Of Grilled Corn and Louboutin's Coin Purse

I’ve always been a fan of luxury, though to me, it doesn’t necessarily mean expensive. Sometimes, the ultimate luxury is something as simple as a Lindt black chocolate ball (they call them truffles)—the way it melts perfectly in your mouth, offering a fleeting moment of pure indulgence. For me, that’s luxury in its truest form.

I admire many brands that embody craftsmanship and timeless design, and one that particularly stands out is Louboutin. It’s not just about the brand’s iconic status, but the feel and quality that elevate even the smallest everyday items, like their coin purse.

Interestingly, my wife has a deep appreciation for coin purses, and I’ve observed how she treasures them. She carefully selects the right one, always keeping her belongings neat and organized. Meanwhile, I find myself throwing money into my pocket without much thought, living in a haphazard style that contrasts with her refined sense of order. In her small acts of elegance, I’ve come to appreciate how luxury—whether it’s a designer purse or a piece of fine chocolate—can bring joy to the simplest of moments. So over an afternoon tea, I picked her brain about her perspective on luxury. By the way, don’t get the wrong idea; our luxury moments are as simple as buying grilled corn as we stroll along the Corniche of Alexandria.

We played pretend: I pretended to interview her, which I did, and she pretended to be a person who appreciates luxury, which she genuinely does.

Here goes:

Q: Why should someone pay for luxury goods instead of buying fakes?
A: Once you get used to the quality of luxury items, it’s hard to go back. You feel good about owning something well-made that lasts a long time. There’s a sense of pride in having something that holds up, not just physically but emotionally too. With luxury goods, you're not just paying for the brand, but for the durability, the craftsmanship, and the value over time. Fakes don’t offer that, and honestly, it can feel like a "faux pas" to carry a knockoff.

Q: Can you give an example of the difference between owning a luxury item versus a cheaper one or a fake?
A: Sure, I’d rather have a well-made Zara bag than a fake Louis Vuitton. A real Zara piece could last 2-4 years, while a fake designer bag might not even last a few months. The quality difference is so obvious, especially in how the materials wear over time. For example, with real Louis Vuitton bags, the handles darken naturally with use, while fakes stay bright white, making it clear they’re made from lower-quality materials.

Q: How do you feel about owning mid-tier luxury brands, like Miu Miu or more affordable alternatives?
A: I think it’s similar to comparing cars. Just because I drive a Toyota instead of a Lexus, it doesn’t mean I’m driving a bad car. It’s still good, just not as premium. Miu Miu, for example, is still a part of Prada, but it’s more affordable. It’s not about being cheap—these items are still high quality, just positioned differently.

Q: What about the materials used in luxury goods?
A: The materials are a huge part of what makes luxury items worth the price. For instance, the leather in a Louboutin bag is treated to a high standard. You can feel the difference compared to a fake, which is often made from plastic or low-quality materials. Luxury items are made to last, and they look better as they age.

Q: Can luxury goods really last that long?
A: Absolutely. I have a Prada bag that’s lasted 10, 15 years, and I still use it and it’s still in great condition. I also have a Celine bag that’s traveled a lot with me, and even though the glue started to weaken, it was because of the wear from travel, not poor craftsmanship.

Q: How do luxury brands handle repairs or maintenance?
A: Luxury brands take care of their customers in a way that fast-fashion brands just can’t. When I had an issue with my Celine bag, they sent it back to Europe to repair, because the brand is careful about maintaining their reputation. They wouldn’t let you walk around with a broken Celine bag because it reflects on them. It’s like Apple’s customer service—they take care of you because they care about their brand image.

Q: Can you share share another example of how luxury brands manage repairs?
A: Yes, with my Bottega Veneta bracelet, I had to send it back for repairs twice. They fixed it at a small cost, but they made sure it was done right. When I had an issue with an Yves Saint Laurent item, the store in Dubai was able to pull up the details of my purchase from London, including the specific transaction number. That’s the kind of care and attention you get with luxury brands.

Q: So, luxury items come with a sense of trust in their longevity and service?
A: Exactly. You’re paying for more than just the product—you’re paying for the time, the service, and the quality. Even if I need to repair something, I know the brand will take care of it, and I’ll end up with something that lasts a lifetime. The difference is huge compared to non-luxury brands. Remember, this Egyptian saying is so true:

الغالي تمنه فيه

ّLouboutin's nitty gritty details:

The Women’s Panettone coin purse, evoking the Panettone wallet, is a compact accessory that slips easily into any bag. This model is crafted in leche beige calf empire leather and is embellished with signature Maison Christian Louboutin Loubinthesky spikes.

- 2 flat pockets
- 3 bill pockets
- Zip fastening
- Dimensions: H 80 x L 110 x W 25 mm

Buy it HERE.