A Chinese woman complained of linting four days after wearing a luxury brand padding, but the company said it was a “normal phenomenon,” sparking controversy there.
China’s state-run online media outlet Global Network reported on the controversy surrounding the quality of French luxury brand Louis Vuitton padding.
A woman identified only by her surname Hong, who lives in Hangzhou, China, bought a white padded jacket at a Louis Vuitton store for 45,500 yuan on Nov. 13 last year. It was a nylon padded jacket consisting of 54 percent polyester and 46 percent polyamide.
As it got chilly in December, Hong took out this padded jacket and put it on. However, it is said that lint occurred four days after wearing clothes. Hong said, “The sleeves and hem are sloppy,” and added, “I would understand if it was a clothes that cost several thousand yuan, but the clothes cost more than 40,000 yuan.” According to the photos released by the media, when the bottom of the padded jacket was enlarged, the thread was formed and the appearance of the tangles could be confirmed.
Hong took the padding to the Louis Vuitton store, but the employee said, “If the hair falls out, I will repair it.” Hong complained, “Clothes are not bought to appreciate,” and “Even if you buy a cheap padded jacket, it doesn’t become linty this quickly.”
When a reporter visited the Louis Vuitton store in Hangzhou after receiving Hong’s tip, the staff declined the interview. The manager of the department store where the Louis Vuitton store is located was able to hear Louis Vuitton’s position. His answer was no different from what he said to Hong. Louis Vuitton said, “If you wear clothes and touch a corner such as a table, lint will occur,” explaining that the situation is normal.
Hong disagreed. “I was very careful when I put on my clothes, and I didn’t work,” he said. “I accept the brand’s value, but I’m sure there’s a problem with the quality.”
The department store offered to provide a free dry cleaning service and remove lint. Hong asked for a refund. He suggested that I keep the money at the Louis Vuitton store because I don’t have to get it back in cash and I will use it to buy other products.
The department store said, “We will try to handle it properly,” but it has not been coordinated with the store.
Upon hearing the news, Chinese netizens criticized, “I’ve been wearing a padded jacket that I bought online for 69 yuan for four years and it doesn’t have any lint,” and added, “Expensive ones are not necessarily the right thing.” Some sarcastically responded, “Who told me to wear something that costs 40,000 yuan? Just put it in your closet and look at it,” and “You are supposed to wear Louis Vuitton clothes only for one day. It is impossible to wash and wear them again and again.”
SOPHIA KIM
US ASIA JOURNAL
