TO FAKE OF NOT TO FAKE!

Have you ever seen a really bad Fake Luxury Item? You know the one, the 'Prada' Weekender, spelt 'Prado'. The 'Gucci' Suit Pack, spelt 'Cucci'. Or a 'Louis Vuitton' short of a couple LV's. Today they are everywhere, and they are usually hanging off the arm of everyone from Housewives and Schoolgirls, to Celebrities, and the odd Businessman.

The Sale of Fakes is an enormous money making industry, and sadly the market grows larger everyday. People crowd markets in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Bangkok and even our own Backyard for that elusive 'It' Bag, which as we know, over time, will break, fade, rip and deteriorate before your very eyes.

I do understand the desire of Fake Items. Not everyone can afford the lastest Bags from 'Balenciaga', 'Chanel', 'YSL' and 'Jimmy Choo', but when your paying up to $100 for a Fake, would'nt it be better saving your money and buying something original from 'Oroton', 'Ginger & Smart' or even 'Mimco'. No matter how much you've paid for your outfit, if you accessorize it with Fake Bags/Shoes/Belts, your Style Thermometre drops dramatically. There is nothing worse!

The Experience of buying Luxury Items, is something in itself. Browsing through 'Dior', 'Lanvin', 'Bottega Veneta' and the like is something we all have the right to do, as is buying from these stores. When you purchase a Luxury Item, your buying into history. Your buying Craftmanship and investing in a type of Artwork.

Now before you begin to Criticise my Opinion, I have to say, it's not illegal for us to buy the counterfeit, but it is illegal for it to be sold. Money from Counterfeit Items support Drug Cartels and Terrorism. When you hand over the money for a Fake 'Anya Hindmarch' ''I'm Not A Plastic Bag" Bag you're also saying it's ok for children as young as 8 to work for little money in sweatshops. Their working conditions are harsh and the payment they receive is almost non-existant.....someone I once knew who bought many Fake's, tried to justify her addiction by saying, "well at least they are'nt being sold for sex, they're doing a trade", that's not the point and it never will be....and when did we all change our mind about Terrorism?

Obviously I do not agree with the 'Counterfeit Culture', but nothing I say will change anything. People will continue to buy pieces of 'Iconic Roadkill', to make a statment. To create a facade of themselves that is'nt entirely true. For those of you who have'nt seen THE REAL THING, Brisbane & the Gold Coast have many stores stocking legitimate Items that walk out the door because of their popularity. There are many people here who collect THE REAL THING, but there are still too many people in Brisbane attending Exhibiton Openings and Fashion Parties with Fendi Bags that are Logo-ed to death with L's instead of F's. And don't even get me started on the schoolgirls using the 'Louis Vuitton' Keepall Bag to carry their Pencil Cases and Text Books in!!

My advise is, save your money, buy something that you will have in your life for a long time. And don't worry about the seasonal trends, because you can begin saving again for the NEXT BIG THING, and at least you'll know that amongst the litter of Fakes in Brisbane, yours will be the Genuine Article, and that, will make you feel a whole lot better.


Note: Online Selling Websites are Graveyards for Fake Luxury Items. Be Careful. People have created entire businesses, selling Counterfeits. Buy at Own Risk.

For the Housewives, Businessmen and Schoolgirls who own Legitimate Items....your excused!