My best friend and I were so excited to check out the new Greenhills Shopping Center. Whenever we go in there, we just can’t contain our excitement. We knew the place was home to lots of affordable items that suit our budget, and there was bound to be something new. As expected, my friend and I were bombarded with the sight of fake bags. Everywhere we turned, we were met with unauthentic versions of branded and designer bags. We couldn’t help but be a bit disappointed – it was like all the hype that surrounded Greenhills was for a huge collection of knock-offs.
Despite this, I couldn’t help but admire some of the craftsman work done on the fake bags. Yes, I know they’re not genuine, but it’s clear that someone took the time and effort to create these bags. It grade of the sewing was worth noting, and I was surprised to find that some bags included zips and clasps that were made from metal. I guess you can say they weren’t completely rubbish.
We took our time to check them out, but we didn’t dwell on it for too long. In the end, we decided against buying any for ourselves – even if it meant walking away empty-handed. We didn’t want to support any kind of fraud, especially when it involves a basic necessity such as a bag. We had heard rumours on how they were crafted unsustainably, which meant whatever we got out of it would be a one-time thing.
As soon as we walked away, I felt a sense of relief. I was so glad we hadn’t fallen into the trap. I love Greenhills and being able to grab affordable fashion items, but I would rather save up and invest in something real. It felt good to walk away with my noble intentions intact.
We instead diverted our attention to the independent fashion shops, which felt like had just the right mix of creativity and unsolicited designs.
My friend and I visited the standees of the independent fashion shops, each of them with a select range of bags. Some featured vibrant colours, while others had fun and quirky details. We discussed the merit of each bag, going back and forth on which one to buy for ourselves. We even had a chance to see how the bags were made – all sourced from local and sustainable materials.
It was a pleasant experience, and I was so glad that we bought one of the bags from the independent fashion shop. Not only did it fit our budgets, but it was also a unique piece that really spoke to our individual personalities.
Still, it was a shame that some vendors let fake bags slip into the mix. It really devalues the Greenhills brand, and I hope that these bad eggs can eventually get replaced with genuine fashion vendors, so everyone can benefit.