Louis Vuitton criticised for launching first ever makeup line with 'wild' prices as shoppers say they'll need a 'payment plan' to purchase a lipstick
The French fashion house has unveiled La Beauté Louis Vuitton, designed by Pat McGrath, which includes 55 designer lipsticks, ten lip balms, and eight eyeshadows - but like everything from the label, the products are priced at a premium.
The cosmetics line is due to be released across Louis Vuitton stores around the globe at the end of August. However, the price tags have already drawn some negative attention online.
All of the lip products will set shoppers back a costly £118.50 ($160), trumping the prices of competitors such as Chanel, which charges £42 for its Rouge Collection.
The eyeshadows, which come in eight shades and in quads, are even dearer, costing an eye-watering £185 ($250).
The high price tags no doubt reflect the time, effort, and craftsmanship that went into making the collection, which reportedly spanned 170 years, according to Harper's Bazaar.
Thanks to the sustainable packaging by Konstantin Grcic, refills are available for £51 ($69) for lip products and £68 ($92) for eyeshadow products.
Skincare was made a priority in the collection, which is reflected in product ingredients like natural waxes, hyaluronic acid, and shea butter.
'Working backstage for over 20 years at Louis Vuitton fashion shows, I am thrilled to now play such a key role in the launch of La Beauté Louis Vuitton, which is the result of extraordinary craftmanship, creativity and innovation,' McGrath said in a press release about the collection via People.
'The beauty universe is about so much more than just products, and what we are creating here will unlock a new level in luxury beauty.'
On TikTok, some have reacted negatively to the collection's price points, with one writing, 'People will buy using affirm or payment plans…people have shopping addictions.'
Another said, 'I'd rather spend that on something else!' A third added, 'I get that it's a luxury brand but 220 for 4 eyeshadows is wild…is the packaging at least real leather.'
'Keeping the poor people buying Louis Vuitton even poorer,' wrote a fourth user on TikTok.
While Louis Vuitton is working to impress high-end consumers, Topshop has delighted high street shoppers with news of its return.
However, it's comes to light that it's the brand's old stock might be worth a small fortune.
The brand left a hole on London's Oxford Street and the hearts of many young shoppers when it closed its doors in 2021.
However, much to the pleasure of fashion fans, Topshop is back up and running online and there's speak of brick-and-mortar shops coming soon in the UK.
But before shopping the brand's new collections, it might be wise to search through storage for old Topshop garments, particularly those championed by Kate Moss, because they could be worth a pretty penny.
Despite most pieces originally retailing for under £100, eBay has witnessed sellers flogging their old pieces from the brand for higher prices, with some items going to the highest bidder for £200 plus.
One seller, @bless7478, sold a floral dress, dubbed 'Topshop Kate Moss Iconic Pansy Floral Print Tea Dress Glasto', for an impressive £115.
While the price might raise some eyebrows, the seller noted that the frock, also previously worn by fashion darling Alexa Chung, is made from 100 per cent cotton, which is now a rare find on the high street.
If items haven't tripled in cost, it seems there's a good chance that they've retained their value, with one trademark Topshop dress, previously worn by Naomi Campbell, selling on the platform for £10 higher than its original for £260.
The gold tassel dress was new with tags, and despite being released in 2014, the cocktail dress is as modish as ever.
Elsewhere, a different frilly, grey dress is currently up for sale for an impressive £172, despite showing previous signs of wear.
TikTok users took to platform to share their thoughts on the new line - and many were unimpressed with the price
It's of no surprise that most of the items up for large amounts of cash are related to Kate Moss, who became synonymous with the brand along with other top models like Cara Delevingne, after releasing multiple collections with Topshop.
Back in 2014, Kate's Topshop collection caused chaos on London's Oxford Street, with hordes of fans lining outside the former flagship store to purchase the festival-inspired collection.
Kate's appearance at the event made the release day an even bigger sensation. She joined Radio One DJ Nick Grimshaw on stage, saying to fans: 'Happy shopping'.
She then disappeared after her brief appearance to go for a private dinner with friends and supporters.
Friends and family caught and early glimpse inside for a special VIP preview, with guests including Mary McCartney, sister of designer Stella McCartney, and Sienna Miller.
The model's SS14 collection brimmed with seventies style pieces, including fringed suede jackets, jump suits and maxi dresses.
The collection also included embroidered smock-tops, silk blouses and graphic print kaftans that went on sale in high street stores globally and online.
Kate, who first collaborated with Topshop in 2007 before taking a break to work on other projects, was said to have taken inspiration from her own wardrobe, which, despite her status as a supermodel, isn't solely comprised of designer labels.
At the time, Topshop's Sir Philip Green, who counts the model as a friend, said he was delighted at Kate's decision to collaborate with to the fashion label.
He said: 'I am personally thrilled that Kate wanted to come back to Topshop to work with us again.
'The first time around was such a lot of fun and she has been sorely missed. The Topshop business has developed extensively around the globe since we launched with Kate in 2007.'
Kate added: 'I have really missed being involved in the design process and working with the team at Topshop. I am very excited to create a new collection that bears my name.
'Now more than ever with London being at the forefront of fashion as it feels like I'm back home.'
While Kate worked closely with the brand back in its heyday, it's unclear whether she'll rekindle the relationship in its next phase.
As of earlier this month, Topshop's standalone website is back up and running, meaning devotees of the brand can now shop on Topshop's dedicated website, more than four years after it was axed following the retailer's sale to ASOS.
After it sold a majority stake to a Danish firm last year, Topshop has been teasing its return as a standalone brand.
It has wasted no time in getting the the big guns involved to relaunch its sleek website.
Model and actress Cara Delevingne has curated a 40-piece range, with everything from a faux leather high shine washed trench coat to an '80s double-breasted oversized suit blazer up for grabs.
Elsewhere on the website, a range of womenswear and menswear can be ordered online. The brand's full 2025 autumn and winter collection is going live on 16 August
As part of its relaunch, Topshop was at Trafalgar Square in London on 16 August to host its first runway show since 2018.
Amid high demand, Topshop released 500 more tickets for the event earlier that week.
Topshop's newly-launched standalone website offers next day and standard delivery options, as well as a Topshop Instant AM pre 12-noon delivery service.
Topshop was founded in 1964 youth-focused offshoot of the department store Peter Robinson.
Topshop was a titan of the British high street at its peak, raking in about £100million in profit, with hundreds of stores spread across almost every large town and city in Britain.
But the store's popularity waned as it struggled to compete with fast fashion online, losing its younger shoppers to aggressive digital e-tailers like Boohoo and PrettyLittleThing.
In 2018, former owners Arcadia revealed it was haemorrhaging cash, reporting a £93.4million pre-tax loss compared with £164.6million profit in the year before. And sales slumped 4.5 per cent from £1.8billion.
Amid the demise of Arcadia, owned by Philip Green, in 2021, Asos acquired Topshop, Topman and Miss Selfridge for £330million. At the time of its collapse, there were 70 Topshop stores across Britain.
Topshop will not be returning to its former flagship store at 214 Oxford Street in London, which is now occupied by the new Ikea which opened earlier this year.
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