I stopped buying new designer brands a long time ago and get them second hand through thrift and consignment. The ones I have found are not made in China. The quality is quite noticeable.
Purses are the silliest buys new right now. LV’s, Gucci, Burberry, etc. You are right, the older stuff that’s vintage is much better.
I’ve been seeing more small outfits making things like custom purses in the US that are as good or better than the Chinese crap.