Fakes.
Do you like fake people? I sure don’t. Jennifer Lopez once sang, “I’m real, what you get is what you see.” I just don’t get along with people who are fake. You know, those whom you can’t read, those who say one thing and do another. The type that stabs you in the back. The ones that spread rumors and blame others.
How about fake stuff? I’m not referring to plastic surgery- well that’s another topic I would like to dig into one day but I want to write about the Relex, Chenel, and Prado today.
Have you seen these? These were once very popular in Korea. I still find them hilarious. Why they would make fake versions of this rather non-luxury brand is a mystery, however.
Did you know that there is a town that specializes in fake luxury products in Korea? When I was there many years ago, I bought myself a fake Prada bag for $100. hahaha I know, what was I thinking? I don’t know, but I just wanted to see what the “A-class” fake Prada looked like. No, I kid. I wanted one but didn’t have the money to buy the authentic one (I was very young!!). The experience was actually kind of funny though, I actually had to whisper in the store owner’s ear to ask for it. Then he brought a few different kinds, ranging from “A” to “C”, “A” being closest to the authentic. I had never had a Prada before but with the lining with repeated Prada logo and quality fabric, I thought it looked and felt pretty real. I remember being really insecure with it though. Every time I would carry it, I was afraid that someone would question its authenticity.
So what is it about these fakes? Why do people buy them?
At least from my experience, it was the obsession with luxury brand names. I wanted more than what I could afford. I wanted to be more than who I was. I can blame it on the materialistic society or people around me, but more than anything, it was the lack of confidence. Why couldn’t I be satisfied with a no name brand? With that $100, I could have bought a quality “real” thing and not be ashamed of it.
I understand some buy fakes without realizing that they are fake. What I mean is that they buy the replica Balenciaga Motorcycle bag for $20 not knowing that it’s actually a replica of a $2,000 bag. Can we chastise these people then? If they genuinely had no idea, can we blame them? Probably not. But it does make me think, ‘If the bag’s original design was created by a designer working for a low-end, no brand name company, would it still have been a hit? If it was never made with real lamb skin with Italian craftsmanship, would Lindsay Lohan have carried it? If it was $20, would the fashionistas from all over the world drool over it?’ The point is, we desire these high end products because of the quality and the name itself. Whether the quality and name are worth $2,000 is up to you to determine. Anyone can design bags. Anyone can come up with a red sole and sky-high heels. It can’t be that difficult to create a logo with two overlapping C’s for a trained graphic designer. What makes the difference is the history, quality, craftsmanship, and that special “it factor”. What I didn’t know when I bought a replica was that when you purchase a designer product, you are paying for all of the above, which helps build confidence. For me, I don’t know when it all started but I’ve always been a fan of high quality, unique products which explains my love for the finer things in life (not that I get to have everything I want, though most of the time it is my choice to be financially conservative). Having been enligtened, I would like to make a few suggestions for those interested in replicas:
Before you consider purchasing a replica, I suggest that you shop around for vintages. Drop by Ebay and search the brands you love- Rolex, Cartier, Gucci; options are endless. They may be used but in the fashion world, vintage is KING! Just be cautious of replicas (haha ok that’s actually ironic that I came back to this). But in all seriousness, do check out vintages. Sometimes you will find fantastic gems at a great price.
If you are the type who don’t go for used items, do consider non-luxury brands that manufacture high quality products. There are Italian shoemakers and bag makers that are not as popular but the product quality is just as good as that of Gucci and friends. If you are on the East Coast (if you haven’t been yet; didn’t realize how popular this place is now) check out Century 21 and sample sales. If you are on the West Coast, check out Loehmann’s, Nordtroms Rack, etc. I’ve found some great deals at these discount stores, including Jimmy Choo booties for $300 and Christian Louboutins for $300.
As for me, my extensive shopping experience has taught me that nothing beats After Christmas Sales. Seriously, it is the BEST time of the year for us shopping junkies. It’s been even better lately thanks to the not-so-great-economy :P. But yeah, there goes my secret.
It’s just not attractive nor cool to carry or wear replicas. Whether you agree or not, it not only looks bad, but also reflects your personality. You don’t want to be shown as a “fake”, shady, or pretentious person. You want your inner beauty to shine through. Be confident in yourself. That’s something I lacked for many years and I’d hate others to make the same mistake. You are beautiful just the way you are, and you don’t need “stuff” to make you feel beautiful. Be true to yourself. That’s when you are most stylish.
Photo Credit: Google Images
© 2010, Tomi. All rights reserved.
Tip: Buy before christmas, and go back after christmas to get a price adjustment.
do shops allow you to do that?
My whole problem is my lips move when I think.