Comments on: Don’t Fake It

By: Laura

Laura — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 01:56:36 +0000

A good alternative to buying through and through fake goods (such as the “Prada” and “Gucci” sold on blankets at tourist spots in Italy among thousands of other locations) is to invest in a “knock-off piece” such as a pair of mock Marc Jacobs booties at f21 or Steve Madden. This is a far better alternative because it gets you something similar to designer goods (although it can never replace them) for a LOT less. A little research before buying fakes can save a lot of pain and unfairness.

Good post Kezia, thanks for spreading the awareness.

By: lisa

lisa — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 00:25:54 +0000

Great post reminding everyone of the serious problems with buying fakes. Aside from all the illegal activities that counterfeiting supports, I don’t think I could bring myself to wear fakes–it’s just embarassing. I’d rather have something which I know is well-made and special and the genuine article. When you wear the real thing, you feel different and carry yourself differently.

By: huongface

huongface — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 20:17:24 +0000

thank you for sharing this. buying fakes is not something anyone should do. I’ve seen documentary on child labor and it makes me sad but then again how many folks buying fakes know these things. It is necessary to share with people this, I will definitely be.

By: capitolagirl

capitolagirl — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 17:22:20 +0000

I don’t buy or own fakes. Aside from not understanding the whole appeal of buying a fake product, I’m totally against child labor, human trafficking, as well as against copying any designers work. There are a few real designer labels that I have on my wish list, but I’d only buy them direct from a legitimate retail outlet–and they wouldn’t be items that have a flashy logo on it. For most of what I wear, I tend to buy well made products from indies and emerging designers, and prefer supporting indies over labels because I love originality, uniqueness, and quality.

By: Bronwyn

Bronwyn — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 05:59:04 +0000

I own a fake Cartier watch. I didn’t realize that’s what it was at the tine – I didn’t have my close-up glasses on and just thought it was a pretty little cheap watch. This was in a street stall in Bangkok. I’ve worn that watch for 2 years non-stop now, and it goes really well. I can’t see the difference between it and any of the other cheap watches on the stalls, so I refuse to feel guilty just because it has a minute “Cartier” on its face.

By: Iheartfashion

Iheartfashion — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 00:09:05 +0000

I’d much rather buy an anonymous, well made bag than a logo-covered imitation anyway, if the child labor and drug traficking weren’t enough to dissuade me from buying a fake!

By: deryik

deryik — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 15:26:24 +0000

well yea, fakes are bad. but then, how on earth a bag costs tens of thousands of dollars, and more importantly- why? do the labourers earn the most, or the brand? ive seen this guy, making perfect fakes of brand bags (nope, i didnt buy one). he even got in touch with italy to get the original zippers, leather etc from the producers, of course illegally. his bags cost like 5% of the original… and he still makes profit. i think “power to possess” is the one and only “it” thing for centuries. and it has a lot to do with creation of fakes. i mean, his customers used to bring him catalogues for every season! consumerism as u well said, and hunger for power.

and sometimes real stuff doesnt mean fair trade. do all brands guarantee us “no child labour” all thru the production process, from the textile to the zipper? adidas: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2000/nov/19/jasonburke.theobserver

and nike: http://www.american.edu/TED/nike.htm

were the originals and they still abused child labour. good old “minimize cost- maximize profit” principle is the issue here. i think its such a shame that we still need “fair trade” signs on products.

By: Kezia

Kezia — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 17:55:20 +0000

@jennine: i remember that bag! @marketpublique- i agree with most of your points, however, i’ll admit i’ve bought knockoffs before. i can see how they can be considered a grey area.
The thing is, in our status-driven, consumer culture WE (I’m using the collective we here) supply the demand. 12 year old girls wouldn’t be obsessing over fake louis vuittons, etc. if they weren’t being marketed a “lifestyle” that deifies labels and clothing.

By: Cammielle

Cammielle — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 05:19:32 +0000

I hate it when I see fakes. I wonder if those 12 year old girls everywhere with fake Chanels really think they’re fooling anyone? I can tell a fake as soon I can see one. I overheard a girl gushing over her friends Louis Vuitton the other day and the girl with it was eating it up. The pattern was wrong and I could tell right away. Honestly I think that is so embarrassing.

By: Sonja

Sonja — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 20:12:30 +0000

Lots of really good points, Kezia. Really puts a whole new spin on this. I had no idea it was such a gigantic industry. Thanks for all the great info!