I don't have any tolerance for people who choose to wear fakes. Be it fake bags, shoes, watches, whatever.
I find the ubiquitous word 'replica' funny because it's so telling. Why would anyone call a fake handbag a replica? Because they don't like hearing the word 'fake'? Well, that's exactly what those items are, fakes. That should've been the first clue, that they shouldn't buy those items - they're not real, they don't have the same qualities an actual item they're copying has, and I don't mean just materials- or workmanship-wise.
I assume people who buy those fakes want them to compliment their look. In my eyes, fake stuff not just cheapens one's outfit, but completely ruins it. There's this old saying about fake watches being for fake people. I personally agree with it wholeheartedly. It doesn't matter if the people around can tell it's fake. Although I would assume in certain circles there will always be at least one person who will know it's fake just from looking at the item for three seconds. Those lies about 'wanting the look for less money' are ridiculous. You don't get the look by buying fake stuff, that's just how you get the fake look. Those who say they just don't want to worry about damaging an expensive item - why does it have to look like it's designer? Just buy a cheap bag that doesn't resemble a $1K+ designer piece and you're good to go.
There are SO MANY great brands out there that offer good enough quality for as low as $100. They often follow the current trends and/or classic styles, so if you want a flap bag on a chain, there's plenty of options to choose from. Don't get it in the diamond or chevron quilt - or if you really want to, get the quilt but in a different shape. It will not look like a Chanel, but it will still look nice.
You can even go pre-loved because eBay and other such platforms are full of nice used bags that are still in good condition but will run you as little as $20. In some countries, you can get nice pre-loved bags for even less than that. I have. There's absolutely no reason for anyone to buy a fake item unless they deliberately want to lie to people around them.
Also, I have seen some YouTube personalities voice their opinions on fakes that ran along the lines of, 'I don't endorse it but to each their own.' I always wonder when I hear this from YouTubers whether they really think that or just don't want to alienate some of their audiences. It's like trying to sit on two chairs. Either you're against fakes or you're not. Doesn't matter if you don't wear fake stuff yourself. I feel like if you're in media and producing content on fashion, you should be firmly against fakes in every way.
And I didn't even touch on the subject of child labor, sweatshops and where the money made from counterfeit items goes.
