In June this year, Reuters published a scathing piece on how luxury brands like Armani and Dior are allegedly producing bags that cost significantly less than their retail prices. This is all apparently done by cheap labor, within humane conditions. This has been discussed thoroughly by some social media users.
Additionally, just a few days ago, Reuters states, a group of migrant laborers from Tuscany protested outside Montblanc’s flagship store in Geneva, chanting “Made in Italy: shame in Italy.” They accused Montblanc of dropping its supplier, Z Production, due to rising costs after the contractor improved working conditions.
A former worker, claimed Montblanc ended the contract because workers demanded legal hours. Montblanc cited failure to meet standards as the reason. Investigations revealed sweatshop conditions in workshops producing for luxury brands like Dior and Armani.
“Shame in Italy?” Luxury industry’s alleged dirty secret
YouTuber Super Dacob reported information from Reuters to his viewers. He states that “luxury is dead.” Additionally, as mentioned in one of our previous stories, he was the first to coin the term “the end of luxury.” Currently, there aren’t many YouTubers discussing this matter with their viewers.
Exorbitant prices from luxury brands
It is previously thought that luxury items were made with the finest quality and care. This should especially be true in lieu of their absurd asking prices. According to reports, CEOs in Malaysia are earning around RM47,000 a month on average. The price for a new Chanel 11.12 Classic Flap bag in medium size is around RM51,000.
Prices have reached such extreme levels that even CEOs in Malaysia can barely afford new items from some of these brands. This raises the question: who is the main target audience for these brands?
Alleged decline in quality and lack of innovation from other industries
Regardless, the alleged decline in quality is evident across various industries. Electronic Arts continues to update the decade-old “The Sims 4” despite anticipations from fans for “The Sims 5.” Apple faces heavy criticism for the lack of significant upgrades in their latest iPhones. Boeing has also been embroiled in numerous controversies.
Is this the reality of our future? Are once-trusted brands now relying solely on their reputations rather than the quality of their products?
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