"The Rich New York Women Who Love Their Fake Birkins" article in The Cut - thoughts?

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#121
There is a lot to unpack here. First I share the sentiment that it's easy to call something fake news when one doesn't want the subject explored or chooses not to believe that an issue exists. I have a long background in media and I assure you reputable outlets do not simply post hearsay or gossip. Articles must be backed by sources and proof. That may not be readily apparent to the reader, but their attorneys will want evidence.

I grew up in an affluent area. Rich, poor, middle class I've observed that financial priorities are based on familial values, background, age demographics and now we have social media pressure. I know a billionaire who has authentic bags and also shops at Target. She buys what she likes. And why spend additional money if you don't have to? Middle class neighborhoods are filled with leased expensive foreign cars because that's what makes them these people happy. There may be a keep up with the Joneses issue there too. Some millionaires won't eat at expensive restaurants, but take lavish vacations. Priorities are different.

Thus, it's not out of the realm to believe that this group of women in the article want to look fashionable while flexing their wealth. But they aren't willing to spend the money to do this. Also, they may be into this for the thrill of doing something they know is illegal. Sadly, these illegal purse parties have been around for decades.
 
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#122
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#125
oshinex said:
This is the saddest thing ever.
I really hope this is fake.
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After my short foray on that site, I was left feeling very sad for these people. I felt like I was eavesdropping on a group therapy session of some very angry women who felt they were getting their revenge on the rich or popular kids by getting replica bags and the rich/popular kids being the fools.
 
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#126
Not so sure that this circle is looking at the ramifications of owning a fake bag in the manner that
many of us are.
This circle of wealth can have what they want, when they want, how they want it & don't
seem to care anything more then having the pinnacle of that highly coveted "it bag" which
they appear so proud to show off..
They don't have to be concerned about pre-spend, making numerous phone calls for
a appointment, being on a wait list & the rest of that ball of wax
If that bag shows wear or falls apart, do they care? Not likely.. easily replaceable
They pick up a phone place their order & perhaps by the end of the day that bag will
be available. Sad scenario .. but it is what it is..
 
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#127
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#128
charlottawill said:
It would not be the first time a journalist fabricated a story. This example came to mind:
Click to expand...

Knowing people who have had books written about them - cooperating, and then finding fabrications, exaggerations and inaccuracies at every turn. They should know. These were biographies mediated, reviewed at every turn and were supposed to have gone through check after check. Unfortunately, an anniversary or a race to be first with a publication puts people under pressure. Another friend wrote a book and the publishers edited out everything but the most sensationalist parts.

Historically, many fabrications have famously slipped through the net, even with fact-checkers.

www.politico.com

10 journos caught fabricating

The New Yorker's Jonah Lehrer is hardly the first journalist to get caught making stuff up.
www.politico.com www.politico.com

The Top 12 Journalism Scandals Since 2000 -

and more

www.ranker.com

Journalists Who Were Caught Lying

It's not just politicians who lie through their teeth. Even some of the most trusted names in news have told a tall tale here or there. Some of them are even featured in celebrities who plagiarized. Which journalists have lied? Well, NBC suspended Brian Williams for half a year after he was...
www.ranker.com www.ranker.com

Today, even with the Net it's easier to gain traction for low-level stories (which this is) and spread urban myths as fast as an LA wildfire.. Of course there are rich people who buy fakes, there are all sorts of people who buy fakes, and of course some don't mind saying they're fakes (remember Sarah-Jessica Parker deliberately, retrospectively, outing the fake Birkin she hid her bump on SATC). Plausibility is at the heart of all good fake news stories. This one would have made a good episode of SATC.
 
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#130
Yes, there have been journalists who have faked stories, sadly. But that doesn't mean this story is a fake. The subreddit RepLadies exists and fake bag parties are nothing new. For those in certain circles, fashion is a way to signal status and to show one belongs.

The reddit post about the husband outing the wife's fake bags was painful to read. It's sad that people feel they have to wear certain clothing to be accepted. I do believe social media has created this false sense of need. We talk a lot about teens and young adults being particularly susceptible to this pressure, but let's be real, older adults are too. It's easy to get sucked in to the mindset that everyone has the latest "it" bag. Or that too many people have a particular bag so it's "basic."

The part of the story that makes me uncomfortable is that the woman on the street is described as an Asian mom. Why does it matter that she's Asian? I am unfamiliar with this neighborhood in NY so not sure what the author is trying to convey here. I hope she wasn't insinuating that only Asian women buy fake bags because we know that is patently false.
 
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#131
Penelopepursula said:
The part of the story that makes me uncomfortable is that the woman on the street is described as an Asian mom. Why does it matter that she's Asian? I am unfamiliar with this neighborhood in NY so not sure what the author is trying to convey here. I hope she wasn't insinuating that only Asian women buy fake bags because we know that is patently false.
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You are right. My relative who buys from RepLadies is not Asian. But using unnecessary ethnic descriptors is a bad habit many are guilty of. I try to avoid doing it, and I've corrected my husband on it. He was telling me a story recently and said "black guy", and the fact that the person he was talking about was black wasn't relevant to the story. I explained why it was wrong and he got it.
 
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#132
Penelopepursula said:
Yes, there have been journalists who have faked stories, sadly. But that doesn't mean this story is a fake. The subreddit RepLadies exists and fake bag parties are nothing new. For those in certain circles, fashion is a way to signal status and to show one belongs.

The reddit post about the husband outing the wife's fake bags was painful to read. It's sad that people feel they have to wear certain clothing to be accepted. I do believe social media has created this false sense of need. We talk a lot about teens and young adults being particularly susceptible to this pressure, but let's be real older adults are too. It's easy to get sucked in to the mindset that everyone has the latest "it" bag. Or that too many people are a particular bag so it's "basic."

The part of the story that makes me uncomfortable is that the woman on the street is described as an Asian mom. Why does it matter that she's Asian? I am unfamiliar with this neighborhood in NY so not sure what the author is trying to convey here. I hope she wasn't insinuating that only Asian women buy fake bags because we know that is patently false.
Click to expand...
While I do not encourage anyone to visit the Reddit site, when I reviewed it, the sellers all had Asian names. I am Asian. I only can speak about my experience, but I have noticed more women who are culturally and ethnically similar are more interested in Hermes, et al than my Caucasian friends. I am definitely not defending the author if she fabricated this story as opposed to profiled actual subjects. I wonder if this RepLadies site started as some cool, culturally exclusive little clique. This is the vibe I got from some of the posts.
 
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#134
i saw that article and was baffled. primary reason why i have to shop boutique - afraid of reps and i like the SA relationship and just the shopping experience in store as a whole. it's a hobby which is expensive - but of which buying fakes online won't get me. plus - while designer brands are "expensive rip offs" it's not right to rip off someone's intellectual property... that's not rightful in the first place.
 
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#135
charlottawill said:
You are right. My relative who buys from RepLadies is not Asian. But using unnecessary ethnic descriptors is a bad habit many are guilty of. I try to avoid doing it, and I've corrected my husband on it. He was telling me a story recently and said "black guy", and the fact that the person he was talking about was black wasn't relevant to the story. I explained why it was wrong and he got it.
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That for correcting your husband, Some people don't realize that singling out race or ethnicity in a story can come off racist. I had a chance to look at the site and from what I see all races shop there. If these women are really rich buying reps, it seems they have too much time and money on their hands. However, I will say the rep Tupperware parties are very real on the UWS. I have been invited to a few and have always refused. I don't buy reps, IDC how good they get. I am not a VIP shopper of Hermes, I can only afford 1 quota bag every 2 years, but something about saving my money and working hard to get it just feels better. Not to mention it can be repaired! I am not into the instant gratification of buying a bag like some are. Even if I got super-wealthy, I still wouldn't need to stoop to that level. I more so don't understand the need to have some 10 - 30 bags like some of those women on the Reddit site. Like I'm happy with my 4 bags. It's giving obsessive and unhealthy shopping addiction. Like I said too much money and time. Spending $1000 on a rep that can't be repaired hurts my soul.
 
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