SCANDAL AFTER SCANDAL - CANCEL MELISSA ADAMS-WADE 

This video is not only about the Scandals that have recently come to light but also about my low buy and how I chose to step back from purchasing as much luxury as previous years prior to the recent scandals. To make things clear, I think the sweat shops are absolutely horrid and disturbing. My heart goes out to anyone and everyone who has ever had to work under such working conditions. Please remember that it is okay to have a difference in opinions. You can share your opinion respectfully in the comments. If you attack me or anyone else in the comments you will be blocked.

I applaud you for saying what no one else wants to say out loud and that is most of the items we have in our homes are not made ethically. No one seems to be bating their eyes when other creators are still doing massive SHEIN and Temu hauls when they have been exposed countless times for their sweat shops, but suddenly anyone who shows Dior should be canceled. It’s terrible this is the case, but I think the best solution is to consume less so the hard work being put into these items are appreciated and used.

I honestly feel like a significant amount of the things we buy are made in or sourced from horrible working conditions from electronics to clothes and bags. It's practically impossible to avoid unfortunately. 😢

Melissa, I really appreciate your candid take on the Dior scandal and luxury ethics. It’s eye-opening to consider how many brands might be involved in unethical practices. Your honesty about your own shopping habits and the low-buy journey is refreshing and thought-provoking. It’s made me reflect on my own consumption and the true cost behind these luxury items. Thanks for sparking such an important conversation. Keep it up!

I am SOOOO GLAD you approached this topic. ❤ A lot of huge luxury YT’bers came out about the replica industry & how they would never buy them because of child labor issues, among other things. But are still doing unboxings TODAY of Dior. Now THAT irritates me. It was never about labor issues. It was them looking down on people who can’t afford $10k bags but want a luxury experience. You have never judged anyone for what they spend their money on. So when you unboxed your bag I had no issue with it. I agree that we don’t know the working conditions of people making cell phones or clothes or furniture. For all we know there could be children in all those warehouses. The rich certainly aren’t going to pay labor charges that eat into their 1100% profit margins. I AM becoming jaded about spending so much on bags making the rich even richer plus spending $1k on a bag that costs $20 to make. That may direct my purchases in the future. But we don’t know how these companies treat their people. For any company we buy from. IMO!

I appreciate this video and totally agree with you on everything. No cancellation here, if anything makes me love your channel even more. Thank you.

I’m done buying luxury bags. I have enough bags. Too many bags really. And I’m not paying 2500.00 for a bag that costs 53.00 to make again 😢

I got some really good comments on my video that gave me pause for thought, I agree with you that it isn't just Dior and anything we own we could probably look into deeper. Unfortunately I had to pause my comments because they were becoming so disrespectful. I am keeping my bags and I am going to use them. I am really conflicted about how I feel about buying luxury going forward. Glad you shared your opinions.

I for one appreciate your video. You are being honest and transparent with your thoughts and feelings and I applaud you for it. No need to cancel you as you are being true to you! I love your content, your compassion and transparency is refreshing 😊

So over cancel culture, the scandal should highlight how the Italian government is trying to protect its works from exploitation, dior had a contract the winner of that contract is at fault, now it is true that cost per unit was probably in the contract and the sub contractor did what they did to turn a profit. Anyway i think it is progess to expose the manufacturers.

Melissa, thanks for sharing so openly, your thoughts. I ponder the same things almost daily. Sometimes I question my sanity when I want a piece from a brand so badly while I’m mad at the brand itself, for whatever reason. In my case, quality issues - but it could be scandals or whatever. Bags that compete with each other is also an issue I deal with all the time! When I step into my closet, it is so difficult for me to select a bag because I have multiple of the same color, multiple that match my outfit, and it is just difficult to choose so I am standing there for minutes on end, trying to decide. I know that we are not the only ones dealing with these issues so hopefully our community can collaborate to support better and healthier choices when it comes to shopping. ❤ 👍

I appreciate your perspective and you sharing it. I sometimes wonder if nobody really suspected the margins are very (insanely) high, leather or not, for luxury bags or anything in that category (anyone for fashion jewelry?). So then, the news should be truly about the working conditions, that's where I expect brands to do better (not only luxury brands specifically but brands that have built a solid reputation and claim to be good actors).

I agree with you. I’m beginning to look at ALL of my bags including the contemporary bags and questioning whether or not they were made in a sweatshop. Thank you for sharing.

Hi Melissa, I agree that we cannot say that no other brand has their workers in the same situation, but we cannot use that as justification for Dior, because right now we are made aware of the heartbreaking situations of the workers and exploitation relating to Dior. But also, I am all for enjoying and using anything anyone wants if they have the stomach to do so knowing all this.

Thank you! I have been watching this scandal and have seen a lot of standpoints. I could not contain myself from commenting.. This might be my first or second comment since I started watching RU-vid many years ago. I feel most of the influencers are afraid to speak and are playing it safe. You are the only one I have heard being true!

I am over designer luxury bags right now. Scandal or no scandal the economy is bad and money is tighter for most people. I say it’s your channel and do what you want. 😊

Thank you for your perspective and this video. It's such a hard call, because on one hand, as you say, every big company has done something wrong. But on the other hand, if we use that as a reason to never boycott or withdraw our support from any company, no matter what they do, then we really give these companies carte blanche to do anything at all without fear of reprisal. Is there a line? Does the line change the more companies that do it, like if 50% of companies do it then, not worth getting riled up about. I don't know, but I know that I wouldn't sell my brand new Dior bags after this scandal either. It's the same questions I ask myself when musicians or actors get caught up in something disgraceful. I kind of sat with the idea for a while that a musician or company would be on my $@%# list for a while, kind of like doing a prison sentence, but it wouldn't last forever. I don't know, I still won't shop at Hobby Lobby because of decisions they made about their employee health care, and that was years ago. but that's easy for me because I preferred to go to Michael's anyway. It's hard to abstain when the company is making something you really, really like!

I love every point you mentioned here! I’m so numb to buying it’s almost like a daily habitual thing. Please keep these reminders coming!!!!! ❤️ I’m sad about Dior news because it’s my first lux love. I have many pieces from them 🥺

I’m in no way under the impression that my canvas collection of LV bags are made by artisans. I’m sure they are made assembly line style by trained seamstresses etc. I would hope that the employees are treated well with decent pay, hours and a safe, clean work environment. If I were to find out the contrary, I’d never purchase another. However I’d most likely keep what I have. I feel the same about the few other luxury brands I have. I recently purchased my one and only Birkin. I have done as much research into the company as I can and I didn’t mind spending the money because I do believe my bag was made by an artisan with care. If I were to find out we’ve been lied to, I’d be disgusted. Balenciaga is a whole other story and I’ll never purchase Balenciaga. I’m happy I never owned any but wasn’t opposed to the brand until that mess. I don’t own any Dior bags but I’d be very disappointed if I did. The bags are expensive and I would expect that for the luxury prices they charge that their employees would have clean, safe, humane workplace conditions and be paid fair wages for their labor. I hope we hear more about the outcome of this situation.

GREAT VIDEO! I Have Been Looking For A Vuitton Alma Azur Braided BB For Over A Year. One Became Available On The Real Real This Morning For $2800. I Said To Myself I Would Wait Until After Lunch To Order It BUT THEN I Watched Your Video And Something You Said Stopped Me. You Said "Would The New Handbag Interfere With Any Others In Your Collection" And I Had To Be Honest And Admit It Would. I Have Chased This Bag For 14 Months But It's So Close To My Other Vuitton Alma, This Just Would Not Make Sense To Purchase. THANK YOU For Being So Real And Speaking Your Truth.

Oh, I had one more thought, too. Even though all big companies have something, we can still make attempts to reward better behavior. Like, if they rectify the situation, or stop the behavior. Or, for example, at least make efforts to show a better production line. I'm sure it's not all roses at Kering either (after all, Balenciaga), but I saw on the goodonyou site that Gucci has a more transparent work line than the LVMH companies I searched, so I was happy for at least something.

Thanks for transparency and honesty, Melissa. I agree that it’s ok to enjoy the bags you’ve already purchased and not feel obligated to sell what you have. Regarding Dior: I’m disappointed but not surprised. Fashion is known for having shady practices and nearly untraceable supply chains, and the high end brands aren’t exempt from this. It’s not right, but it’s not surprising to me at all. Regarding the price, if the subcontractor was actually following employment laws, those book totes would cost a lot more than $57. For almost all consumer goods the raw materials are the least amount of the cost. The bulk of what we pay for is labor. Even think of something as un-luxurious as plumbing. If your toilet breaks, the part will probably cost $10 but the cost of having a plumber fix it could easily cost you over $100. It’s the same concept. Just because the factory workers are being underpaid, doesn’t mean that their work and time doesn’t have value.

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽Thank you for this! I'm right there with you. Thank you for being vulnerable and stamping what we all feel. You are not alone.

I also don’t like to buy a new bag if it will outshine one that I already have in my collection. For example, I won’t buy two navy blue bags because I will always use one more than the other. I like to have a couple contemporary bags in my collection because sometimes it’s a little inappropriate to wear a Chanel bag to certain events and locations. I hope that makes sense. What platform do you use to sell your bags?

I agree with you 100% that every body has the right to work weather they are immigrants or not.👏👏👏

Great video! ❤

Well said Melissa!

I love hearing your perspective about all of these issues. You take such a rational approach to these things that I can really agree with. ❤

Great video🎉

I like your perspective on the scandal and it honestly made me think about the bags I have. Even though I only own one luxury bag and the rest are contemporary I’m still curious as to how many other brands are doing the same. I bet if someone looked into every brand details we would all just end up buying from our local shops instead.

This is such a good topic for open forums…. When it comes to scandal… it makes me want to step back for a while because of how toxic they get. Like… I Just want to shop and enjoy the design regardless of what brand… Most except Balenciaga….and I completely agree with you in that. I had a Balenciaga city bag…I didn’t even bother selling it…I wrapped in a black trash bag and threw it. Oh the Sweatshops….that’s everywhere. Unfortunately, that’s how it is for every company (all except small business) I work at one of the biggest pharmacy in US…and believe…they make us work our butts off and low pay rates…cuts down staff hours and expects to finish all task they require. Not to mention, we our dealing with patients, the corporate just seats and enjoy their money and play golf… 😅…so yes, you are 💯 correct, sweatshop is everywhere. The richer those big people get, the stingier they become to their employees. And as for the Immigrants…legal or not… they do deserve to work. Those people put more effort than most people who are born here. 😅😅😅 I know it’s a little more on the political side of things…but if they can work, they should be allowed to work.

Good points and it's so smart just to hold onto your bags. I agree with you in that illegal immigrants have a right to work, unfortunately they are really vulnerable to exploitation.

Melissa, you are a beautiful woman on the outside but lasting beauty comes from the love we share with family and friends. Your body carried, nourished and gave birth to five children and you still look great. Change your mindset to making food choices that are healthy and satisfying and be sure to drink plenty of water.

Hi Melissa! I totally get where you are coming from and agree with you. This is not the first and will not be the last. There are so many controversies that have happened inside and outside the fashion world. I am not saying turn a blind eye to it but being an informed consumer and deciding where you draw the line is a personal decision. Also, knowing it is impossible to not financially support some company that has been free of scandal.

Well made video. I agree! DO NOT CANCEL Melissa! She’s incredible and as stated, I agree with you on everything 💯. I can’t control what these mega corporations do. All I can do moving forward; is to not support the things that I am now aware of, that don’t align with my morals and beliefs. I’m not going to get rid of what I have.

I just love your videos. You are so transparent. I find your topics. Super interesting. You’re doing a great job. With self check ups. Tell the devil to shut up. You are special.❤

👍🏼 Thanks for sharing your thoughts Melissa! Indeed, there are scandals everywhere, but mostly, there are questionable conditions in every field that we buy from. Our clothing, our furniture, our food… where were the materials sourced from? Was it done in an ethical way? Why are we choosing to buy this one product over that other product? We buy blindly a lot of the time. We may ask ourselves some questions for some purchases and not for others. That’s me, anyway. So I agree, although disappointing to learn this, there is a bigger picture and if we want to stop buying luxury bags for these circumstances, then we also need to take a good look at everything else that we consume as well. It doesn’t mean being in denial and ignoring the reality, but being honest with ourselves as to why we chose this and to realize the privilege we have to be able to make that choice. Keep and enjoy your beautiful bags. And when we buy again, we can really ask ourselves those questions. You shared great insights. Thank you! 🫶🏼😘

Very well said Melissa, applause for saying things no one else does your comments about low buy made me stop and think . I know I shouldn’t be I buy anyway then more than not regret afterwards. Thank you for this video!!!

Thank you for your honesty and objectivity on these topics! I am in the same place that you are in many ways. I want to enjoy the things that I have and break the cycle of overconsumption. I also agree with you on the luxury brands. If we dig deeper, I’m convinced we would see the same or similar story with almost all of them. Fast fashion is very popular and there is so much inherently wrong with that industry…..but everyone is still buying these inexpensive garments. How is it that they are so inexpensive?

Great points! I think these moments that expose the underbelly of industries serve to bust our delusions for a hot second. The precious metals being mined in horrific conditions used to power the phone I’m typing this on. The horrible things that get food to our tables. Etc etc. none of is good or sustainable long term but as a society we just say “oh that’s bad” and then go right back to mindlessly consuming (because capitalism). I’d love to see these brands have transparency. Just say our bags are made in x factory in China or India and here’s our ethical standards for how the workers are treated and they are finished in y location in Europe. Sorry for the ramble 😂

Can completely relate with the over shopping, particularly clothes, and wearing the same things over and over again. Also taking a step back from shopping, I’m at purse peace for a while now, even considering selling some, since I have a big collection and can’t really wear everything all the time, I work from home often, so that doesn’t help. I’m still wearing my Dior pieces (I have 3 Lady Dior Bags, a pair of shoes and a stunning bracelet) but I’m debating if I should buy anything else from them… The Lady Dior I was looking for for years, just came available, exactly how I envision it! So so torn about it!

I'm feeling this girl ❤ I feel this way a lot and that's on just a $500 bag

I watched this video all the way thru. I was thinking about Dior this morning. I'm not sure if I'll purchase from them again.

That shade of purple is gorgeous! 💜

Hi Melissa. My thoughts on scandals are that they always happen and they always are forgotten about. I’m still going to buy Dior. I love the brand. A great example of forgotten scandals are the extreme racism of Gucci and Prada creating items that very much resembled racist caricatures and mammy’s. Nobody talks about them anymore but I personally stopped buying Gucci. Any Gucci that I have still are things I already had. Haven’t bought new Gucci in years. And that racism was right in everyone’s faces plain to see. People are talking about the sweatshop but easily overlooked an entire group of people being practically mocked, myself being apart of that group. So whenever I see videos of people saying they are going to get rid of all the of stuff they own, completely cancel the brand, etc, it gives me performative because why now? What about when certain brands were being unapologetically racist and weird? So, I just buy what I love. There is no such thing as ethical consumption and I’m not living my life worrying about what other people think about what I buy. Buy what you love. Mega corporations are always going to be exactly what they are. This new wave of performance on social media and trying so hard is just odd to me. Everyone is playing moral Olympics and I’m not. I am not trying to please everyone eps not people online. So many people were grilling Meredith for her new Dior bag and I was laughing because what kind of strange activism is that? Esp when it’s all still alleged? It’s the same people who are okay buying gucci etc. Great video as always! 💕

perfect 😍

Dear Melissa, l applaud your frankness concerning the Dior issue. I particularly respect your view on about job opportunities and illegal immigrants.

I’m watching and I understand how you feel I’m the same way ❤

Hi Melissa I’m of your opinion I’ll be honest. I think there’s a scandal to come out from all companies be it luxury or non luxury sadly I mean you only have to look at brands like Temu and SHEIN and the majority of people are happy to shop those sweat shops. Please don’t love your Dior bags any less than the day you bought them because you not using them won’t change a thing other than making you sad. Sadly we live in a world where employers want the cheapest labour to maximise profits be it Luxury brands or the lower non luxury brands. You worked hard for your money enjoy your bags, thing is scandals in luxury have broken out before prior to Balenciaga and I bet the majority of people couldn’t tell you which brand / brands it was. I couldn’t remember which emoji you said put down because I’ve been waffling on for ages 😂but I did watch you till the end. Have a wonderful week xx

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