The other day I decided to do a random fake-designer-bag test. So I showed a picture of typical Bottega Veneta handbag (one with their trademark weave) to a colleague and asked her if women in the local train carried that bag. “Ohhh, almost all of them have this!” she replied.
I don’t have much to say about this ugly (and unfortunate) trend of carrying fake designer handbags, but here goes anyway:
Fakes have been around since ages, but it’s only now that I see almost every other person toting such a piece.
I’m not sure why so many more Indian women are now carrying fake Louis Vuittons, Guccis, Fendis, Burberrys and Bottega Venetas, but I suspect it’s a lot to do with the desire to be part of the so-called cool and hep crowd. Louis Vuitton fakes have become so common that not a single day goes by without me spotting at least one. (To be fair, a number of women aren’t aware of these brands per se, they just know that it’s some popular design of some phoren brand).
My stand on fake designer bags is pretty clear—I would be pretty uncomfy buying one. It’s not the real thing, and it’s kinda sad that anyone would want to buy one. Yes, designer bags are gorgeous and make you feel classy, sexy and powerful. And yep, most of us can’t afford those bags without making a serious dent in our bank balance. The heart wants what the heart wants, right?
But ladies, ladies, ladies—don’t you think by opting to buy such a bag you may be err… kinda kidding yourself about who you really are? There’s nothing to be ashamed about shopping at Mango or Guess or other similar brands. It’s what you make of your fashion budget—with a good eye for bargains and trends, you can get some great bags. The best part of our 21st century consumerist society is that there are plenty of fabulous and chic bags, purses and clutches out there to suit all budgets.
And then think of the thrill when you save up for months for an awesome bag and you finally buy it with your hard-earned money. Nothing is more powerful than that feeling!
So yeah, I’d rather buy a high street (read affordable) accessory or dress with my head held high than fake it out.
What do you have to say about this? Would or do you buy fake designer bags? Or will you never buy one?
Come on, take our poll. We won’t judge you for it—and hey, you’re anonymous. Dying to know what you think.
Gosh the Vuitton fakes have literally flooded the country….
I saw this one person carrying a hot pink vuitton with really uggly LV fonts on it. I doubt she even knew its a vuitton fake. It also kind of makes it annoying for people who buy genuine stuff, with so much of fakeness going around it loses the originality.
I have some designer *inspired* bags. But i steer clear from any that show fake designer labels or logo’s on it.
@Mehak, I’ve seen plenty of ugly LV rip-offs too. Even the non-ugly ones can be a turn-off! And hey, almost all high-street brands have designer “inspired” bags– they’re great to carry around for couple of months, then discard as the trends change. 🙂
Gosh the Vuitton fakes have literally flooded the country….
I saw this one person carrying a hot pink vuitton with really uggly LV fonts on it. I doubt she even knew its a vuitton fake. It also kind of makes it annoying for people who buy genuine stuff, with so much of fakeness going around it loses the originality.
I have some designer *inspired* bags. But i steer clear from any that show fake designer labels or logo’s on it.
@Mehak, I’ve seen plenty of ugly LV rip-offs too. Even the non-ugly ones can be a turn-off! And hey, almost all high-street brands have designer “inspired” bags– they’re great to carry around for couple of months, then discard as the trends change. 🙂
carry a fake LV or fendi is bad enough… but a carrying a fake coach? or guess? now, THAT’s really sad.
@Hema– I think most people don’t realise what the “C” or the “G” means and just get carried away with something “nice” they see others carrying. It’s sad, I know, but true!
@Hema– I think most people don’t realise what the “C” or the “G” means and just get carried away with something “nice” they see others carrying. It’s sad, I know, but true!
Hey,
Loved the article and wanted to share this. Incidentally I have a genuine LV NeverFull (Which I love) and carry it everyday and also on trains. I keep seeing others with their “LV Bags” but have never bothered to really think whether it was a real or not. I am not sure if others wonder that about me but I always smile to myself in satisfaction that I have a real one which is serving me really well!
Also I wonder if half the girls really know the the luxury brands or not, because when they buy it is just a bag for them. Unless you know about the brand LV or any other, you won’t really know that it is a copy.
Cheers!
@Kaumudi– The LV NeverFull is one of the more “classic” styles and happy to know you’re loving it AND carrying it everywhere, even on the train! And even happier that you’re not bothered about others’ bags.
Yup, most women don’t understand the meaning of a brand, bag or label, it’s just a bag that will carry their things, looks nice and seems to be cool because everyone else has one. 😉
Hey,
Loved the article and wanted to share this. Incidentally I have a genuine LV NeverFull (Which I love) and carry it everyday and also on trains. I keep seeing others with their “LV Bags” but have never bothered to really think whether it was a real or not. I am not sure if others wonder that about me but I always smile to myself in satisfaction that I have a real one which is serving me really well!
Also I wonder if half the girls really know the the luxury brands or not, because when they buy it is just a bag for them. Unless you know about the brand LV or any other, you won’t really know that it is a copy.
Cheers!
@Kaumudi– The LV NeverFull is one of the more “classic” styles and happy to know you’re loving it AND carrying it everywhere, even on the train! And even happier that you’re not bothered about others’ bags.
Yup, most women don’t understand the meaning of a brand, bag or label, it’s just a bag that will carry their things, looks nice and seems to be cool because everyone else has one. 😉