You paid luxury prices. You got polyester and a customer service bot that ghosted you.

Let’s be real not all “luxury” is created equal. And a shiny logo doesn’t excuse cutting corners.

I’ve spent over a decade inside this industry. I’ve seen how brands cut corners while raising prices. How they talk about “heritage” and “quality” while quietly switching to cheaper factories and synthetic fabrics. I’ve seen pieces that cost thousands come out of the same production lines as fast fashion. And I’m done staying quiet.

That’s why I made this:

Luxury Fashion Exposed: What You’re Really Paying For (And What Brands Won’t Tell You) 

 a free, no-BS guide that peels back the label and shows you what luxury fashion really looks like from the inside.

In it, I break down:

  • The hardware details that instantly give away poor construction (even from $1000 brands)

  • Why fit issues are never your fault — and what luxury sizing should feel like

  • How to decode fabric content (and why natural fibers matter more than you’ve been told)

  • The truth about greenwashing and why “recycled polyester” isn’t a solution

  • What real luxury customer service looks like, and how to test for it before you buy

  • And so much more

This isn’t about shame. It’s about clarity.
Because you deserve to know what you’re paying for and how to get the real thing.

If you’ve ever felt disappointed after splurging on a designer piece, this guide is for you.

Download this guide now to discover each of the 7 key tests the luxury industry would rather you not know about. Inside, you’ll find detailed checklists, hands‑on seam‑and‑fabric tests, industry case studies, and the exact questions you should be asking.

Here’s a preview of what I teach inside my free downloadable guide:

Let’s start with the biggest red flags in so-called luxury fashion:

1. Where It’s Made Tells You Everything

A lot of people ignore this, but it’s the #1 indicator of cost, ethics, and craftsmanship. Major luxury labels are increasingly producing in underregulated factories (even in Italy) using subcontracted labor paid unfairly — and still charging $2,000+ per item! Major outlets have recently reported on luxury giants like LVMH outsourcing to underregulated factories around Milan, where workers are paid a fraction of what you'd expect.

Inside the free guide: How to decode origin labels & what to ask if a brand won’t disclose their factory.

2. The Inside Should Be as Beautiful as the Outside

Look inside a dress, it’ll tell you everything.

  • Are the seams finished with care or just serged (the fastest method)?

  • Are there French seams, clean linings, or exposed threads?

  • Does it feel smooth against the skin?

Inside the guide: Photo examples of internal construction & what quality actually looks like.

3. Stitching & Hems Matter |  A Lot

  • Long stitches = faster machine time = weaker seams.

  • Tiny, even stitches = stability + time invested.

  • Serged hems? No thanks. A narrow hem takes time and skill, and it stays put.

 Inside the guide: Stitch tests you can do at home (even in a dressing room) before buying.

4. Hardware + Details = Dead Giveaway

A $700 dress with a flimsy zipper? That’s a no.
At Rebecca Elizabeth, we use YKK zippers (the gold standard) and every trim is chosen for beauty + durability.

 Inside the guide: Your checklist for trims, buttons, zippers & what they should look like.

5. Fit Shouldn’t Be a Gamble

Many brands mass-produce without fit testing on real bodies.
You try three sizes: none feel right and you think it’s you.

It’s not.
It’s lazy design.

 Inside the guide: The “Fit-Testing Secret” that separates truly well-made pieces from generic ones.

6. Fabric Lies 

In this guide, I break down:

  • The exact difference between fiber and finish (satin is a weave, not a material)
  • Why natural fibers like silk, cotton, and linen are always the gold standard
  • The rise of tech-forward sustainable fabrics like TENCEL™, Cupro, and how to spot them
  • The truth behind “recycled polyester” and why it's not the eco-friendly miracle it claims to be

 Inside the guide: A breakdown of sustainable vs. unsustainable fibers (plus how to spot greenwashing).

 

7. Customer Service Is a Luxury Too

If you reach out to a luxury brand and can’t get help, red flag.
If they ghost you after a sale? That’s not luxury. That’s exploitation.

A luxury experience means responsive, respectful communication  before and after your purchase.

 Inside the guide: The 5-question customer service test every shopper should try before investing in an expensive piece.

Luxury isn’t about the price tag. It’s about transparency, ethics, craftsmanship, and care. I made this guide to help women like you shop smarter,  and to expose the truth behind what luxury has become.

Download the full guide here

Rebecca Elizabeth is a sustainable designer based in Italy. Every piece is ethically handcrafted in her studio using only natural fibers. Her collections blend feminine details with conscious craftsmanship.