Ah, the dazzling world of luxury fashion! Whereas a tote bag that probably costs $20 to manufacture is retailed for a jaw-dropping $2000. It’s not sorcery. It’s branding.
Let me introduce you to the phenomenon that the fashion and higher education world loves to embrace but rarely admits: the ‘Luxury Artificial Scarcity Economy’.
The scarcer something becomes, the more people want it. It’s basic human psychology mixed with a dose of societal pressure.
Professor Scott Galloway has expertly summarized this. He put it succinctly for the uninitiated: “The strongest brands in the world aren’t APPLE or NIKE… They’re MIT, Stanford, and Harvard.” No, he’s not comparing the quality of a tote bag to a college degree (or is he?). He’s talking about exclusivity. The scarcer something becomes, the more people want it. It’s basic human psychology mixed with a dose of societal pressure.
Now, let’s dive into the delightful world of LOUIS VUITTON. The brand’s Neverfull Tote Bag, made of that glorious coated canvas, or PU for those who like to keep things real, was once widely available for all those willing to part with a couple of grand. But oh no! Rumors began to swirl. Is this iconic bag, essentially a luxurious potato sack, being discontinued?
LOUIS VUITTON Neverfull
Instead, LOUIS VUITTON, in its infinite wisdom, has decided that its Neverfull tote bag should be… waitlisted.
Megs Mahoney Dusil from The Purse Blog tells us not to panic. The Neverfull isn’t being consigned to the fashion archives. Instead, LOUIS VUITTON, in its infinite wisdom, has decided that its Neverfull tote bag should be… waitlisted. Yes, you read that right. After a compelling 2-3 months of suspense, you’ll be granted the privilege of parting with $2000, but there’s a catch. You have 24 hours to claim your bag or risk it being passed on to the next eager person on the list. The thrill of the chase!
The man has amassed wealth greater than the GDP of many nations, not by reinventing the wheel but by creating desire.
This move, it seems, is all about maintaining exclusivity, ensuring that the brand remains as “coveted” as ever. As Dusil writes, “Part of exclusivity is the notion of scarcity.” Bernard Arnault certainly understands that. After all, as Galloway highlighted, the man has amassed wealth greater than the GDP of many nations, not by reinventing the wheel but by creating desire. You don’t just want the bag; you want the status that comes with it.
After all, it’s no longer about having a quality product; it’s about having a product that others can’t easily get.
In a twist that would make even the most seasoned marketer salivate, Louis Vuitton’s play here is genius. Not only are they increasing demand through artificial scarcity, but they’re also maintaining their image as an exclusive brand. After all, it’s no longer about having a quality product; it’s about having a product that others can’t easily get.
And let’s be real. It’s not just the high fashion world that’s adopting this model. The artificial scarcity economy is booming, from Ivy League universities to tech giants. The end goal? Make people feel like they’re part of an elite club, drive up demand, increase prices, and let the profits roll in.
So the next time you find yourself yearning for that exclusive tote bag or prestigious college degree, remember it’s not just about the product. It’s about the game. And oh, what a ludicrous game it is!
The Alluring Glitz of the Luxury Industrial Complex.
In the labyrinth of the film industry, an intriguing new synergy has emerged – a vivid intersection of cinema and fashion, where the audience is entranced by the plot and lured into an all-consuming world of glamor and luxury.
No better example of this can be found than in the recent Barbie film directed by Greta Gerwig. The movie surreptitiously morphs into an elaborate, glorified commercial for the luxury brand CHANEL, ensnaring its audience in the throes of the Luxury Industrial Complex.
The Barbie film transcends these parameters, ingeniously morphing into a grand advertisement for CHANEL.
Fashion has always played a pivotal role in cinema, enhancing narratives, conveying character nuances, and contributing to visual aesthetics. However, the Barbie film transcends these parameters, ingeniously morphing into a grand advertisement for CHANEL. The viewers are artfully guided through Barbie’s extensive CHANEL wardrobe, the bags acting as a glittering, captivating protagonist of their own.
The CHANEL brand subtly and yet overtly infiltrates Barbie’s world, constructing a narrative where the luxury label is integral to Barbie’s identity.
But let’s take a moment to untangle the layers. Margot Robbie, an accomplished actress, and a well-known CHANEL ambassador, portrays Barbie, an iconic doll that epitomizes Western consumer culture. It’s an ingenious example of brand partnership. The CHANEL brand subtly and yet overtly infiltrates Barbie’s world, constructing a narrative where the luxury label is integral to Barbie’s identity.
Margot Robbie actress, and a well-known CHANEL ambassador.
We find ourselves under the relentless influence of a luxury label deeply embedded into the childhood icon’s universe, becoming an inherent part of her identity.
CHANEL’s omnipresence in Barbie’s world extends beyond a wardrobe narrative, reaching an astonishing level of product placement. The nostalgic trip through CHANEL’s timeless bags, from the 1990s vintage bags to Karl Lagerfeld’s designs, is mesmerizing yet jarring. We find ourselves under the relentless influence of a luxury label deeply embedded into the childhood icon’s universe, becoming an inherent part of her identity. The film subtly steers viewers towards the idea that Barbie, a doll revered by millions of children, cannot do without her CHANEL bags. Is this what we want to convey to our children and teenagers, the movie’s primary target audience?
While Margot Robbie shines on screen as Barbie, the film blurs the line between cinema and branding, constructing an aspirational world where luxury brands are essential to one’s identity.
The movie is unapologetically a celluloid advertisement for CHANEL’s luxurious line of handbags, intricately woven into the Barbie narrative. While Margot Robbie shines on screen as Barbie, the film blurs the line between cinema and branding, constructing an aspirational world where luxury brands are essential to one’s identity.
View it critically as a glaring example of how the Luxury Industrial Complex can subtly yet dramatically influence our perceptions and aspirations.
Undoubtedly, this strategy reflects a new reality of branding, as more luxury brands use narrative arcs in popular culture to infiltrate our consciousness. But it also serves as a potent reminder that consumers should be aware of this coalescence between entertainment and consumerism. Let’s celebrate the film for its aesthetic brilliance and powerful narrative and view it critically as a glaring example of how the Luxury Industrial Complex can subtly yet dramatically influence our perceptions and aspirations.
The British-French singer, actress and style icon may have been known as the inspiration for the Birkin bag, but she was so much more.
To some extent, it does an injustice to the British-French actress and singer — who died at 76 of undisclosed causes on Sunday in Paris — that she is largely remembered for the luxury Hermès handbag that she inspired and that was named for her. The influence of Ms. Birkin, whom the modeling agent Paul Rowland called an “eternal muse,” extended beyond clothes. She gave proof beyond doubt that the best style originates in attitude.
Gamma-Rapho, via Getty Images
Jane Birkin was more than just a fashion icon; she was a trendsetter who defined styles for her time. Her influence extended beyond clothes, proving that true style originates from within. From her early days as Serge Gainsbourg’s muse and consort, Birkin exuded an air of understated elegance. Her wardrobe choices included shrunken T-shirts, cutoff jeans, espadrilles, babydoll dresses, and striped Breton sweaters, all of which contributed to her offhand chic.
Birkin’s style was distinctively different from the American aesthetic. It blended the slightly rumpled English look with classic French codes.
According to designer Anna Sui, Birkin’s style was distinctively different from the American aesthetic. It blended the slightly rumpled English look with classic French codes, creating a unique fusion. Birkin introduced something new to the fashion vocabulary, setting an example for a generation of women who sought to emulate her effortless grace.
Her influence as a style icon resonates even in today’s corporate and intentionally programmed fashion industry. Birkin’s approach to style was refreshingly authentic, untouched by the overbearing influence of marketing and trends. She embodied a sense of freedom and individuality that captivated generations.
Inspired by her need for a spacious handbag, Dumas designed the Birkin bag, a global emblem of status and luxury.
Ironically, the iconic Birkin bag, named in honor of Jane Birkin, became synonymous with luxury and wealth. Before its creation, Birkin was often seen carrying a simple straw market basket filled with her essentials. This overflowing basket caught the attention of Jean-Louis Dumas, the chief executive of Hermès, during a flight. Inspired by her need for a spacious handbag, Dumas designed the Birkin bag, a global emblem of status and luxury.
Jane Birkin only had one namesake bag at any time (she sells them when they become old and battered), but other celebrities live by the ‘the more Birkins, the better’ mantra.
With prices starting at over $10,000 and customizable options available, Birkins remain highly covetable. Collectors and celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, Kylie Jenner, Jennifer Lopez, and Cardi B proudly display their Birkin collections. However, it is worth noting that Birkin favored a simple leather model, adorning it with charms, worry beads, and other personal items in her signature bohemian fashion. Jane Birkin only had one namesake bag at any time (she sells them when they become old and battered), but other celebrities live by the ‘the more Birkins, the better’ mantra.
While the Birkin bag will forever be associated with her name, her legacy extends far beyond this symbol of luxury.
With her effortless elegance and iconic style, Jane Birkin remains a beacon of inspiration for generations to come. While the Birkin bag will forever be associated with her name, her legacy extends far beyond this symbol of luxury. Birkin’s influence on fashion, film, and music is undeniable, and her unique approach to style will continue to inspire individuals seeking to express their individuality. Jane Birkin will be remembered as a true style icon, forever etching her name in the annals of fashion history.
Jane Birkin, modeling for The Sun in 1964.Mirrorpix, via Everett Collection“She set a style example for a generation of women,” the designer Anna Sui said.Mckeown/Hulton Archive, via Getty ImagesMs. Birkin with her daughter Kate Barry, from her first marriage to the composer John Barry.Reg Burkett/Hulton Archive/Getty ImagesMs. Birkin, second from right, co-starred in the 1966 film “Blow-Up.”Mary Evans/AF Archive, via Everett CollectionThe star, who had a relationship with and was a muse for the musician Serge Gainsbourg, collaborated on their hit song “Je t’aime moi non plus,” released in 1969.Gamma-Keystone, via Getty ImagesMs. Birkin, wearing the helmet worn by the actor Terence Stamp in the film “Far From the Madding Crowd,” in 1970.Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty ImagesBefore the Birkin bag was created, Ms. Birkin was often photographed toting a straw marketbasket crammed with makeup, keys and assorted paraphernalia.Watford/Mirrorpix, via Getty ImagesPart of Ms. Birkin’s signature style was her bangs.Lothar Parschauer/picture-alliance/dpa, via Associated PressMs. Birkin, wearing velvet shorts and a cape in 1971.M. McKeown/Daily Express, via Getty ImagesMr. Gainsbourg and Ms. Birkin with their daughter, Charlotte, and with Kate, Ms. Birkin’s daughter from her previous marriage, in Saint-Tropez, France, in 1972.James Andanson/Sygma, via Getty ImagesMs. Birkin co-starred in the film “Don Juan, or if Don Juan Was a Woman,” by the director Roger Vadim.Roger Vadim/Agence France-Presse — Getty ImagesMs. Birkin performing in 1974.Laurent Maous/Gamma-Rapho, via Getty Images“Her style was very different from American style,” Ms. Sui said, and it introduced “something new to our fashion vocabulary.”Mike McKeown/Daily Express/Getty Images)During the 1974 Cannes Film Festival, she posed for the cameras as she pedaled out into the waters.Agence France-Presse — Getty ImagesMs. Birkin taking photos at the 1975 Cannes festival.Keystone/Getty ImagesIn the 1982 film “Evil Under the Sun,” Ms. Birkin co-starred alongside Peter Ustinov and Maggie Smith.Universal, via Everett CollectionMs. Birkin in 1995.John Stoddart/Popperfoto, via Getty ImagesThe British-French actress and singer was a pro-democracy activist for Myanmar and visited several organizations in the region.Thierry Falise/LightRocket, via Getty ImagesMs. Birkin in her apartment in Paris.Derek Hudson/Getty Images“I was well known for carrying a basket,” Ms. Birkin explained in a 2018 interview on YouTube. “So I obviously knew girls liked to have masses of things in their handbag.”Jun Sato/WireImage, via Getty ImagesMs. Birkin standing between her daughters Charlotte Gainsbourg, left, and Lou Doillon at a Saint Laurent show in 2016 in Paris.Bertrand Rindoff Petroff/Getty ImagesIn 2018, Ms. Birkin performed at the Francofolies Festival in France.Vincent Gramain/Abaca PressMs. Birkin posed while promoting the film “Jane by Charlotte,” a documentary about her and directed by Ms. Gainsbourg, her daughter, at the Cannes Film Festival in 2021.Christophe Simon/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
As I strut into Shenzhen, China, bidding adieu to Hong Kong, I can’t help but gaze upon the majestic structure on my right, Luohu Commercial City, where enchantment unfolds.
Behold, the mall of wonders, where your heart’s desires await, but here’s the catch – they’re hidden like a secret treasure. No flashy counterfeits on prominent display here, my friend. The police are in a constant frenzy, raiding the place like a battle royale, seeking those coveted branded luxury bags.
But fear not, for the true treasure lies behind the elusive curtain. Picture this: a suspicious-looking old lady might snatch your hand and slyly slip you a business card.
No flashy counterfeits on prominent display here, my friend. The police are in a constant frenzy, raiding the place like a battle royale, seeking those coveted branded luxury bags.
But beware, my friend, for evaluating the quality requires a Ph.D. in Chinese street smarts. One peculiar Chinese trait is that they’ll sell you the moon and stars, claiming it’s the absolute best, yet when it’s their turn to buy from you, they become savagely critical like a hawk eyeing its prey.
So, brace yourself for the ultimate test – the art of negotiation. Otherwise, be prepared to leave Luohu Commercial City with a wallet as deflated as a popped balloon. But fear not, dear adventurer! I have an ingenious solution to spare you the misadventure of being duped by dupes and save you the hassle of a trip to China.
In the dystopian fashionscape “And Just Like That…” set 11 years after “Sex and the City 2”, we enter a parallel universe where Birkin bags possess the magical powers of immortality and everlasting youth.
Carrie, Miranda, and Charlotte have evolved into high priestesses of the Luxurious Order of Birkin Worship, with Samantha being banished only to return as a specter in a divine cameo.
One sacrilegious act shakes the foundation of their Uptown Manhattan haven – the audacious theft of a Birkin bag.
In this sacred realm of eternal blowouts (au revoir, Carrie’s natural curls!), Big’s constant reincarnation, and fierce women who have sworn to slay every look, one sacrilegious act shakes the foundation of their Uptown Manhattan haven – the audacious theft of a Birkin bag.
Beware! A Birkin thief has been let loose on season two of And Just Like That.
In the now-infamous Episode Three, the divine Seema, an enchantress clad in the very fabric of style itself, steps onto the urban catwalk of New York City. But tragedy strikes before your eyes can adjust to the sheer fabulousness radiating from the screen. In what appears to be a 21st-century retelling of the Greek myth of Hermes (who might have designed the Birkin bag if he were alive), a rogue Hermes-wannabe snatches Seema’s hallowed Birkin.
Seema’s screams reach the heavens, but the Birkin Gods are too busy picking out their outfits to answer. They fail to smite the Birkin bandit, who disappears into the urban labyrinth. Seema, tragically detached from her Birkin, wails, “What’s happening to this city?” as if the soul of NYC were contained in that bag.
Could this be an omen? Was Mayor Eric Adams trying to implement some warped, Birkin-based social policy? We shudder at the possibilities.
The acquisition of a Birkin is akin to decoding an ancient cipher; one must engage in a shadowy dance with HERMÈS, forging bonds of blood and fashion before maybe, just maybe, they deem you worthy.
In the primordial days of the franchise, we witnessed the Birkin trials of Saint Samantha. Ripped apart from Lucy Liu (her patron saint) and her destined Birkin, Samantha becomes an allegory for humanity’s eternal quest. The acquisition of a Birkin is akin to decoding an ancient cipher; one must engage in a shadowy dance with HERMÈS, forging bonds of blood and fashion before maybe, just maybe, they deem you worthy.
Seema, the messianic figure, is undoubtedly the reincarnation of Samantha’s spirit, the guardian of the Birkin. Who else could fumble such an extravagant relic?
He took only the wallet (mortal currency holds no sway for a Birkin Guardian), and thus, the Birkin was returned to its ordained keeper.
But lo and behold, a twist – the sacred Birkin, lying amidst the roots of a common sidewalk shrub, abandoned by the burglar who probably got stuck on the HERMÈS cipher. He took only the wallet (mortal currency holds no sway for a Birkin Guardian), and thus, the Birkin was returned to its ordained keeper.
Seema, you could’ve avoided this Herculean quest by insuring your artifact – a mundane spell known to mortals. But then, where would be the tragicomic glory?
In the gilded temple “And Just Like That…” where Birkins are the relics that protect, empower, and console, we are mere mortals privy to their epic tales. May the Birkin be with you.
