Made in... how much is important for you?

[ThisVNchick]

My only issue is when things get outsourced but the prices continue to go up. If something is made in a first world country, you know there are labor laws and what you're paying pays the workers at least minimum/living wage. While I have nothing against 2nd/3rd world productions, I find it ridiculous that we're paying thousands of dollars and there's a likelihood that the product was stitched together by child in a sweatshop somewhere or someone working for $2/day. I know that luxury companies make heaps of profit per product, so there's really no justification for this cheap labor. I used to be into Prada until they started producing some of their bags in China. Again, nothing against China, but if you're charging $1000 for a bag that really only costed you $50 to make, there's no need to be THAT greedy. At that point, my moral compass kicks in and I refuse to support such a brand.

 

[babysunshine]

Hello everyone!

Another question for you. I was wondering how much is important the country of origin for you when you're purchasing a bag. What do you expect?

For example: I expect LV to be made in France or Bottega Veneta to made in Italy. And that's right because of their price.
There are other manufacturer though, like Furla for example, they use italian leather but most of their bags are made in Romania or China. And their price tag is much lower than to designer brand, still their products are really appealing and the quality is high!

Which is your feeling when talking about the "Made in"...?

I instantly think of Asia, esp China. I have no problems with bags made in China, but the price should not be like in the thousands and then the quality is terrible. That is all.

 

[HesitantShopper]

More and more are moving production out of the US, I don't see much that isn't made in China or Indonesia... I can't afford the high end brands made in Europe.. The closest I get is Roots bags from Canada. At least I think they are still made there.

Yes, they are, as are most leather goods a few SLG(wallets etc) are not, either way the site always indicates 'imported' or Made in Canada.

 

[HesitantShopper]

My only issue is when things get outsourced but the prices continue to go up. If something is made in a first world country, you know there are labor laws and what you're paying pays the workers at least minimum/living wage. While I have nothing against 2nd/3rd world productions, I find it ridiculous that we're paying thousands of dollars and there's a likelihood that the product was stitched together by child in a sweatshop somewhere or someone working for $2/day. I know that luxury companies make heaps of profit per product, so there's really no justification for this cheap labor. I used to be into Prada until they started producing some of their bags in China. Again, nothing against China, but if you're charging $1000 for a bag that really only costed you $50 to make, there's no need to be THAT greedy. At that point, my moral compass kicks in and I refuse to support such a brand.

very good points. I completely get where you are going with it.

 

[mkpurselover]

What if we all "just said no" to the absurdity of expensive made in ? bags. There are many options available, and with a little research you can find bags for $300 - $500 made in USA and Italy, etc.
My recent preference is Marco Massaccesi. Hand made in italy, every bag is bespoke! That's right, one of a kind. You pick the leather, lining , hardware, extras. Cost $ 300-500.
Victoria Leathers in the US has cute bags, plenty of color option for no more than $300.
And Etsy has several craftspeople who will make made to order bags in the US. I believe Frye makes their bags here also.

Google search, ladies. You might have to wait to get a bag, but the pleasure of bespoke and made local make up for any wait time.

 

[Cheetah7]

For bags I prefer made in France, Italy, Spain and US. For LV bags I'm not gonna sweat it if I can't find a made in France one. More important to me than where its made is the actual quality of the items.

 

[LeathercareSG]

I don't really care. I buy bags for style and quality. If it fits my need, I'm happy. I don't really care or look at the "made in" label.

That's the spirit! The only person you who looks at the "made in" label is you!
As long as you can get over this stigma personally, who else really cares?

 

[anthrosphere]

I believe Frye makes their bags here also.

Wrong. Frye makes their bags in China. If you have done a proper Google search, you would notice that many retailers that are selling their products have them listed as "imported." Also, some reviews on Amazon (ie: Deborah Shoulder bag) have mentioned that this particular bag is made in... surprise, surprise.... "China." I have yet to see a "Made in USA" Frye bag in stores. So far, no luck.

From one of the reviews on Amazon (for the same bag I linked above):

To answer where frye products are made...

By rnarli on March 28, 2015

This is the answer I received when asked about manufacturing...

"Thanks for contacting The Frye Company! The short answer is yes, many of our gorgeous handbags are benchcrafted in China. "

So I cancelled my order. $400 for a China bag is a rip off and not good for North America. If it was from target and less than a $100, I get it, but $400 and China, no

So hate to break it to you, but Frye bags = China. Sorry.

 

[Murphy47]

This thread is sad in a way. America used to be a manufacturing giant and now it's almost impossible to find bags made in USA.
I started sort of a list in my head of brands used to own that are now made overseas and it's just depressing.
Coach, Dooney, Vera, Cole Haan, Brahmnin, Frye, theSak and countless others.
The only 2 left in my closet made in USA are LV of all things.

 

[mkpurselover]

Wrong. Frye makes their bags in China. If you have done a proper Google search, you would notice that many retailers that are selling their products have them listed as "imported." Also, some reviews on Amazon (ie: Deborah Shoulder bag) have mentioned that this particular bag is made in... surprise, surprise.... "China." I have yet to see a "Made in USA" Frye bag in stores. So far, no luck.

From one of the reviews on Amazon (for the same bag I linked above):



So hate to break it to you, but Frye bags = China. Sorry.

My apologies on the Frye comment.

 

[ladysarah]

What if we all "just said no" to the absurdity of expensive made in ? bags. There are many options available, and with a little research you can find bags for $300 - $500 made in USA and Italy, etc.
My recent preference is Marco Massaccesi. Hand made in italy, every bag is bespoke! That's right, one of a kind. You pick the leather, lining , hardware, extras. Cost $ 300-500.
Victoria Leathers in the US has cute bags, plenty of color option for no more than $300.
And Etsy has several craftspeople who will make made to order bags in the US. I believe Frye makes their bags here also.

Google search, ladies. You might have to wait to get a bag, but the pleasure of bespoke and made local make up for any wait time.

very good options thank you for the info. I always try to research things - as you sAy there are plenty of options and if we don't always get it right, is no biggie. I try my best to buy made in EU - of course I am aware that some companies are inclined to cheat, but change is gradual. The same with food I am for organic and local, but not always possible. Having said that, bags are relatively easy and Italy still had a good craftspeople based market.

 

[anthrosphere]

After much thought, I decided I would rather carry made in USA/France/Italy/Spain bags from now on. The last Made in China bag I bought was from Rebecca Minkoff. The bag looked cheaply made, the fringes looked frazzled, and the bag was super squeaky! I paid $145 including tax and shipping and I was so disappointed with the bag I returned it right away.

I just bought a keychain from Shinola and I fell in love with it. The leather is smooth and excellent quality, the hardware is bright and gorgeous, and the blue regatta color is so vibrant. I definitely plan on buying one of their handbags for my birthday next month. I also ordered 2 Made in USA bags on Etsy that I am excited about, too. No more China-made bags for me.

And last but not least: my Longchamp Splash tote (Made in France) is getting lots of use and love right now. And like my Shinola keychain, I'm in love with it. I would love to buy their personalized clutches someday.

 

[mkpurselover]

very good options thank you for the info. I always try to research things - as you sAy there are plenty of options and if we don't always get it right, is no biggie. I try my best to buy made in EU - of course I am aware that some companies are inclined to cheat, but change is gradual. The same with food I am for organic and local, but not always possible. Having said that, bags are relatively easy and Italy still had a good craftspeople based market.

Thanks, Lady Sarah. I neglected to mention a very important source of well made good, Vintage!! Back when most everything was made in EU or USA and was often crafted with better materials and quality. As always I envy your excellent local sources for vintage, but trusted online sellers are plentiful as well.

 

[neverending]

This thread is sad in a way. America used to be a manufacturing giant and now it's almost impossible to find bags made in USA.
I started sort of a list in my head of brands used to own that are now made overseas and it's just depressing.
Coach, Dooney, Vera, Cole Haan, Brahmnin, Frye, theSak and countless others.
The only 2 left in my closet made in USA are LV of all things.

I totally agree. It's really sad because I think it's destroying the craftsmanship of countries like USA, France, Italy that has been built across centuries of hard work. That's said, I don't wanna say that Made in China means low quality, but often means industrial productions with really low labour rights or protections, that's all. Some companies could be really greedy...