'What a scam': Shoppers call out luxury brand for selling a $2,800 phone cord necklace
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When it comes to luxury brands, while you may often be paying for quality, you're also paying for the name.
Recently, Italian luxury brand known as Bottega Veneta has drawn criticism after releasing a coiled phone cord necklace, made with sterling silver for $2,803 CAD ($2,000 USD).
Not only could this type of necklace likely be closely replicated using household and recycled materials, but very similar styles are being sold online for just a fraction of the price.
The brand came under fire after fashion watchdog account Diet Prada shared the details of the pricey necklace alongside a photo of another brand selling a very similar one for only $5.
"I just wanna know if someone actually bought it for $2,000 DM me, please," someone commented.
"I made my mom this same bracelet for Mother’s Day when I was like, six," wrote another.
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"I got one of these for free in a cereal box once," another chimed in.
Some social media users claimed luxury merchandisers are hurting small businesses and people who make high-quality, handcrafted jewelry for far less.
"I know so many designers and artisans who work their hands to the bone, spend weeks on a single piece, make it from expensive materials — and charge less than this. Prices like this on cheap items, just because there’s a famous brand name attached, is pretty insulting to those of us who put so much effort into our handmade pieces," one person added.
"This is just so ridiculous! Who on earth would fall for this blatant robbery? I mean, does Bottega Veneta feel so jaded and entitled that they think it is ok to pass this off as luxury? I had so much respect for them when they got off social media. Come on," another wrote, adding, "What a scam."
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This isn't the first time that Bottega Veneta has released something with a questionable, ostentatious price tag. They also recently started selling a floral, beaded necklace for $3,400 USD — sending Etsy jewelry shop owners into a frenzy.
"These have been sold by indigenous people all over Mexico for years and years now. They sell from 25 to 50 pesos a piece," one person commented.
"Support Etsy sellers instead please! Small businesses are struggling right now," another added.
