Fashion misinformation? Hermès refutes viral TikTok claim on bag origins
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Hermès has denied claims made in a viral TikTok video that its bags are made in China. The video, which has garnered millions of views, alleges that 80 percent of luxury bags are manufactured there.
The claims have sparked online debate, contradicting the long-standing practices of several established fashion houses.
One of the brands mentioned in the @senbags2 account is Hermès, a luxury label known for its artisanal craftsmanship and commitment to transparency. However, Hermès has refuted the claim, stating that its bags are crafted in France.
“Hermès bags are crafted exclusively in our ateliers in France by highly trained artisans,” the company told Newsweek. “We do not outsource production of our leather goods to China or any other country. Any claims suggesting otherwise are categorically false and may be the result of counterfeit misinformation.”
In the video, the user alleges, “They take almost finished bags from China factories and just do the repackaging and logo installing. Something like that,” suggesting that many high-end brands outsource the bulk of their production to China and only complete minor finishing touches elsewhere.
Fashion commentator Antonio Padilla also weighed in on the viral video via Instagram, denouncing it as misinformation intended to encourage consumers to purchase counterfeit or “dupe” products.
“This is simply misinformation to convince viewers to purchase dupe products from these manufacturers directly,” he wrote.
Padilla further highlighted Hermès’ transparency, noting that the brand has published a map of its workshop locations in France.
He also referenced Vogue’s exclusive behind-the-scenes feature on the Hermès leather goods headquarters in Pantin, available on the magazine’s official YouTube channel.
The viral claim surfaced just days after former U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs for all countries — except China — which saw its rate increase from 84 percent to 125 percent.
In response, Chinese President Xi Jinping imposed matching tariffs on the U.S. and introduced new restrictions on rare earth exports.