Latest news with #Luxity
News24
2 days ago
- Business
- News24
‘I got it from Dubai' – 8 fake designer red flags to watch out for
Imagine thinking you've found a bargain for your wishlist designer item, only to find out it's not an authentic piece. The designer counterfeit market is huge globally and experts fear that increasingly sophisticated illegal copies of luxury goods are becoming. Michael Zahariev, co-founder of Luxity, a consignment store in Sandton, notes, 'The modern counterfeit is engineered to deceive even seasoned collectors. While 'superfakes' don't command the price point of authentic pieces, they're calibrated to exist in that tantalising sweet spot – expensive enough to suggest authenticity yet discounted enough to create the illusion of discovering that rare bargain.' In South Africa, counterfeit goods are illegal. The South African Revenue Service notes that you can be detained if you are found with, but not limited to, the following: - Being in possession of or having control over counterfeit goods for the purpose of dealing therein; - Manufacturing, producing or making of counterfeit goods, including the keeping, storing or packing thereof, other than for private and domestic use; - Counterfeit goods being exposed for sale or being sold, hired out, bartered or exchanged. There are a few ways to protect yourself from unintentionally purchasing a fake designer item. Luke Calitz, also a co-founder at Luxity, offers the following tips: Red flag 1: Social media pages 'If you buy any luxury goods from a social media page or an Instagram page, which specifically does not have contact details, this is a red flag. Do not buy from those kinds of pages,' Luke warns. Red flag 2: 'It fell off the back of a truck' 'Next thing is luxury does not fall off the back of a truck. People say that 'I got this, it's cheap because it fell off the back of a truck'. That doesn't happen. They will tell you any story to try to sell you that counterfeit good. Red flag 3: No shipping or return policies 'We have shipping and return policies. We have obviously contact details, staff – we are legitimate. Part of feeling that you have trust in a brand that you can buy from.' Red flag 4: No website He says, 'If they don't even have a website, it's also a red flag. We all know, you know, anyone can pop up a website, and even if they do, it doesn't still mean that they are legitimate.' Red flag 5: Refusing to meet in person 'They don't want to meet with you, if they want to send it in the post – red flag, red flag,' Luke cautions. Red flag 6: Price is too low He says, 'If the price is too cheap, it's definitely not real. Everything has a resale value in the luxury industry.' Red flag 7: Gifts Think about whether your broke friend is really able to buy you a designer item as a gift. Luke says, 'What happens is that people get gifts and they go, 'It's expensive, I'm going to sell it for cash', but then it's not real.' Red flag 8: 'I got it from Dubai' 'People get the counterfeit goods in Dubai, the shopping malls in Dubai, and obviously we all don't even go near China for they're probably the biggest producers,' he says.
TimesLIVE
15-07-2025
- Business
- TimesLIVE
Six telltale signs you're wearing counterfeit clothing
South Africans are big fans of high-end garments. Here are pointers to avoid going broke for expensive waste For the past few years, South Africa has seen an interest in thrifting and luxury resale. South Africans have become leaders as top shoppers for expensive clothing. Buyers are hunting for discounts on high-end brands and trendy streetwear labels that break the bank. While a good find is always exciting, bargains can be less of a blessing and more of a burden when you spot glaring evidence that your new designer gear is counterfeit. We spoke to Michael Zahariev, co-founder of official luxury reseller Luxity, for his top six signs to prevent going broke buying knock-offs. PRICE REALISM If the item price is substantially lower than that of pieces from the brand's own stores or on established resale platforms, assume the 'saving' comes from skipping authenticity altogether. Check marketplace averages before believing a bargain. PAPER TRAIL AND GUARANTEES A genuine item can trace its life story. Ask for an original till slip, e-receipt, certificate card or online transfer record, then verify dates and store numbers. A clear, no-questions-asked return policy reinforces confidence and evasiveness is a red flag. BUY FROM PROS Stick to authorised boutiques and reputable resellers that offer escrow services and maintain storefronts or warehouses. Random Instagram or Facebook sellers using the word 'authentic' rarely have the processes (or accountability) to match. MATERIAL QUALITY Counterfeiters often nail the look but fail when it comes to the feel. Examine the feel of the leather or canvas with your hands, run your fingers along stitch lines and test hardware weight. Luxury pieces feature dense fabrics, ultra-even stitching and flawlessly plated metals. Anything creaky, light or fraying is suspect. BRANDING CONSISTENCY Fonts, letter spacing, logo placement and Pantone shades are governed by strict brand guidelines. Compare with the latest product images on the official site. Misaligned letters, fuzzy printing or slightly 'off' colours betray a fake faster than misspelt names. INDEPENDENT VERIFICATION
Zawya
16-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa: Luxury resale market grows as consumers seek purposeful purchases
For the first time since the 2009 global financial crisis, spending on new personal luxury goods has declined. If proposed US tariffs on imports go into effect, luxury's slowdown could accelerate even further. But one part of the market is doing the opposite. The global pre-owned luxury market is outpacing the growth of new luxury sales by 7%. 'Luxury is still in demand, but today's shoppers are calling the shots,' says Michael Zahariev, co-founder of Luxity. 'Escalating prices, greenwashing, and concerns around quality have dimmed the spotlight on traditional luxury, prompting buyers to be more intentional about their purchases by going the pre-owned luxury route.' Who's buying designer resale? Luxury resale isn't just for the rich. Luxity's latest figures show that while high-net-worth individuals love pre-owned for limited-edition pieces, vintage gems, and brands unavailable locally, more everyday shoppers are turning to resale for affordable access to designer fashion. As Luxity's reach expands beyond its flagship stores, online sales from areas outside South Africa's major cities are on the rise, proving that luxury lives well beyond Sandton and the Atlantic Seaboard. It's not just about buying, either; 52% of revenue comes from shoppers who also sell to Luxity and reinvest that money into new finds. Luxury with purpose Millennial and Gen Z shoppers' preference for pre-owned is also largely informed by their concerns about sustainability. 'They want luxury fashion choices that don't cost the Earth - literally,' shares Zahariev. 'It's about investing in quality pieces that last, not trends that fade.' Sure, the price tag on a pre-owned designer item might be steeper than a fast fashion find, but the cost per wear works out differently. 'Fast fashion tends to fall apart after a few wears. But with pre-owned, buyers wear it again and again. And, when they're ready, they can resell it, reinvest, and keep their wardrobe evolving without constantly consuming,' he explains. There is also the environmental reality. Fast fashion is one of the most polluting industries in the world, responsible for roughly 10% of global carbon emissions, more than what's generated by the entire European Union. What's more, one garbage truckload of clothes ends up in landfills or incinerators every second. Fast fashion is fleeting and deeply unsustainable. 'Conscious consumers are starting to ask smarter questions,' says Zahariev. 'Where did this come from? What's the footprint? Who made it? Pre-owned gives you the chance to buy into luxury without buying into waste.' Inside the business of circular fashion Circular fashion, the practice of extending the life of clothing through resale and reuse, is gaining momentum around the world. And platforms like Luxity are proving that it's not just an ethical alternative but a commercially viable one too. The company was recently recognised as one of South Africa's top 50 Growth Champions and was featured on the Financial Times ' list of Africa's Fastest Growing Companies for the third year running. With an absolute growth rate of 249.92%, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 51.82%, and annual revenues surpassing R60.4m, Luxity's performance reflects how circular fashion is gaining traction in South Africa, with conscious consumption becoming both culturally and commercially relevant. 'Today, luxury is less about excess and more about access. As the pre-owned market continues to grow, one thing is clear: real style is defined by purpose, not price,' concludes Zahariev.
The Citizen
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Find the perfect gift with our Mother's Day gift guide
This Mother's Day, go beyond the usual and treat the woman who raised you to something special. Our gift guide features thoughtful presents she'll truly appreciate. Whether you're spoiling a mom, a grandmother, or a mother figure, there's no better way to say 'thank you' than with a gift that reflects her beauty, strength, and grace. From flowers to fashion, here's a curated guide to thoughtful splurges and the pampering essentials. Remember, Mother's Day isn't about the price tag. It's about the thought, the effort, and the reflection of who she is. Whether you choose an opulent accessory, a sweet-smelling bath set, or a bouquet that speaks volumes, let your gift be a mirror of her unique beauty and love. We bring you a suggested gift guide: Floral elegance: Picture: iStock By Kylie Flowers and Gifting According to Kylie Werner of By Kylie Flowers and Gifting, Mother's Day is now seeing the same elevated spending as Valentine's Day. This year, it's all about joyful, nostalgic arrangements. Think lush bouquets paired with gift trays. Price range: R600–R300. Whether you opt for a delicate pastel palette or bold, celebratory hues, these arrangements are as unforgettable as the woman receiving them. Beauty and body bliss: The Body Shop. Picture: Supplied The Body Shop offers the perfect mix of indulgence and practicality. From rich lotions and fragrant body scrubs to refillable shampoos and elegant perfumes, you can build a custom gift box to suit her taste. Price point: Customisable based on your budget. Pampering with purpose: Sorbet treatments: Spa treatment foot massage set with blurred masseuse service foot massage customer on background. Picture: iStock Give mom the gift of self-care with a Sorbet voucher. With a wide range of treatments including massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, and hair therapies, there's something for every kind of queen. Price range: It varies by treatment. Inquire at your nearest Sorbet. Book her in for a pamper session she didn't know she needed—she'll love you for it. ALSO READ: Gentle aesthetics are replacing the knife Fragrance Give mom an affordable and long-lasting Egyptian fragrance from Tapputi fragrances. Not only is the decorative bottle a stunning keepsake, but a concentrated amount of the fragrance goes a long way. Pick from formulations like: Amber Rose, Blossom, Cherry Aura. Visit: Voucher Picture: Supplied If you really aren't sure what to get, buy a mall voucher and let Mom shop for exactly what she wants. Pick a mall with many stores. Try: Eastgate Mall, Sandton City, Menlyn Mall, Fourways Mall. Luxury That tells a story: pre-loved fashion from Luxity Celebrate her elegance with designer pieces that carry both style and substance. Luxity's pre-owned treasures are ideal for moms who appreciate quality and meaning. Top picks: Picture: Supplied Louis Vuitton Monogram Montaigne BB – A chic, structured bag for the multitasking mom. Price: About R35,000. Wrap her in elegance and comfort Picture: Supplied Dior leather Diorama chain wallet (red) Price: About R7 000 Christian Bold and functional for the statement-making mom Picture: Supplied Chanel silk and wool diamond scarf (navy and pink) Price: Approximately R25 000.
