Content creators on social media platforms, particularly TikTok, have sparked a heated debate by claiming that luxury designer handbags, often sold for tens of thousands of pounds, are actually produced by Chinese manufacturers. These viral videos have prompted discussions about the authenticity and value of high-end accessories from legendary brands such as Hermès.
Following comments by US Vice President JD Vance, who described China’s economy as being powered by “peasants” amid talk of increasing tariffs, Chinese content creators appeared on TikTok asserting they were the true makers of some of the most coveted designer handbags. One individual even claimed direct involvement in producing Hermès’ iconic Birkin and Kelly bags. Another account, senbags2, shared an AI-generated video alleging that 80 percent of luxury bags originate from China. This clip quickly amassed over 10 million views before being removed, only to be reposted on a new account. The user implicated China as the location of the “real OEM factory” — an Original Equipment Manufacturer producing components sold under other companies’ brand names.
Luxury houses such as Hermès are owned by conglomerates like LVMH and Kering, headquartered in Paris, and have long cultivated reputations based on exclusive craftsmanship. Industry experts and insiders maintain that authentic Hermès bags are created within France, in workshops near Paris and in regions such as the Ardennes, Lyon, and Normandy. These bags can take between 15 and 40 hours to manufacture, with artisans undergoing years of training before being qualified to produce them.
Despite the fervour on social media, the consensus is that the handbags advertised by some Chinese creators are likely “superfakes” — highly convincing replicas made to closely resemble the originals. These replicas often incorporate detailed logos, similar materials, luxurious linings, date stamps, and even serial numbers. While they may look strikingly similar to genuine bags, superfakes typically sell for a fraction of the price, usually in the hundreds of pounds rather than thousands.
The claims have stirred a wave of scepticism among consumers. Many young shoppers expressed excitement at the possibility of purchasing bags reputedly crafted by the same factories responsible for genuine luxury items, but at a much lower cost via informal channels such as WhatsApp. However, experts point out the improbability of Chinese manufacturers making the exclusive Hermès products that retail between £20,000 and £80,000.
The social media discussions have also triggered broader reflections on the perceived value of luxury goods. Saron, a content creator with 100,000 followers, posted a viral video captioned “Are luxury purses now worthless?” She wrote, “This feels like a turning point for luxury brands — consumers are becoming more aware that pricing is really all about marketing.” She noted that “dupe culture” — the purchase and creation of counterfeit or replica goods — was already widespread, but these TikTok trends could accelerate consumers’ scepticism regarding designer labels.
The comment sections reveal a range of perspectives. Some users argue that the distinction between “made in Europe, not China” is tinged with xenophobia, asserting that Chinese artisans are as skilled as their European counterparts. Others suggest that luxury brands have inflated their prices while reducing quality, welcoming their possible decline. A number of commenters labelled the luxury industry a “scam” due to the proliferation of dupes being produced by the same manufacturers allegedly supplying luxury houses.
Conversations extend beyond TikTok to forums such as Reddit, where shoppers evaluate these viral claims and counterfeit market dynamics. One Reddit user wrote, “I have no doubt many are manufactured in China but I don’t believe that the DH Gate bags are the same as the designer ones like some are claiming,” referencing a widely known online marketplace for replica goods. Another commenter welcomed the attention, saying, “I am so happy about these TikToks because it’s making us have real conversations about what we are buying and why?” One summed up the debate by questioning if buyers are “paying for quality, beautiful bags or are we caught up in the aspirational middle-class web of spending to appear wealthy, whereas these bags are made at a fraction of the retail price?”
In response to the surge in online chatter, DailyMail.com reached out to Hermès for comment, though no official statement has yet been released.
The ongoing discussions illustrate the evolving intersection of social media influence, consumer perceptions, and the luxury fashion market, particularly amid rising concerns about counterfeit goods and changing attitudes towards brand value.
Source: Noah Wire Services