4 ‘Luxury’ Brands That Are Actually Just Overpriced Junk, According to Experts
Written by
Cara Danielle Brown
Edited by
Jenna Klaverweiden
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Many of us may be tempted to splurge on a luxury item now and again. However, luxury fashion doesn’t come cheap.
So before you fork over your card, take a look at what some experts had to say about which luxury brands are worth the money and which ones aren’t.
Also see five products where you should skip name brands entirely in 2026 if you want to keep more cash.
Not Worth the Splurge
According to experts, here are some brands that aren’t worth your money.
Balenciaga
Ward Kampf, president of Northwood Retail, explained Balenciaga is often intentionally provocative (as in the case of its “tote trash bag”), but real luxury relies on craftsmanship and durability — not shock value.
Dolce & Gabbana
This brand can be great for a singular “wow” moment, but, per Tracy Lamourie, founder and managing director at Lamourie Media, who has walked red carpets with many a client, the fabrics and tailoring aren’t what you’d expect from this price point.
Gucci
“In the past few years, Gucci has become more about paying for the logo than paying for timeless or groundbreaking designs,” Kampf said.
Lamourie stated this is especially true of its ready-to-wear collection, which often puts branding over durability, consistency and high-quality tailoring.
Off-White
“The products seem to be produced at scale with streetwear-level construction but priced as luxury,” Lamourie said. When price is based more on cultural relevance than craftsmanship, it may be a rip-off.
What Makes a Luxury Item Worth the Price?
Sharon Warten, stylist at Sharon Warten Fashion Stylist, explained that “real luxury is quiet.” She shared a few simple ways to tell if an item is worth its price tag.
- Materials: Quality items have natural fibers, not synthetic blends.
- Construction: Quality stitching, lining and hardware exemplify real luxury.
- Timelessness: Ask yourself if you would still love an item in five to 10 years and if you’d be willing to buy it multiple times.
- Beauty: “Is it beautiful, even without a logo?” Warten asked. Luxury pieces don’t need to tell you they are luxurious.
- Resale: Simple math. If an item has resale value, it’s worth the price.
Which Brands Exemplify Quality Luxury?
As for brands that exemplify quality luxury, experts shared the following.
- Bottega Veneta: Lamourie stated Bottega’s quality materials and superior leather work speak for themselves — no logos necessary. Items are also extremely durable.
- Stella McCartney: Lamourie explained that Stella McCartney offers well-tailored, high-quality luxury that is “consciously made to perform in real life, not just look good when on a model.”
- Chanel: Warten explained that Chanel items are beautifully made, timeless and hold their value over time.
- The Row: Per Warten, The Row offers a minimalist vibe. Clothes are exquisitely crafted with amazing fabrics, quality tailoring and no big logos.
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