it into the city, when someone told me it was fake!!! Ever since then I just saved up and either buy in store, or resale but do way more research ❤️

Oh dear soooo not on time today. Hi Sophie, me and hubby were outside enjoying the last of the day's sunshine, finally we get the summer weather we have been looking forward to!!! Hope it's lovely and warm with you too. Hugs xx

Thank you for spreading awareness about this issue. I used to have a coworker who would knowingly buy these bags and try to get me to buy them as well since she knew I was interested in luxury items but can't afford the real thing yet. I didn't bring up issues surrounding the bags' origins to her since I didn't want to come across as judgemental but more people need to know!

You are the only one that tells everyone as it is..realistic !! This is true life, bad things happened. Not lovely everything is good and safe in this luxury community. Great lesson and guide to everyone who is looking for advice but no one to ask. Thank you for your great video 💗

I can understand the idea that the really cheap fakes from turkey and stuff are prob child labour and part of the under belly of society. But the super fakes you take about are made in factories by professional artielliers as their just as well made as the auths. And most of the time employ work people from the actual brands. It's a very big business in china.

I've never knowingly bought a fake anything (except being scammed once on eBay back in the early 2000's), and it's never been about snob-value, its always been about the awful practices it supports. We all need to be more aware of the impact our buying preferences can have on others. Great topic Sophie. 💖

Sophie, only went and dipped my toe in and got my first YSL Ange bag from Bicester village go me!!!!! talk about excited 😜. Never ever have i paid so much for a bag in my hole life. I have to say thank you for your advise and making sure it was the one I wanted. xxxx

Pinko, whose bags are around 200 pounds, is using the chip on their leather bags since 2017... Don't know what the "exclusive but not so smart brands" are waiting for...

My mother and I was on the vocation years ago. There was a lot of fakes small shops. I was a child so my mom asked me if I want anything 😅 I said of course, I want a Gucci belt. You guys at was made so good😆I still miss that belt. A little while ago I decided to buy myself a brand new Gucci belt to resemble that fake one that I loved so much. Went to the store and was absolutely shock to find out that my 15 years super fake Gucci belt was looking better than the new one😩. I didn’t buy it. This is crazy story I know.

Multinational corporations often have different business lines, why wouldn't criminal enterprises.

I fell in love with the lady Dior and couldn't get my mind off it. While I have the money to walk into the boutique to get one, the struggle I have is how much wiser I will be when that money is put into a family holiday (when we can travel!) or my children's education fund etc. I bought a fake (my fake lady Dior flap has magnetic button!!) and I sufficiently satisfied by curiosity of what it is like to carry a lady Dior around. Moreover, I can carry the bag in the rain and I will not melt lol lol lol

Sophie you are killing it with the top and the hair. You are leveling up and I’m so here for it ☺️❤️😍🙈 next time you do wear that top, put your hair in a slick low bun. Gold earrings (optional) or do a dark purple type of lip. You look so good I can’t 😍

I got sold a fake Gucci Mormont a few years ago, it’s put me off buying preloaded bags for good. I’m not a wealthy person and it took me nearly 2 years to save that money with a bit here and there and then to buy a fake is sole crushing. I personally don’t know how people can feel no guilt through doing it. I’m glad LV are microchipping their products it makes it safer for everyone then xx

@lunar686

3 жыл бұрын

Sorry to hear you experienced that. It’s upsetting to hear how much people can take advantage of others and I hope you don’t experience something like that again

I love dupes ( bags that copy the design but do not bear the logo or pretend to be the designer product) as I get to see how it would fit into my lifestyle and if I want to have something trendy. I think the chip idea is absolutely fantastic and all designers should have something similar, but I also wonder how this would work in the second hand market🧐 ( I’m fully aware that’s not LV’s concern)

@deborahcurtis1385

2 жыл бұрын

authentication should be easy. Just walk past the scanner.

Very insightful video! One reason I moved away from buying the GG belt because there is so much fake stuff in the market today and instead about Burberry (I love it!)... Also, I love this sweater on you Sophie- few days ago I saw Huda Kattan wearing it on Snapchat and it instantly reminded me of yours... PS- I think that orange tag needs to come out, I know this because I had a similar one on my Babatoon coat and it said genuine wool and I was so excited for it and someone at their store actually called me out and said you are supposed to remove it... or it might not be the same on yours... much love xo

So important! Thank you for sharing this.

Very informative video as always. Thanks for sharing.

Thank you for making this video. I sincerely hope that your words stops at least a few people from buying fakes (knowingly). I have been saying this for years to people!! Purchasing fakes contributes to child labor, terrorism and human trafficking. It’s disgusting!

I used to work in a independent boutique in a tourist village. One summer the federal police agency came through town looking for counterfeit goods ( which btw includes things like Burberry inspired scarves, inspired van clef and Arpels necklaces etc) . There was one particular store where they went in a seized the entire jewelry case but the owner wasn’t phased because she had a ton more sitting in her car. These were “fake” fakes ( copies) but items that infringed on the logos and designs. Raids and laws won’t stop it, people have to stop buying it.

It's always good to be informed. Thank you for sharing.

So informative Sophie! You are so brilliant to vent the fake issues! I was a victim before of fake Ballerina Chanel flats! I know how it feels and it's like your heart melted on the floor!!!💔💔💔

@SophieShohetOfficial

3 жыл бұрын

It's really stressful when you get duped like that Jianice - I remember literally sweating about losing that money. I mean thank God I got it back, but it took months!xx

@zedrickapolloshorts6515

3 жыл бұрын

@@SophieShohetOfficial Anyone is susceptible of being duped when not aware of. We all think we cannot be duped.. But it happens to the best of us. 🥲These deceptive people are very good at their jobs.Your savings is telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went. Extremely distressing!!!😅 But now you are very proficient in details of your purchases!😃 Keep inspiring to everyone!💕 We are glad to have you Sophie!!!💖💖💖

I could see adding the chip along with the date code, but doing away with the date code all together I’m not a fan. I think its a huge misstep and will only increase the counterfeit market.

@seabreeze4559

3 жыл бұрын

common sense would telll us this, corporations are greedy though so... common sense does not apply

@elizabethgamboademoreno7807

3 жыл бұрын

I think probably they also took it out so customers have less safety nets to feel something is authentic and buy it outside of the store.

I started with a Steve Madden bag that looked like a speedy from Ross. Then I moved up to Kate spade. I still have the 2 that I bought and a cardholder from 2015. Then finally in 2019 I started my journey into lux. Crazy to think I started at Ross and very thankful that I’m in the position that I finally can.

I think sharing stories of being scammed from personal experience is so helpful. And you're right, there are a lot of people outside this community who may not be as well informed about luxury goods and are unprepared when looking on the resale market. Some people aren't even aware that there are KZread videos to consult. On the other hand, there are people who are looking for "super fakes" and are totally ok with it because they feel they are wiser with their money to spend much less. TikTok has loads of videos of people unboxing their fake handbags and providing details of the seller who is based in China. I personally am against fakes for the very reasons you mentioned (profits funding crime). I'd rather spend the money on a no-name handbag that is atleast made of better materials. The counterfeit market doesn't just include handbags, they include auto parts and electronics. I remember back in university, I didn't own a smartphone. The iPhones were all the rage and a few generations has already come out. After buying computers at full price and realizing I can get 2nd hand ones a year old at a much more reduced price, I decided to purchase a used iPhone that was supposedly a year old. I had no knowledge of how the iPhone should function, IMEI numbers, etc. I met up with the seller - who was a bit shady, now that I think about it. He was a kid who came on his bike and met me outside a school. He had a phone number but wouldn't call, it was a text only number (so a fake number). I paid $700 cash. When I showed it to my sister, she told me it was fake because there was no iCloud set up. I couldn't believe that fake iPhones existed! Had someone told me that this was a thing, I would've been far more vigilant.

People are doing a lot of crazy things. My friend once told me that she is having cases where people buy expensive face cream, go home, take it out and replace it with something like Nivea and return package with Nivea to store to get money back while keeping expensive cream at home.

@seabreeze4559

3 жыл бұрын

literally theft, replacing the item still 'deprives permanently', the legal term by UK law

@SerbianSoprano

3 жыл бұрын

In a lot of EU countries you cannot even return cosmetic products when opened. I like that.

I am one of those people (like you) that loves bags for the workmanship & timelessness. I know many people that have scoffed at me & said that the fakes are just as good. I don’t even argue anymore cuz they just don’t see it like I do. My dream of owning a Chanel classic flap is going farther away cuz I am so afraid of getting duped. :(

@mysticfox1563

3 жыл бұрын

If you can never afford that classic flap just remember that Coco Chanel was a literal nazi supporter. Kind of takes the romance out of owning one IMO.

This was such an interesting topic, thank you

Great video once again ✨ I don’t like fakes, and personally, if I couldn’t afford the real thing, i would buy a good guality leather bag without the designer brand. I wouldn’t feel good wearing a fake bag, because no matter how real it looks, I would know it’s a fake.😬

@oldpalmcity

3 жыл бұрын

AGREE 1000%! I am the same way!

I agree with you 100%. I've always thought I would rather have a real Coach, Zara, or H&M bag than a fake Chanel or LV. When I couldn't afford the high end brands I purchased contemporary, no big deal, some of their designs are cute and the quality is decent. I had a friend purchase a fake Hermes from a street vendor when we were in college, another friend who worked for LV got mad at ME for allowing her to purchase it, saying I knew better and should have stopped her, lol. I don't think many people know what the counterfeit market funds, so putting the information out there is a service to everyone. As you said, social media has made people feel like everyone has these items, which creates a vicious cycle of consumerism and trying to "keep up with the Joneses". By definition luxury is aspirational and exclusive, so that mindset is misguided and probably creates a sense of inadequacy in those who don't understand that it is all a facade. If you save to buy that one bag that makes your heart skip a beat it would be horrible to be taken advantage of by unscrupulous people, since there is really no shame these days. I applaud brands finding new and creative ways to stay one step ahead.

I was duped as well! Years ago, I bought a pre-owned patent tortoise Fendi on eBay for about $600. When it arrived I thought it was a fake. I was not positive but I was too embarrassed to take it to the Fendi store to ask. The person I bought it from would not return any of my messages, then deleted their account. I ended up donating it. Lesson learned. If you want to buy a pre-owned bag, make sure it is from a reputable company!

very great video!! i hope many people will se this cause its such a great topicand you have so many good points! i guess most people who buy fakes items because they cant effort the real deal and still want to have the item dont know what happens behind thr doors and what they actually supporting buy giving those counterfeiters their money. its definately not okay and i am very hardly against fake items. if you cant get the real thing than go for an inspired by piece without any branding instead of any tacky fake thats done buy poor children that earn 10ct per day. there is no excuse for supporting this imo. other that-dont we all wear and buy designer items because we love the design, have respect for the designers work and care for the fashion house and its history? when you buy fakes of those items its very disrespectful towards the brand and the work they put into it so you dont compliment them, you insult them buy buying and wearing that stuff. i mean, normaly i would say „you do you, its not my business“ but in that case there is crime, suffering and child labor involved so i think it’s unacceptable

I think it’s brilliant that LVMH are introducing the microchip. I would hate to think that someone would get away with returning a superfake to Chanel and then someone else would buy that bag! From the quality of the Chanel micro bags in their SS21 collection I honestly don’t know how a SA could tell the difference between a superfake or original - and it makes me concerned about buying preloved on Vestiaire etc (although I have done in the past) because who knows if these people are actually skilled enough to tell if a bag is real or not? 🥴

I really enjoy your channel Sophie. When I was very young, my mom bought me inexpensive hand bags. They would never last more than 6 months. They would get holes or break. For my 13th birthday my mother took me shopping for my first designer handbag at Saks Fifth Avenue. She bought me a Monogram Speedy 25 by LV. I wore that bag everyday for 8 years. It served me well. My next bag I bought for myself was a similar style but it was Dior. This was a lesson on quality. The price per wear makes them cheap. I currently have Chanel and others in my collection. These bags are made well and with a little care they really last. I agree with you. We buy these because they are well made. Last year, I bought a famous bridge level brand bag for something I needed because Chanel did not have what I needed, The cost was $600 USD. This is by no means cheap. I take care of my things. I use proper leather products when needed. It is safe to say that I during Covid I ended up using the bag for about 6 months pretty steady. It is a medium tan. The leather color looks like it is peeling across the bottom flap near the clasp. I am so disappointed that a bag at this price point didn't last. But this is why I bought a new Celine bag (I didn't want anything with labels). The leather is exquisite. Save you money. By the real thing. It is truly worth it. It helps to understand what styles work for you before you spend the big bucks. Have minimum/maximum size measurements! For example, I live in a warm climate. Micro bags are fine for dinner, but not for daily use. My everyday bag must have room for sunglasses (with the case) along with my phone, keys etc, but not be huge. Know what works for you.

Great video - very informative 😊🌸

Love your videos!

I had a similar experience happen to me. It truly feels like a punch to the stomach when you work so hard and open the bag. Now I only buy from certain preloved sites and sellers

Thanks for the video. I think it’s an important issue to be addressed. My friend bought a fake YSL from a famous blogger (can you believe it?!) but made it to return. Now I only buy luxury goods from their own stores or well known pre loved websites. I am against using fakes myself, not only because I don’t feel good wearing a fake but because of all the issues of counterfeit. If I don’t have money, I prefer buying inspired bags like from River Island or from cheaper brands like Coach.

One of the tricks I’ve seen is that they will list as “genuine double flap”, making people think that the “Chanel” bag is real. They can claim the bag is a double flap because it is, it’s just not Chanel. I’m fine with a bag that doesn’t have a logo for the item they are duping, but not to be deceitful. Poshmark is the worst offender. There is no one stopping counterfeit listings and don’t readily remove items that are reported. I really wonder how many people are aware that the listings aren’t authentic.

Great info Sophie! I have to admit I purchased a fake LV back in the late 80s. I worked in a hair salon as a nail tech and someone walked in selling them out of their trunk. You had to pay cash of course. This was very common. I dont know what happened to that bag. I probably donated it. I have always wanted an LV bag and purchased one a month ago and absolutely love it!

My background is Russian and I keep being distracted by these logos! 😂 In case you don't know, Стиль means Style

just imagine saving for a really long time for a bag and the bag ends up being FAKE!!!!!!!! id be so heartbroken

I know this video is a few years old, but something that I've recently noticed that I find very disturbing is a lot of reviews for fake bags turning up on KZread, and the websites that are being promoted are out of Russia. I've clicked on a few of these links out of curiosity and with almost ALL of them I get a warning from my virus software that it's trying to put infected files, etc on to my computer. Just a heads up for anyone watching any of these videos and contemplating purchasing from any websites with a domain that ends in .RU. Glad to hear you were able to finally get your money back on the fake bag, I've reported a number of fakes on Ebay. It's mind blowing how bad it's gotten. I own a few fakes myself, but I bought them knowing full well they are fakes, and should I ever decide to get rid of them, I plan on taking a Sharpie marker and writing "FAKE" inside so that someone hopefully can't do what happened to you. It's either that or take them out back and throw them in the burn barrel.

Sophie, I bought a fake Louis off ebay back in 2002! It was my first Louis but something looked "off" so I took it to the boutique and they said "No, it's not one of ours." Luckily, I got my money back and then splurged on the real thing. Funny enough, that bag got stolen off the back of my chair in a pub in Kensington - with my passport and wallet inside - but all my items (except the bag itself) turned up at the American embassy the next day! Anyway, I used to belong to a well known purse forum and bought SO many bags because everyone there was always getting new stuff and posting about it. You see so many nice things and you want them all! I finally left the forum but oh man, the bags that cycled through my closet and on to ebay!

this was really intersting, thanks Sofie! fake issue holds me from buying preloved goods..😰

I heard so many stories about a SA in LV Dubai that was swapping counterfeit with the real ones and selling the fake ones to clients. I definitely think the microchip would be a great add