The Truth Behind Designer Labels and Manufacturing
You may have already heard the news: despite luxury branding and “Made in Italy/France/Spain” labels, many designer items are actually manufactured in China or other parts of Asia.
Here’s how it works: many designer handbags are largely produced in Asia. Once nearly complete, they’re shipped to Europe for final touches, such as hardware installation or stitching, which legally qualifies the item for a European “Made in” label. It’s a loophole that many luxury brands use.
Is this true? Yes—across numerous high-end labels. Those familiar with fashion manufacturing have known this for years.
Large corporations often leverage any legal advantage that increases profits, and outsourcing production is a prime example. As long as it doesn’t cross legal boundaries, it’s fair game to them. This practice is part of what enables these companies to scale globally.
Why do people still buy designer items? It’s not just about materials or craftsmanship—though those are usually excellent. Branding plays a massive role. A pair of earrings with the Chanel double C isn’t just jewelry—it’s a symbol. The prestige and emotional value tied to the brand are a significant part of the price.
Another common question: do unsanctioned bags made in China sometimes make their way to consumers? Occasionally, yes. Through our authentication service, we've come across such bags. These are created by the same factories that manufacture legitimate designer items, but are sold outside official channels. That said, this is incredibly rare—especially with brands like Chanel and Hermès, which are known for strict oversight and tight control of their supply chains. Unauthorized production violates contracts and puts factories at serious legal and financial risk.
Most counterfeits on the market, however, aren’t made in the same facilities as the real thing. They differ in quality and often have subtle but clear discrepancies, such as incorrect stamping or poor construction.
We hope this sheds some light on what’s really going on behind the scenes in the luxury fashion world.