Oprah and the $38,000 Tom Ford Handbag
I’ve been following this story for the last few days and sometimes I’m amazed at how people process information. To make a long story short, Oprah goes to Switzerland to attend the great Tina Turner’s wedding. She goes in a lavish boutique and asked to see a handbag (Tom Ford Jennifer Tote). The sales associate refused to show her the bag stating that it cost too much and that she couldn’t afford it. The store later claimed that racism didn’t play a part in the sales assistant’s decision to not show her the bag. Here’s my thought, I don’t care how much something cost, if I tell you to show me a handbag I mean just that!
Photo Credit: nydailynews.com
Most of you know that I’m a purse fanatic, so I searched for pictures to see exactly what $38,000.00 would get. I’m not really sure why this was in a glass case. It really looks like a regular leather tote. From my own personal experience, I know that sales associates DO based whether or not you can afford something off of your appearance which includes race. About 10 years ago, I went to Neiman Marcus (Downtown Chicago, Michigan Avenue) to buy a $300.00 Kate Spade bag. The sales clerks were not friendly, I was met with stares, and I had a hard time finding someone to help me. When the sales clerk did help me she looked like she was wasting her time. I bought the bag and it still remains one of my favorite bags in my collection but I know I shouldn’t have bought it. I never set foot in Neiman Marcus again.
While reading many of the comments posted about this fiasco. Many people criticized Oprah for wanting a $38,000 bag. Some stated that she got what she deserved for trying to show her money off. Oprah has earned her money and has helped thousands of people, as well as, given away millions of dollars in merchandise. If she wants to buy a $38,000 bag made out crocodile then that’s her given right. Just as much as it is mine to be shown a handbag for $300.00. She doesn’t have to talk about her money and she doesn’t have to flaunt it because we already know she got it. As my elders say, people with money don’t talk about it. On another note, who in the hell doesn’t recognize Oprah. Regardless, of how much money you have, it doesn’t change the color of your skin. Unfortunately, some people fail to realize that there are some very rich African-Americans; some are recognizable, some are not.
Has there ever been a time when you face harsh treatment in a store or boutique? The boutique owner now criticizes Oprah and took no action against the sales associate.
Read more on the story here
Swiss Shop Clerk Denies Telling Oprah She Couldn’t Afford $38,000 Handbag
StyleBlazer Survey: Should Oprah Have Apologized For Airing Out Zurich-Handbag Debacle?
Someone Finally Called Out Oprah For Buying a $38,000 Handbag
