The rise of Luxury has been at a consistent high, but what goes up must come down. Through Death, there's a sense of birth. But nothing lasts forever. High-end is losing its shine. What once felt aspirational is starting to feel hollow, a display without depth. Through the rise of AI we’ve run into the collapse in artistry. We're in need of something real, something built from the ground up, something from the streets.
Value is measured in presence, respect, and consistency. The pieces that matter are the ones you curate and put time into to build a fit. Luxury has brought an enormous amount to the table, and for that, we honor the artists who contributed to its authenticity and who shaped the culture we move in today. That said, the system behind luxury isn’t always as pure as it appears. Viral videos by Chinese factory workers and online commentators on platforms like TikTok and Douyin allege that many luxury products are made in China for a fraction of their retail cost and then shipped to Europe for minimal finishing, enabling "Made in Italy" or "Made in France" labels. Some videos claim that "over 80% of luxury bags are made in China despite companies labeling the goods as being made in France and Italy" (Abraham, 2025). Where society and culture have come to now, can only move in a direction where influence is driven by like-minded individuals, not greed, but creativity and authenticity.
This is where street brands like Shaka Wear step in. It’s not about chasing trends; it’s about pedestalising culture, identity, and influence that actually matter. The streets don’t need advertisement pushing “THe nExT bIG ThiNG.” We, the people, decide and set the standards.
As the high-end world fades, the future belongs to those who understand Humanity. It’s a reset, a chance to lead with authenticity over labels. For brands rooted in culture, it’s the perfect moment to define what real influence and style look like. Because the throne luxury once held is crumbling, and the streets are left to wonder who's taking it?
The End of High-End: Luxury Death
Posted by Nick Mosco on
