Birkin, Louis Vuitton & Other Luxury Brands Are Made In China? Here's Truth Behind Viral Video Making Buzz From Chinese Factories

Recently, social media has been abuzz with viral videos claiming that some of the world's most iconic handbags and accessories, including those from luxury brands like Birkin, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci, are actually made in China. These claims, mostly circulating through TikTok and reposted on X (formerly Twitter), have raised heated discussions among fashion enthusiasts and industry insiders over all social media platforms. But how much of it is true? Let's know the truth behind the viral content and compare it with what the brands themselves say.

"Made In China"

Amid the ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions, Chinese factory owners and workers have taken to TikTok, posting videos that claim many so-called "Made in Italy" or "Made in France" luxury items actually originate from China. These creators say they have been manufacturing for top-tier luxury labels for decades but are now choosing to sell directly to consumers (without the brand logos) at a fraction of the retail cost.

One particularly popular video from the account @senbags2 has racked up millions of views. In the clip, a man boldly claims, "For more than 30 years, we have been the OEM factory for most luxury brands—Gucci, Prada, and Louis Vuitton."

He further expresses, "But I’m not proud of the fact that we were only earning wages, while the actual profit margins for those making the bags were very low. What I am proud of is our quality control, craftsmanship, and fully integrated supply chain."

In another viral video, a supplier involved in producing Birkin bags disclosed a stark price disparity. A bag retailing for $34,000 (approx. ₹29.2 lakh), he said, costs only about $1,400 (approx. ₹1.2 lakh) to produce.

"More than 90 percent of the price is for the logo," the supplier states. "But if you do not care about the logo and want the same quality, same material, you can just buy from us."

These revelations have fuelled speculation and drawn in curious consumers questioning the true origins and real value of their luxury purchases.

So, are luxury products actually made in China?

While many brands outsource parts of their manufacturing, most major luxury fashion houses maintain a strict "Made in" policy that's tied to their brand identity and heritage. According to a 2023 Statista report, there are about 200 to 250 fashion and accessory brands categorised as "luxury," with around 70 to 100 considered globally elite.

Here's what a few of these brands officially say:

According to the Louis Vuitton website, their leather goods are produced "exclusively" in France, Spain, Italy, and the U.S. They add that their watches are made in Switzerland, jewellery in France and Italy, and fragrances in Grasse, France.

Louis Vuitton website

Gucci, on the other hand, claims that "95% of their production is based in Italy," including both in-house and trusted third-party manufacturers. They emphasise the brand’s Italian roots and craftsmanship.

Lululemon, which also came up in some viral posts, clarified to the BBC that only 3% of its finished products are made in mainland China. They added, "Lululemon does not work with the manufacturers identified in the online videos and we urge consumers to be aware of potentially counterfeit products and misinformation."

Gucci site

Where do other luxury brands manufacture?

For clarity, here’s a quick rundown of where some other leading luxury brands reportedly manufacture their goods:

Hermès: France

Chanel: France, with some items made in Italy

Prada: Italy

Dior: France and parts of Italy

Fendi, Bottega Veneta, Miu Miu, Valentino, and Salvatore Ferragamo: Italy

Burberry: UK and Italy

Loewe: Spain

Delvaux: Belgium and France

The Row: Italy

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