Sweatshops will never go out of style as long as capitalism is alive and well. Any time a sweat shop is "closed" that just means that that particular factory has been temporarily put out of business because the rest of the world is watching them. I'm not here to argue about world views, I just thought the level of disingenuous in this thread was staggering. I'm not perfect and I know my consumerism contributes directly into the degradation of the environment and the exploitation of people, but I readily admit it and I own it. I just wish everyone cold do the same, as well, instead of making up silly arguments that are hypocritical and uninformed.
Why Do People Buy Fake Designer Bags Or Fake Designer Anything?
- Thread starter uber-chic
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I think quite a bit of misinformation is the fault of the media. One person on one network may lay it out in one fashion while another may take a clearly different direction in explaining how counterfeiting and sweatshops work. Not everyone understands just how buying products from unknown sources negatively impacts society. It's so much more than a bottom line. It's up to the informed to politely explain it so that the misinformed can be aware before making further purchases. Unfortunately there will always be those who couldn't care less but for those who do, it's a start to lessening the illegal profits and hopefully getting them all out of business.
it's simply because they can't afford the real one :giggles: i don't like knockoff or fake bags....because i always love bag since long time ago so i save my money to buy my dream real designer bags 
i seriously doubt that people buy knock-offs because they like the style and don't care who makes it. a lot of fakes' shapes are totally off or have a shape that doesn't even exist (in the designer's collection), they only have the logo pattern (in LV's case). so it's often not the shape they want, but the logo.
I've never understood this, but why do people insist on buying fake knock offs of designer anything, especially bags? In my opinion I could never get any satisfaction knowing that I was toting around a fake bag or fake watch or fake anything. If I can't afford to buy it, then I'd rather buy something in my price range instead of posing like I can afford something I can't.
Some people argue that they'd rather spend their money on something else like fixing their house or going on vacation, and would rather carry a knock off instead, and then have the nerve to make fun of people that buy the real thing. What they don't realize is that people that can usually afford a real $2,000 bag, can also afford to fix they're house and go on vacation too, without having to sacrifice one for the other...it's all relative.
Buying knock off bags and seeing women with knock offs doesn't make any sense. It's like a guy wearing a fake rolex, you just can't take him seriously, or respect him for that matter. I would rather see him wearing a timex...the same applies to women. If you can't afford the bag, stick to coach or kate spade or something, right? You're fooling no one but yourself, where's the satisifaction there?
Thoughts anyone? I don't mean to stir or churn, but I just had to!
Why do people carry fake bags? Status and Power. simple.
As much as people can profess to love the quality/handcrafted/special/exclusiveness/design of the largest and most popular designer handbags it mostly comes down to status and the status you have when you carry said bag or designer anything.
I used to carry a fake Chanel back in college and I had a couple SA's in a department store thank me for bringing it in so they could see it (they thought it was real). That's the point of a designer bag right? For people to drool over it (and you) in public. Status. Cult of celebrity. Whatever you want to call it.
I have a couple flight attendant friends who go to China very often and come back with almost perfect fakes. The only difference is that it is usually Korean leather made by the Chinese. The leather is gorgeous, smells like a designer bag, serial numbers match the "authentication card" with the right holograms...it's crazy how far people will go to copy stuff for status. Fakes have come a long way. Is it right, moral or ethical? I think that is for everyone to decide for themselves and what they are comfortable with.
As much as people can profess to love the quality/handcrafted/special/exclusiveness/design of the largest and most popular designer handbags it mostly comes down to status and the status you have when you carry said bag or designer anything.
I used to carry a fake Chanel back in college and I had a couple SA's in a department store thank me for bringing it in so they could see it (they thought it was real). That's the point of a designer bag right? For people to drool over it (and you) in public. Status. Cult of celebrity. Whatever you want to call it.
I have a couple flight attendant friends who go to China very often and come back with almost perfect fakes. The only difference is that it is usually Korean leather made by the Chinese. The leather is gorgeous, smells like a designer bag, serial numbers match the "authentication card" with the right holograms...it's crazy how far people will go to copy stuff for status. Fakes have come a long way. Is it right, moral or ethical? I think that is for everyone to decide for themselves and what they are comfortable with.
Because they think people can't tell.
This topic was on the radio today and that was the common answer. "No one can tell it's fake and I'd rather spend 30-75$ on a fake than hundreds on a handbag."
Loved that the host corrected that they were more expensive (his wife collects handbags), and that it's like a drug. (Gateway "drugs" were coach, Burberry, etc which I found amusing bc it's true in my case, I started my obsession with Coach.)
Only a few people called in saying they bought real because they wanted to treat themselves, that its worth it because it made to last (a lot of callers carried LV), and they could pass it down in their family.
This topic was on the radio today and that was the common answer. "No one can tell it's fake and I'd rather spend 30-75$ on a fake than hundreds on a handbag."
Loved that the host corrected that they were more expensive (his wife collects handbags), and that it's like a drug. (Gateway "drugs" were coach, Burberry, etc which I found amusing bc it's true in my case, I started my obsession with Coach.)
Only a few people called in saying they bought real because they wanted to treat themselves, that its worth it because it made to last (a lot of callers carried LV), and they could pass it down in their family.
I've been pining for a Kelly bag since I was about 10 or 12 years old (I am in my 30s). Then I didn't know how much they cost. I just thought they looked awesome.
When I graduated college, I knew that I needed to get a "nice" bag.
Purses represent your station in life if you will. I learned that people look at you and make some assumptions about you based on your bag. I got a nicer bag, on clearance at Ross or TJ MAxx. And I fely awesome. It had smooshy leather, and garnered lots of compliments when I carried it. (It was a hobo)
Eventually, I realized I needed something more polished. I got a no name leather tote from Nordstrom and carried it for a few years until the strap broke.
I started looking into the Kelly bags I loved, and this probably how I landed here on TPF. I soon realized they were well out of budget, and that I wasn't really going to spend that much on a bag. Dream deferred. And one day I was in the mall. And one of those stands was there. They had the imitations of the Fendi Spy. And some other things. And I saw one of those Kelly inspired bags. Similar structure. Lock and key. I got it. And used it a bit. But the color was all wrong. And it was handheld only. But for a least a few weeks, I thought I had my dream bag.
My faux Kelly wasn't going to fool anyone. And I wasn't expecting it to. I just thought it was a nice looking bag. Would I get a clear fake with a forged logo on it? No way. Would I get an inspired by? Absolutely if the quality is right. And I did, the Celoine Luggage inspired bag by MK.
One of my friends has a fake LV wallet. One of her relatives got it for her. She started using it, what looks to be a pretty good facsimile, because one day her wallet, a cheap one was on its last legs. And was looking ratty. People were giving her weird looks. She had this fake LV in her closet for years (she didn't want to carry the fake), and didn't have spare cash to spend on her wallet. So she just started using it. A continental style. And whenever she brings out her wallet, she notices that people treat her differently. Even if she looks a mess, or is dressed super casual (and she works outside.)
She has been carrying this wallet now for 5 years. It was a pretty good fake, it still looks new.
Will she replace it? When it wears out? But she did upgrade her purse. MbMJ. Because, even though in many ways she doesn't feel as accomplished as she imaged she'd be at her age. Getting the nicer purse makes her feel like she has arrived. Even if it is only for a minute. And the same thing happens when she takes out her wallet and people treat her better because of the gloss of prestige.
Most of us here have enough disposable income to buy or save up for the fancy bag we want. The average person thinks that over $100 for a bag is ridiculous. And even if just for a couple minutes. They get that rush of status from carrying a designer bag. It is probably worth it in for them.
When I graduated college, I knew that I needed to get a "nice" bag.
Purses represent your station in life if you will. I learned that people look at you and make some assumptions about you based on your bag. I got a nicer bag, on clearance at Ross or TJ MAxx. And I fely awesome. It had smooshy leather, and garnered lots of compliments when I carried it. (It was a hobo)
Eventually, I realized I needed something more polished. I got a no name leather tote from Nordstrom and carried it for a few years until the strap broke.
I started looking into the Kelly bags I loved, and this probably how I landed here on TPF. I soon realized they were well out of budget, and that I wasn't really going to spend that much on a bag. Dream deferred. And one day I was in the mall. And one of those stands was there. They had the imitations of the Fendi Spy. And some other things. And I saw one of those Kelly inspired bags. Similar structure. Lock and key. I got it. And used it a bit. But the color was all wrong. And it was handheld only. But for a least a few weeks, I thought I had my dream bag.
My faux Kelly wasn't going to fool anyone. And I wasn't expecting it to. I just thought it was a nice looking bag. Would I get a clear fake with a forged logo on it? No way. Would I get an inspired by? Absolutely if the quality is right. And I did, the Celoine Luggage inspired bag by MK.
One of my friends has a fake LV wallet. One of her relatives got it for her. She started using it, what looks to be a pretty good facsimile, because one day her wallet, a cheap one was on its last legs. And was looking ratty. People were giving her weird looks. She had this fake LV in her closet for years (she didn't want to carry the fake), and didn't have spare cash to spend on her wallet. So she just started using it. A continental style. And whenever she brings out her wallet, she notices that people treat her differently. Even if she looks a mess, or is dressed super casual (and she works outside.)
She has been carrying this wallet now for 5 years. It was a pretty good fake, it still looks new.
Will she replace it? When it wears out? But she did upgrade her purse. MbMJ. Because, even though in many ways she doesn't feel as accomplished as she imaged she'd be at her age. Getting the nicer purse makes her feel like she has arrived. Even if it is only for a minute. And the same thing happens when she takes out her wallet and people treat her better because of the gloss of prestige.
Most of us here have enough disposable income to buy or save up for the fancy bag we want. The average person thinks that over $100 for a bag is ridiculous. And even if just for a couple minutes. They get that rush of status from carrying a designer bag. It is probably worth it in for them.
Well here is my perspective (as a newbie on here) but a long time handbag lover... I am not in an income bracket to really justify the higher end priced handbags. I am a lover of LV and a few other handbag designers..LV probably the highest end on my list. I feel LV bags are timeless and made to last. Love the quality and respect the fact that quality has not faltered over the years. I love the resale value in most cases on those bags/accessories that I have outgrown or wish to sell in order to obtain the next LV of interest. These are facts that I feel justify (for me) to spend more money on these items. Honestly, I buy many pre-loved excellent condition items from reputable sellers and at enough savings that I can afford. As for fakes - I do not like what they stand for and enough said on that front. I can afford a pre-loved and will wait for the right bag at the right price again all kept in excellent condition. Another advantage of pre-loved is that I do not obsess about staining or scuffs etc as much. No one really has to know if I bought it brand spanking new or already broken in...although I do not really hide that fact if someone should ask. I keep my bags for years and years and rotate them. To me that makes them worth extra money. There are ways to live relatively within your means and still enjoy some of the finer things in life. I try to keep that balance and live authentically....
Back on Christmas Day, my little cousin bragged and bragged about how she ordered a Louis Vuitton bag for under $200 with a coupon they sent her. I asked her the website she ordered it from, and she swore it was the Louis Vuitton website. I have seen it, but I didn't get a good look at it. I didn't want to grab it from her and look it over. She truly believes it is real though and it drives me crazy!
i bought 2 coach purses recently, one appears to be legit, the other may or may not be... still checking. either way, i love the purses (and i did not pay retail) and they will see a good life with me. spending the kind of money u talk about is way out of my reach, and if the one purse ends up being a very good knock off, who cares?? my husband doesnt see any value in a purse costing $300+!! but there is not judgement, who cares what u pay if u can afford it and it makes u happy!I've never understood this, but why do people insist on buying fake knock offs of designer anything, especially bags? In my opinion I could never get any satisfaction knowing that I was toting around a fake bag or fake watch or fake anything. If I can't afford to buy it, then I'd rather buy something in my price range instead of posing like I can afford something I can't.
Some people argue that they'd rather spend their money on something else like fixing their house or going on vacation, and would rather carry a knock off instead, and then have the nerve to make fun of people that buy the real thing. What they don't realize is that people that can usually afford a real $2,000 bag, can also afford to fix they're house and go on vacation too, without having to sacrifice one for the other...it's all relative.
Buying knock off bags and seeing women with knock offs doesn't make any sense. It's like a guy wearing a fake rolex, you just can't take him seriously, or respect him for that matter. I would rather see him wearing a timex...the same applies to women. If you can't afford the bag, stick to coach or kate spade or something, right? You're fooling no one but yourself, where's the satisifaction there?
Thoughts anyone? I don't mean to stir or churn, but I just had to!
This topic is near and dear to my heart, I do not condone inspired handbags, replica, fakes, knock off (whatever you want to call it). My sentiments to this topic is if you can't afford it don't carry it or pretend that you can afford it. I would rather have one LV's vs (10 or so other brands, I won't name them as I might get criticized for it). I will never carry a fake, I would prefer to carry a no name leather purse in which I like the style, unfortunately it is the designer style that I love and hence will save up to buy the authentic item. I have seen many knock offs, some AAA quality one's but unless you have the real thing, it does and never will compare.
I am lucky enough to be able to afford the premium brands and many of them and maybe that is why I have this opinion. However, when I was a student I never carried a fake replica of anything. My philosophy to FAKES is burn and get rid of all them and that includes shoes, clothes, fake Apple products etc.
The fakes are substandard products and as such should be burnt to the ground.
I am lucky enough to be able to afford the premium brands and many of them and maybe that is why I have this opinion. However, when I was a student I never carried a fake replica of anything. My philosophy to FAKES is burn and get rid of all them and that includes shoes, clothes, fake Apple products etc.
The fakes are substandard products and as such should be burnt to the ground.