Why Do People Buy Fake Designer Bags Or Fake Designer Anything?

[petite_chic]

These days I notice more and more threads about authentic bags having quality issues while the fake ones get better and better (illegal copies sold as real). I think part of the problem is that haute designers are using more and more synthetic materials. I'm sorry but for me plastic is simply not haute.

 

[Maice]

I came across this, and seeing it's related to the thread, I am sharing it here:


http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2012/06/05/are-women-who-carry-fake-designer-handbags-big-trouble/

Pasting the text from the article here too:


Dan Ariely, a Professor of Behavioral Economics at Duke University, is publishing a book entitled, “The Honest Truth About Dishonesty: How We Lie to Everyone—Including Ourselves.” In it, he reveals research he and his colleagues conducted that provides useful insights into the psychological forces which drive lying.


One of the more fascinating revelations is that women who carry fake Louis Vuitton or Tory Burch handbags or wear fake Cartier jewelry, are more likely to lie, cheat or steal than other women.

“One of the more fascinating revelations is that women who carry fake Louis Vuitton or Tory Burch handbags or wear fake Cartier jewelry, are more likely to lie, cheat or steal than other women."​

Could that really be the case? Could handing over $50 for a replica handbag that should really cost $500 or $1,000 really signal deeper moral failings? Doesn’t everyone lie sometimes?


Most of us, Ariely explains, do indeed lie, sometimes. But the research he presents includes the fact that those of us who are willing to wear our lies around our necks (e.g. fake Burberry scarves) or carry them on our arms (e.g. those fake designer bags) are especially untrustworthy.


When you think about it, that makes psychological sense. People who buy knock-offs are willing to lie on multiple levels.


First, they’re willing to cheat the companies who created the designer items—and hold the intellectual property related to them—out of money that’s legitimately due them. Because those companies not only came up with unique—sometimes iconic—designs, they invested in advertising and marketing that made their brands household names. They harnessed genuine creativity and employed lots of people to make that happen.


Second, they’re willing to lie to everyone who gets a glimpse of their fake handbags or necklaces or sunglasses and thinks that they have the style sense, or the money, to select and buy those items. They’re desperate enough for that facade of style—that mask of chic—to break the law to achieve it. And they know what they’re doing isn’t above-board. After all, the fraudulent goods they’re buying are often sold by shady street dealers or fly-by-night websites.


Third—and probably most toxic—they’re able to lie to themselves. Because they can almost forget that they’re perpetrating a bit of a scam whenever they head out with a handbag that fools people into believing they have something they don’t and are something they’re not. They have the ability to think of themselves as entirely upstanding, when they’re ripping off companies who have to report real earnings to real stockholders and make real profits—or really go out of business.


Seen this way, the folks who lie just a little by buying knock-offs sound a little less innocuous than they might, otherwise. Still, though, they aren’t Bernie Madoff—making off with billions and leaving investors bankrupt. They aren’t Clark Rockefeller—the fake Rockefeller who fooled everyone into thinking he was a member of the legendary family.
No, they aren’t. But they are very distant cousins—and there are a lot more of them, capable of doing lots of harm, when taken together. And that’s really the psychological and economic point Ariely is making: Madoff isn’t our real problem. It’s the rest of us. The millions willing to lie and cheat and steal a little add up to a bigger economic and social problem than the outliers who take duplicity to the next level.


So, next time you see the stitching on a Louis Vuitton bag and realize it doesn’t quite look like the real deal, it’s fair to conclude that the person carrying it isn’t quite the real deal, either—and act accordingly.

Dr. Keith Ablow is a psychiatrist and member of the Fox News Medical A-Team.

 

[slowlikehoney]

These days I notice more and more threads about authentic bags having quality issues while the fake ones get better and better (illegal copies sold as real). I think part of the problem is that haute designers are using more and more synthetic materials. I'm sorry but for me plastic is simply not haute.

I agree with this! It seems people are getting ripped off one way or another. I've become more and more fond of vintage bags because that's the only place to find truly affordable luxury, IMO.

 

[Manelieht]

What about designers ripping each other off all the time? How come no one pulls the moral high ground card when Rebecca Minkoff and Kate Spade basically copy the Givenchy Antigona bag? Why is that kind of replica ok to carry?

I think for the most part people care about the crime aspect. Designers copy designers all the time. Also when it comes to clothing. Zara, H&M and many popular brands copy from high end designers. H&M is selling an Antigona bag as well, Zara copied a Celine dress almost 1:1. That can't be avoided and should not be forbidden, there must be a certain fashion freedom also.

Also, a few pages back we discussed the fact that high fashion houses are trying to get rid of their loyal, middle class clients to cater to the very rich only by raising their prices incredibly. It is imho very understandable that contemporary designers sell "inspired by" items and that some people buy that instead because they don't want to pay the raised price.

Btw., it IS legal to sell pretty much identical copies of designer bags/ goods if they are unbranded. Because then it means whoever makes them is not claiming for them to be LV, Gucci or Chanel.

These days I notice more and more threads about authentic bags having quality issues while the fake ones get better and better (illegal copies sold as real). I think part of the problem is that haute designers are using more and more synthetic materials. I'm sorry but for me plastic is simply not haute.

Like expensive bags with plastic zippers..., horrible peeling edge paint, color wearing off issues etc. It seems most brands experience that. I also think it must be very hard to tell fake from real nowadays.

Maice
I think the article may generalize a bit much and makes it all about the poor, honest, designers that are being exploited...when I'm sure many are dishonest too and conduct dirty business. I am familiar with a few industries because of my science background and what I learned is that wherever there is money to make, there are lies.

When I admire designer goods and their designs, I prefer to think about the original idea, the dream and the good aspects that every brand surely has too. But I can't be sure that Louis Vuitton and all the others aren't doing at least one thing that isn't quite right or honest...may it be toxic dyes, cheaper dyes, partly producing in another country, cheaper workers, machines or something else.

But, they really may be the good guys/ better when compared to Primark or many of the ugly sweat shops we always hear of.

Hardly anything material in this world is perfect, but that doesn't mean we can't make it our own and give it a new meaning...like the now lower quality, cheaply produced in China Rebecca Minkoff bag, that is still worn lots because of the beautiful design and loved for years because it holds our belongings, favorite book or music on every good or bad day, and we feel chic even if it isn't our best day.

We also talked about people that lie about the authenticity of a fake designer item. That is where I can imagine this article is right to some extent. If I had anything fake designer (for whatever reason), I would just admit it. My coworker does. She owns authentic as well as replica designer goods (her family works for a company that makes replica). But she is open about what is real and what isn't, so I wouldn't see her as dishonest in that way.

Why people would lie, I don't understand. I don't think it is a shame not being able to afford certain things, I know I can't and I wouldn't ever lie about my financial situation (lower middle class). And if you already bought the bag, you may as well be honest about it.

 

[Maice]

I think for the most part people care about the crime aspect. Designers copy designers all the time. Also when it comes to clothing. Zara, H&M and many popular brands copy from high end designers. H&M is selling an Antigona bag as well, Zara copied a Celine dress almost 1:1. That can't be avoided and should not be forbidden, there must be a certain fashion freedom also.

Also, a few pages back we discussed the fact that high fashion houses are trying to get rid of their loyal, middle class clients to cater to the very rich only by raising their prices incredibly. It is imho very understandable that contemporary designers sell "inspired by" items and that some people buy that instead because they don't want to pay the raised price.

Btw., it IS legal to sell pretty much identical copies of designer bags/ goods if they are unbranded. Because then it means whoever makes them is not claiming for them to be LV, Gucci or Chanel.



Like expensive bags with plastic zippers..., horrible peeling edge paint, color wearing off issues etc. It seems most brands experience that. I also think it must be very hard to tell fake from real nowadays.

Maice
I think the article may generalize a bit much and makes it all about the poor, honest, designers that are being exploited...when I'm sure many are dishonest too and conduct dirty business. I am familiar with a few industries because of my science background and what I learned is that wherever there is money to make, there are lies.

When I admire designer goods and their designs, I prefer to think about the original idea, the dream and the good aspects that every brand surely has too. But I can't be sure that Louis Vuitton and all the others aren't doing at least one thing that isn't quite right or honest...may it be toxic dyes, cheaper dyes, partly producing in another country, cheaper workers, machines or something else.

But, they really may be the good guys/ better when compared to Primark or many of the ugly sweat shops we always hear of.

Hardly anything material in this world is perfect, but that doesn't mean we can't make it our own and give it a new meaning...like the now lower quality, cheaply produced in China Rebecca Minkoff bag, that is still worn lots because of the beautiful design and loved for years because it holds our belongings, favorite book or music on every good or bad day, and we feel chic even if it isn't our best day.

We also talked about people that lie about the authenticity of a fake designer item. That is where I can imagine this article is right to some extent. If I had anything fake designer (for whatever reason), I would just admit it. My coworker does. She owns authentic as well as replica designer goods (her family works for a company that makes replica). But she is open about what is real and what isn't, so I wouldn't see her as dishonest in that way.

Why people would lie, I don't understand. I don't think it is a shame not being able to afford certain things, I know I can't and I wouldn't ever lie about my financial situation (lower middle class). And if you already bought the bag, you may as well be honest about it.

I don't agree with everything the article stated, for sure. I do think there were many good points to ponder on, going back to the original topic of this thread, which is speculating on why people buy fake designer handbags and goods - what do people that do that think of? How do they think about going about their purchases? What kind of people do it? There will always be exceptions of course, but I found it an interesting read. Something to read, analyze, digest, form opinions on. I certainly am not pushing the opinion/s of the article down anyone's throats... just a good read, it can be thought-provoking at some level.

 

[Manelieht]

I don't agree with everything the article stated, for sure. I do think there were many good points to ponder on, going back to the original topic of this thread, which is speculating on why people buy fake designer handbags and goods - what do people that do that think of? How do they think about going about their purchases? What kind of people do it? There will always be exceptions of course, but I found it an interesting read. Something to read, analyze, digest, form opinions on. I certainly am not pushing the opinion/s of the article down anyone's throats... just a good read, it can be thought-provoking at some level.

Yes, I understand And I found it interesting and it certainly got me thinking.

 

[Maice]

Yes, I understand And I found it interesting and it certainly got me thinking.

Great! That's what I'm after. I really want people to form their own thoughts and opinions. I think sometimes people get scared to disagree (in truth, there can be nasty exchanges), but this is an open forum where different ideas and opinions are supposed to be discussed, right? I actually like it when discussions happen and there are differences in opinions. It's just a matter of ensuring that the exchange of ideas and opinions happens in a respectful manner.


In this thread alone, I've disagreed with some people, but I would like to think that I expressed my disagreement in a respectful way.

 

[vintagefinds]

I think for the most part people care about the crime aspect. Designers copy designers all the time. Also when it comes to clothing. Zara, H&M and many popular brands copy from high end designers. H&M is selling an Antigona bag as well, Zara copied a Celine dress almost 1:1. That can't be avoided and should not be forbidden, there must be a certain fashion freedom also.

Also, a few pages back we discussed the fact that high fashion houses are trying to get rid of their loyal, middle class clients to cater to the very rich only by raising their prices incredibly. It is imho very understandable that contemporary designers sell "inspired by" items and that some people buy that instead because they don't want to pay the raised price.

Btw., it IS legal to sell pretty much identical copies of designer bags/ goods if they are unbranded. Because then it means whoever makes them is not claiming for them to be LV, Gucci or Chanel.



Like expensive bags with plastic zippers..., horrible peeling edge paint, color wearing off issues etc. It seems most brands experience that. I also think it must be very hard to tell fake from real nowadays.

Maice
I think the article may generalize a bit much and makes it all about the poor, honest, designers that are being exploited...when I'm sure many are dishonest too and conduct dirty business. I am familiar with a few industries because of my science background and what I learned is that wherever there is money to make, there are lies.

When I admire designer goods and their designs, I prefer to think about the original idea, the dream and the good aspects that every brand surely has too. But I can't be sure that Louis Vuitton and all the others aren't doing at least one thing that isn't quite right or honest...may it be toxic dyes, cheaper dyes, partly producing in another country, cheaper workers, machines or something else.

But, they really may be the good guys/ better when compared to Primark or many of the ugly sweat shops we always hear of.

Hardly anything material in this world is perfect, but that doesn't mean we can't make it our own and give it a new meaning...like the now lower quality, cheaply produced in China Rebecca Minkoff bag, that is still worn lots because of the beautiful design and loved for years because it holds our belongings, favorite book or music on every good or bad day, and we feel chic even if it isn't our best day.

We also talked about people that lie about the authenticity of a fake designer item. That is where I can imagine this article is right to some extent. If I had anything fake designer (for whatever reason), I would just admit it. My coworker does. She owns authentic as well as replica designer goods (her family works for a company that makes replica). But she is open about what is real and what isn't, so I wouldn't see her as dishonest in that way.

Why people would lie, I don't understand. I don't think it is a shame not being able to afford certain things, I know I can't and I wouldn't ever lie about my financial situation (lower middle class). And if you already bought the bag, you may as well be honest about it.

I know inspired bags are legal, which is why I brought up the questions of ethics. Buying and carrying fakes is legal in the US, but the discussion is not just legality. If the concern is, as the post I quoted indicates, the theft of intellectual property and the ethics behind it, then inspired bags are just as bad. It's still profiting off a design that's not really yours.

 

[misskris03]

I agree with this! It seems people are getting ripped off one way or another. I've become more and more fond of vintage bags because that's the only place to find truly affordable luxury, IMO.

Excellent point.

 

[Lurvebags]

I think this is a fantasy, that real bags are even close to perfect these days, and fakes automatically have obvious flaws. People are getting real LV bags with bad stitching and logos not alined perfectly and mismatched hardware. Fake bags get through customs all the time. That's why people keep doing it, because the overwhelming majority of the time, the items will not be identified as fake, making it a very low-risk crime.

So true. I bought a bag from a Gucci boutique and had to exchange it twice because the seam was coming apart and second time because the zip wasn't smooth.

So definitely faults in the real deal too. Not just fakes.

 

[Manelieht]

I know inspired bags are legal, which is why I brought up the questions of ethics. Buying and carrying fakes is legal in the US, but the discussion is not just legality. If the concern is, as the post I quoted indicates, the theft of intellectual property and the ethics behind it, then inspired bags are just as bad. It's still profiting off a design that's not really yours.

You can only patent a design to a certain degree. It is also always very unclear who actually invented it. The Kelly bag for example existed before Hermes made it famous. Is Hermes a copy cat now? You won't find any completely unique designs that only ONE person developed. Designers aren't even bothered by this. They have commented that they feel flattered. And no matter how closely you try to copy something, like a Chanel inspired bag (DKNY or Italian Handbag brands)...the popular version, the real Chanel will always have something that will make people want it over an inspired bag. And that is something designers are very proud of....to still be special among all the similar items. That is just how fashion works. What you seem to invision is a romantic image of fashion that never existed. Even in the Middleages people copied trends. In fact, back then there was much less variety, everyone would wear very similar looking trends until someone came up with the next.

 

[Manelieht]

Great! That's what I'm after. I really want people to form their own thoughts and opinions. I think sometimes people get scared to disagree (in truth, there can be nasty exchanges), but this is an open forum where different ideas and opinions are supposed to be discussed, right? I actually like it when discussions happen and there are differences in opinions. It's just a matter of ensuring that the exchange of ideas and opinions happens in a respectful manner.


In this thread alone, I've disagreed with some people, but I would like to think that I expressed my disagreement in a respectful way.

Yes, you have been very respectful. And I value that when people can have discussions without having hard feelings. Just to share different opinions and viewpoints.

Sometimes it isn't possible to agree but hearing the other side is still interesting. It helps understanding others.

 

[CornishMon]

Pasting the text from the article here too:


Dan Ariely, a Professor of Behavioral Economics at Duke University, is publishing a book entitled, “The Honest Truth About Dishonesty: How We Lie to Everyone—Including Ourselves.” In it, he reveals research he and his colleagues conducted that provides useful insights into the psychological forces which drive lying.


One of the more fascinating revelations is that women who carry fake Louis Vuitton or Tory Burch handbags or wear fake Cartier jewelry, are more likely to lie, cheat or steal than other women.

“One of the more fascinating revelations is that women who carry fake Louis Vuitton or Tory Burch handbags or wear fake Cartier jewelry, are more likely to lie, cheat or steal than other women."​

Could that really be the case? Could handing over $50 for a replica handbag that should really cost $500 or $1,000 really signal deeper moral failings? Doesn’t everyone lie sometimes?


Most of us, Ariely explains, do indeed lie, sometimes. But the research he presents includes the fact that those of us who are willing to wear our lies around our necks (e.g. fake Burberry scarves) or carry them on our arms (e.g. those fake designer bags) are especially untrustworthy.


When you think about it, that makes psychological sense. People who buy knock-offs are willing to lie on multiple levels.


First, they’re willing to cheat the companies who created the designer items—and hold the intellectual property related to them—out of money that’s legitimately due them. Because those companies not only came up with unique—sometimes iconic—designs, they invested in advertising and marketing that made their brands household names. They harnessed genuine creativity and employed lots of people to make that happen.


Second, they’re willing to lie to everyone who gets a glimpse of their fake handbags or necklaces or sunglasses and thinks that they have the style sense, or the money, to select and buy those items. They’re desperate enough for that facade of style—that mask of chic—to break the law to achieve it. And they know what they’re doing isn’t above-board. After all, the fraudulent goods they’re buying are often sold by shady street dealers or fly-by-night websites.


Third—and probably most toxic—they’re able to lie to themselves. Because they can almost forget that they’re perpetrating a bit of a scam whenever they head out with a handbag that fools people into believing they have something they don’t and are something they’re not. They have the ability to think of themselves as entirely upstanding, when they’re ripping off companies who have to report real earnings to real stockholders and make real profits—or really go out of business.


Seen this way, the folks who lie just a little by buying knock-offs sound a little less innocuous than they might, otherwise. Still, though, they aren’t Bernie Madoff—making off with billions and leaving investors bankrupt. They aren’t Clark Rockefeller—the fake Rockefeller who fooled everyone into thinking he was a member of the legendary family.
No, they aren’t. But they are very distant cousins—and there are a lot more of them, capable of doing lots of harm, when taken together. And that’s really the psychological and economic point Ariely is making: Madoff isn’t our real problem. It’s the rest of us. The millions willing to lie and cheat and steal a little add up to a bigger economic and social problem than the outliers who take duplicity to the next level.


So, next time you see the stitching on a Louis Vuitton bag and realize it doesn’t quite look like the real deal, it’s fair to conclude that the person carrying it isn’t quite the real deal, either—and act accordingly.

Dr. Keith Ablow is a psychiatrist and member of the Fox News Medical A-Team.

I'm sorry I found this quite comical. I hear what he is saying but ludicrous in the same breathe.


Be Blessed MoNikki

 

[Maice]

I'm sorry I found this quite comical. I hear what he is saying but ludicrous in the same breathe.


Be Blessed MoNikki

I think he ruined it with his closing, especially. I did find some valid points, but the end was a bit overdone and veered. It directly tackled the people who buy fakes though, so I thought it was definitely worth sharing here for people to read.

 

[Maice]

Yes, you have been very respectful. And I value that when people can have discussions without having hard feelings. Just to share different opinions and viewpoints.

Sometimes it isn't possible to agree but hearing the other side is still interesting. It helps understanding others.

Thank you. Yes, you make very good points.