Cardi B recently stated that she would never purchase a fake Hermès bag, emphasizing her commitment to authenticity during a candid conversation with ET for the Zevia “Real Talk Interpreter” campaign. The Grammy-winning rapper, born Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, also reflected on luxury fashion regrets, touring habits, and family life.
The Bottom Line
- Unapologetic Realness: Cardi B told ET that staying true to herself is paramount, noting she would rather people know exactly what to expect from her.
- Luxury Realities: In a separate appearance on Emma Grede’s podcast, the 33-year-old musician admitted that some high-end purchases, including certain designer bags and large nameplate jewelry, lose their appeal over time.
- Lifestyle Balance: Alongside her fashion insights, the hitmaker shared that partnering with Zevia helps her maintain energy on demanding tour schedules without added sugar.
Why Authenticity Drives Cardi B’s Brand and Business Decisions
In the entertainment industry, manufactured personas often dominate. But Cardi B has carved out a distinct lane by leaning entirely into her unfiltered personality. Speaking with ET for Zevia’s campaign, she explained that staying genuine is non-negotiable. “I could never pretend to be anyone else, and I wouldn’t want to be anyone else. I think what my fans appreciate most about me is that they never have to guess when it comes to who I am,” she stated.
That same straightforward approach shapes her consumer habits.
Rethinking High-End Splurges and Trend-Driven Jewelry
That does not mean she views every luxury purchase through rose-colored glasses. During an appearance on the “Aspire with Emma Grede” podcast, reported by the Cape Argus, Cardi reflected on her evolving relationship with high-end goods. “Sometimes I’ll look at my closet and think, these bags are kind of ugly,” she admitted. She also pointed out how quickly flashy accessories fall out of favor, specifically calling out oversized nameplate chains.
“Don’t buy a chain with your name on it. That’s not timeless. Now if you buy a tennis necklace or bracelet, it’s timeless,” she advised fans, noting that jewelry styles shift every two to three years. Her candid financial reflections struck a chord across social media platforms like TikTok, where users debated the shifting value of designer handbags and luxury status symbols.
| Category | Cardi B’s Perspective | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| Designer Handbags | Refuses to buy counterfeits (“never buy fake anything”); advises buying timeless pieces over temporary trends. | Authenticity and long-term value trump replica culture. |
| Jewelry Investments | Regrets oversized nameplate chains; recommends enduring pieces like tennis bracelets. | Personalized trend items lose appeal quickly. |
| Brand Partnerships | Collaborates with brands like Zevia that align with her actual lifestyle and need for tour energy. | Consumer trust relies on genuine alignment. |
Balancing Demanding Tour Schedules and Family Life
Beyond fashion and high-end retail, Cardi’s daily routine revolves around managing the rigorous demands of touring while raising her children. She shares three children with her ex-husband, Offset—whose real name is Kiari Kendrell Cephus—following a divorce filing in July 2024. Despite a turbulent on-and-off relationship history, the rapper remains intensely focused on her career and family.
“I’m definitely more mindful now because I got a lot going on. Touring is no joke, and I need energy every night,” she told ET, highlighting how she integrates healthier choices into her routine, such as stocking her tour bus with zero-sugar beverages like Zevia’s Orange Creamsicle and Strawberry Lemon Burst flavors. Meanwhile, her passion for shopping and lifestyle curation has become a shared activity with her 8-year-old daughter, Kulture, whom she describes as a fellow girly-girl.
Where do you stand on luxury investment pieces versus trendy splurges? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
