The $500 Chinese Try-On Fee Surprised Vera Wang's Team Too

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Since news hit that Vera Wang's Shanghai boutique slaps brides-to-be with a 3,000 yuan (nearly $500) fee for trying on dresses for 90 minutes, the practice has been called "unbearable", "a naughty scheme", and kind of racist. But so far it's just news to the higher-ups at Vera Wang.

Priya Shukla, vice president of public relations at Vera Wang, told Refinery29 that the news "was surprising to us too. The activities of one of our international partners was brought to our attention. We are reviewing this carefully and taking measures to ensure all of our stores offer the same standard of excellence worldwide." The fee—which is like a down payment, and is deducted from the price of the gown should the shopper purchase, but is otherwise non-refundable—is apparently standard in Chinese boutiques as a form of protecting high-end brands against counterfeiters.
· Vera Wang's Team Responds To Its Extra Fee For Chinese Brides [Refinery29
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· Behold the 25 Most Expensive Stores in the United States [Racked]