The handbag debate continues... Ilham Al-Fadala: Why would I buy a bag for 800,000?

Amid the controversy sparked by TikTok videos about the origins of luxury handbag manufacturing, Kuwaiti artist Elham Al-Fadala made a bold and realistic statement expressing her surprise at the obsession with global brands and the prices of bags, which sometimes exceed hundreds of thousands of riyals.

Ilham said in a video that went viral on social media: “Why would I buy a bag for 800,000 riyals or even 30,000? I’m not convinced. My most expensive bag costs 3,000 riyals, and I even regret buying it!” Her statement received a great deal of interaction from followers, who have already begun to reconsider the concepts of luxury and smart consumption.

Most international brands have their factories in China.

Al-Fadala didn't just comment on prices, but also highlighted one of the most controversial aspects: that many luxury brands are actually manufactured in factories in China, despite their exorbitant prices.

She said: “We all know that most international brands have their factories in China.” This reopens the debate about whether these products are really worth all the spending, especially since the manufacturing and material costs do not match what the end consumer pays.

Instead of bags: “Invest in gold spikes”

Elham concluded her talk by offering direct financial advice to the audience, away from the obsession with appearances: "Investment, by God, is in gold bars." Referring to the importance of considering a secure and sustainable financial future, especially in light of the volatile global economic conditions and trade tensions between major countries, which even affect luxury markets.