I had heard a lot about fake bags in London before so when I was there this summer, I decided to go research it. I mean what better place to get the skinny on such a shady subject than in the epicenter of style? After talking with some of the locals, I quickly realized that these knockoff purses are much more complicated than I ever imagined.
“These fake bags are no joke,” one delightful boutique owner shook her head in disbelief. “These bag makers are incredibly savvy–they can replicate designer purses like it’s no one’s business!” She even showed me photos of the fake bag market on her phone. Fake bags of every brand, from Burberry to Yves Saint Laurent, were practically spilling out of the street stands. It was unreal.
I was shocked to find out that people actually make a pretty decent living selling these fake bags. The profits, combined with the no-questions-asked setup of the market, make the temptation too great for some people to resist. “You have to be careful, though,” the boutique owner warned me. “There are players out there who will get you into a lot of trouble.”
Little did I know that there is an entire black market – with pawnbrokers and hawkers – trading in fake goods everyday! I know it all sounds a bit like something out of a movie, but it’s actually true. That’s why the police are constantly trying to crack down on the counterfeit market. It’s dangerous business, and it’s as much of a crime as drug dealing in the wrong circles.
Still, there isn’t just one type of fake bag in London. The street market is obviously the seediest vendor, but there are also indoor markets and smaller shops hawking knockoffs all over the city.
What’s more is that people often buy these bags as a kind of status symbol. I talked to one woman who had purchased a fake Prada bag. She told me it was worth it for the feeling of confidence it could give her. It made her feel like she was worth more than what she was.
It’s amazing how knockoffs can be used to represent our aspirations. I suppose in this instance, it’s all about having and flaunting something that looks expensive. It’s a question of wanting to be on top of the latest trends and showing that you are a part of the trend itself.
I guess these fake bags in London have become part of the city’s culture. For some, it’s a way to show off their style while others use it as a pocket saver. Regardless, it’s important for the buyer to be aware of the risks involved and the potential legal trouble they could face.
On the other hand, I saw people using the knockoffs to achieve different creative and commercial projects. They used the fake bags to make different clothes and accessories. It was really inspiring to see some kind of index of creativity because of the limitations of not having the right item.
It is also used to influence culture, since there are many people who wear these knockoffs and participate in cultural events as a way to draw attention to their unique style. Some of these trends have grown larger than the original brand, so it supports these cultures in progression rather than staying still in time.
But, most importantly, these knock off bags bring the spirit of DIY to fashion. For some, these fake bags are a symbol of empowerment and defiance, giving people an opportunity to express their own styles without spending too much money.
I found out that you can actually buy unused materials from the market and design your own bags–even bags that look exactly like the designer originals. It’s a great way to save money and look stylish, while still helping the fake bag industry exist. Who knows how we can help these people and what profits they can make, but it’s a start to understanding this niche market better.
Although I firmly believe that buying the real version whenever possible is a moral imperative, it was an eye-opening experience to buy a fake bag in London. To be honest, The accusation of supporting counterfeiters is quite unexpected. In my opinion, delicate caution must always be exercised around the counterfeit industry as it is a huge and combined one. I would love to hear your views on this topic.