Chinese manufacturers on Tik Tok claim that they make luxury products in the world. Is it true? : NPR

These Tiktok videos focus on the idea that Chinese manufacturers sell luxury products that are of the same quality as well -known brands for a price fraction and urging consumers to buy directly from them.

( @ Senbags02 and @ elizabethhenzie / screenshot by NPR)

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( @ Senbags02 and @ elizabethhenzie / screenshot by NPR)

This week, in the wake of a generalized confusion on Trump’s prices on China, a certain type of video began to become viral on Tiktok, then to other internet corners.

What is this? Why is it Chinese luxury plot,, Charlie Brown! If you don’t already know what we are talking about, the videos in question have a fairly standard format:

• A supposed Chinese manufacturer or factory owner informs the spectator that he will “overturn tea”.
• The alleged secret? That European luxury manufacturers have used their factories to produce their brand goods, then charge a huge marking that is transmitted to the consumer.

What is the big problem? These videos have become viral (although the most popular have been continuously deleted and donated to Tiktok), and the comments are flooded with indignant users by this shocking “revelation” and ready to spend their money on a product which, according to them, is at a more equitable price.

• Chinese manufacturers were making killing products are nothing new – but Trump’s pricing wars strike fear and confusion among consumers who are preparing for higher costs. Users have compiled the lists and express the disbelief that they could have obtained a better deal all this time.

• This is part of a desire to feel “in” on a secret – this is what the fashion writer and X scientist (formerly known as Twitter) Derek Guy wrote on his massively popular account. He spoke with NPR and shared only while the elimination bag could Be of high quality, it will certainly not be a Hermès. He looked at this first manufacturer Tiktok integrated above, and immediately, a few things were held:
• “The price (of the bag) was false. The price of the components is false. And also the thing he named who was Togo leather in the video was not really leather. So that also sent alarms … He would not discuss the seam or the work that was going there.”

What do people say? “The idea of ​​finding what you think is an online secret affair is incredibly attractive,” said Guy.

And it’s not like many of these brands don’t do it outsourcing mass production in other countries. But with regard to Hermès in particular, this logic does not fly.

• “They have a certain flagship line, which are their leather items, and inside this, there are levels of leather goods. Admittedly, the Birkin and Kelly bag is the top of the summit for them. This is not what they hang on their reputation … I know they make them in France, they make them distinguish other luxury products.”

Part of the confusion comes from the fact that when it comes to appointing branding dupes, Chinese crafts have improved and the originals have become easier to reproduce.

• “Over the past 50 or 75 years, many high-end clothes have disappointed. When you even look at the middle of the century, a half-chemin for women would include folds and darts and complicated construction. And then over time, clothes have become simpler and simpler, where Balenciaga sells graphic t-shirts.
• “If you fold a piece of paper once, yes, it’s quite easy to duplicate. But if someone folds it back in this really complicated origami, like Hermès, then it will be more difficult for someone to duplicate this.”

So what now? Guy wants to do Two distinct things Clear to curious consumers.

A: Breaking these doubts has nothing to do with the level of competence of workers. “There are Asian craftsmen who make beautiful leather items that, I think, are up there with Hermès. They don’t make Birkins or Kelly bags. They have their own creations,” he said.

• “(China) manufactures many beautiful clothes. And counterfeiters also make clothes or accessories and other products that are often as good or difficult to identify as the originals.”

And two: Be skeptical!

• “I recently saw the same person behind these videos also made the same videos for cars, (saying) things like:” We can make Western cars for cheaper. “What are the chances that the guy specializes in Hermès bags also specializes in cars and all these other categories of goods?” Said guys.

As for the luxury brand itself? NPR contacted Hermès to comment but did not receive a response at the time of the publication of this article.