Heritage or hype? The true value of luxury handbags in 2025: an old money perspective

In this episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor, we dive into the true value of luxury goods—especially designer handbags—amid a shifting global economy, social media overexposure, and growing transparency about where and how these so-called “heritage pieces” are actually made. In the age of the Wirkin, or Walmart Birkin, and in the wake of the Chinese revealing exactly how many luxury goods get produced in their factories rather than in chic Parisian ateliers, Kiki unpacks (pun very much intended) the history of handbags as status symbols, from old money necessity to nouveau riche billboard, and dissects the old money perspective on luxury: discreet, enduring, and never desperate. With juicy anecdotes from her recent travels through Morocco, Turkey, and China, Kiki shares firsthand observations of the proliferation of fake designer bags, the depressing state of luxury duty-free shops, and the disillusioning reality of modern production—even at historic maisons like Hermès and Chanel.  Topics we cover: The erosion of luxury's mystique in the age of TikTok unboxings. Why handbag resale value isn’t the flex people think it is. How discerning old money treats luxury goods (hint: if it has a TikTok hashtag, it’s already over). Spotting a dupe without losing your mind (or your manners). Whether you're a bag lover, a social climber, or simply etiquette-curious, this episode is your guide to navigating the luxury landscape with wit, wisdom, and perspective.

Om Podcasten

Welcome to "Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor" – the podcast where old money meets new manners, and your Auntie Kiki spills the tea on all things etiquette, with a side of laughter and a dash of aristocratic charm! Join the illustrious Kiki Astor, author of smutty romance novels and grande dame of decorum, as she tackles your most pressing etiquette questions with the finesse of a debutante twirling at a ball. Wondering about the historical roots of fork placement or the proper way to decline a social invitation without causing a scandal? Auntie Kiki has you covered, darling! In each episode, Kiki Astor delves into the archives of social graces, uncovering the hidden gems of bygone eras and bringing them into the 21st century with a wink and a nod. Learn how to curtsy with confidence, when to deploy the subtle art of shade, and why you should never, ever drop your pedigree papers, whether it's during a soirée, a cocktail party, or in the PTA or HOA meeting. From navigating the treacherous waters of modern technology to mastering the delicate dance of small talk, Kiki Astor is here to ensure you ascend the social ladder without stepping on any well-heeled toes. So, grab your monocle, straighten your tiara, and prepare for a delightful blend of refined advice and uproarious anecdotes that will have you laughing all the way to the gilded gates of high society. Subscribe now and embark on a journey through the annals of etiquette, where Kiki Astor transforms the socially awkward into the effortlessly elegant, one podcast episode at a time. After all, darling, why be gauche when you can be gloriously graceful? 🥂 #AwkwardEtiquette #KikiAstor #MannersMatter