Ah, the joy of slipping on a pair of luxury sunglasses! You know the feeling— that weighty, satisfying click as they settle on your nose, the elegant gleam of real crystals twinkling in the sunlight, and the quiet confidence that comes from knowing you’ve chosen quality. For someone like me, who thrives in an opulent world of designer heels and tailored suits, eyewear is the ultimate finishing touch to any ensemble. It’s not just about protecting your eyes; it’s a statement, a proclamation of style and stature.
But lately, something has been gnawing at me. A subtle, irksome change has crept into my beloved world of high-end eyewear, and I am not amused. LVMH, the fashion juggernaut that owns Dior, Fendi, and, yes, my once-favorite Louis Vuitton, has taken a shortcut— a cheap, uninspired shortcut straight through the world’s manufacturing hub, China. And darling, the results are as disheartening as you’d imagine.
Gucci but the quality is poor
Quality Control Lost
I’ve always been a sucker for a luxurious lifestyle. Whether it’s indulging in a vintage Fendi piece or attending a five-star fashion show in Milan, I expect the best of the best. I mean, who wouldn’t? And for years, that’s exactly what LVMH delivered—iconic, timeless eyewear crafted with the finest Italian materials. I remember picking up my first pair of Fendi sunglasses over a decade ago. They were sturdy, the crystals were dazzling, and every tiny detail screamed sophistication. Those glasses still sit proudly in my collection, and I still get compliments when I wear them.
But fast forward to now, and here I am, standing in a boutique in Paris, surrounded by shelves of designer eyewear that, quite frankly, look no better than the flimsy five-euro pairs you’d find in Primark. I tried on a pair of Miu Miu sunglasses—an old favorite brand of mine—and my heart sank. The frames felt light, almost plasticky, the crystals looked fake, and don’t even get me started on the overall finish. It was a far cry from the luxurious pieces I fell in love with years ago. How did we get here?
Well, it turns out that many of these so-called luxury glasses are now being manufactured in China. I’m sure you’ve heard the whispers about China’s involvement in the fashion world, but to see it first-hand, wrapped around your face, is an entirely different experience. And let me tell you, it’s not a good one. I’ve lived in Asia for years, and I’ve seen the quality of local manufacturing improve dramatically in some areas, but luxury eyewear? That’s not one of them.
Gucci 11 years ago, amazing quality
Dior Would be turning In His Grave
What’s truly heartbreaking about all of this is that brands like Dior, Gucci, and Miu Miu are allowing their reputations to be tarnished for the sake of profit. These are brands that built their legacies on craftsmanship, attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment to quality. But now? Now they’re cutting corners, and we, the loyal customers who have supported them for years, are left to deal with the consequences.
I refuse to part with my hard-earned cash for something that feels no different than a fast-fashion knockoff.
Remember those early 2000s Fendi sunglasses I mentioned? They were built to last. The craftsmanship was impeccable, and you could feel the quality every time you touched them. Compare that to the flimsy, mass-produced versions sitting on shelves today, and it’s like night and day. What’s the point of buying designer if the designer isn’t even committed to giving us the luxury experience we expect?
And let’s not forget the crystals. Oh, the crystals! Once upon a time, they were the crowning jewels of luxury eyewear. I could spot a genuine pair of designer sunglasses from across the room, just by the way the light bounced off those perfect, hand-placed gems. But now? Now, it’s all fake, darling. Fake, fake, fake. The sparkle is gone, replaced by dull, lackluster imitations that do nothing to elevate the piece. It’s like putting a cubic zirconia in a Tiffany’s setting. Sure, it might look fine from a distance, but up close, the magic is lost.
Gucci 2021 horrible quality after three wears made in Italy has rubbed off. I am sure these are fake sold to me in Venice
I Miss The Days When Luxury Was Synonymous With Quality
When you bought a pair of Dior sunglasses, you knew you were investing in something that would last, both in terms of durability and style. But as I look around at the sad state of affairs in today’s eyewear market, I can’t help but feel that those days are behind us. LVMH has sold out, and in doing so, they’ve cheapened not only their products but also their brand image.
What’s even more infuriating is the deception. These brands aren’t exactly shouting from the rooftops that their eyewear is now being manufactured in China. Instead, they rely on their name, their logo, and their legacy to lure us in, hoping we won’t notice the difference. But trust me, we notice. The weight of the glasses, the feel of the materials, the craftsmanship (or lack thereof)—it’s all painfully obvious. And I, for one, won’t be fooled.
You see, I’m all about vintage eyewear. I’ve started scouring secondhand shops, auctions, and online vintage boutiques for the real gems—those pre-China era pieces that were made with care and precision.
25years old frames made in REAL France
I refuse to spend my money on subpar products just because they have a designer logo slapped on them. And honestly, there’s something incredibly satisfying about finding a rare, one-of-a-kind piece that has stood the test of time. It’s like a treasure hunt, and the reward is knowing you’ve invested in something truly special.
In the end, I suppose this is just another example of the fast-fashion world encroaching on luxury. It’s all about the bottom line, about maximizing profits while minimizing costs. But at what expense? The very essence of what made these brands great is being eroded, and for what? So they can sell more units, faster, to more people? Call me old-fashioned, but I’d rather have one pair of stunning, well-made sunglasses than a dozen cheap, forgettable ones.
So, LVMH, consider this my official breakup letter. I’ve loved you for years, but I can’t support what you’ve become.
I’ll be taking my money elsewhere—preferably to a vintage store, where I can find the real deal. And to all my fellow luxury lovers out there, I urge you to do the same. Demand more from these brands. Don’t settle for mediocrity just because it comes with a fancy name. We deserve better, and if enough of us speak out, maybe, just maybe, they’ll listen.
Until then, I’ll be here, sipping my champagne, wearing my vintage Fendi sunglasses, and basking in the glow of real crystals. Because darling, life is too short for bad eyewear.
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