I recently visited Shenzhen in China and was immediately amazed by the vast array of replica bags being sold on the streets. It was like a dream come true for fashionistas like me; everyone was so fashionable and carrying these fantastic bags. From designer handbags from last season to vintage classics; there was something for everyone.
The first thing that caught my eye was a gorgeous faux Prada bag, with the signature red logo. My friend, in her wisdom, quickly pointed out that it was a fake which of course I was none too pleased about. Nevertheless, I was still impressed by the quality of the material and the craftsmanship of the replica. It had such attention to detail that it would be so hard to tell whether it was real or not.
As I continued to explore, I noticed that many of the streets had a dedicated market to replica goods and it was truly awe-inspiring. The sheer number of vendors selling the product and the variety of goods available was mind-boggling. There were bags of different shapes, sizes and prices so I felt like a kid in a candy shop.
It was hard not to be tempted by the plethora of products around but I managed to resist and ended up just taking pictures instead. Although my wallet was relieved to not have to part with any money that day, my eyes continued to long for the richness and craftsmanship of the Shenzhen replicas.
The more I explored, the more I realized what a truly unique and vibrant scene was on display. I’ve never seen anything like it before and it really made me appreciate the skills of those who make these replicas. In fact, I even started to appreciate the idea of buying second-hand or vintage items and not worrying so much about status symbols.
One thing I definitely can’t understand though is the amount of effort and time spent to try to create fake items. The attention to detail is remarkable, which only goes to serve as an example of how deep the longing for something is expressed. You can tell that these craftsmen and women put a lot of effort into creating a replica which mimics the real thing.
It really throws into question the concept of true ‘originality’ and the value that is placed on status symbols in society. I guess these are just some of the questions that arise when talking about purchasing a replica bag. Should we really be rewarding those who can produce knock-offs of a designer bag?
I know my opinion probably won’t change the existing system but I still feel the need to express my own views on it. It’s such a shame that replica bags exist, but at the same time is it really a surprise that they are so popular? They are just a reflection of our consumerist culture and the allure of having a designer item but at a fraction of the cost.
What I do know, however, is that the craftsmanship behind these bags is undeniable and something that should be respected. The amount of effort put in to making something that looks just like a real designer bag can’t be overstated. Even if the knock-offs are not made using the same materials or with the same attention to detail, it’s still an impressive feat.
My friend and I spent the day talking about our findings from the day; about how the concept of ‘originality’ is becoming increasingly blurred in our society and about the craftsmanship of these fake bags. We both agreed that even if we don’t agree with the concept and the system, we will still eagerly anticipate the next time we go back to Shenzhen to see what the replica bag market has to offer us.
As I continued to explore deeper into this topic, I soon learnt about the intricate production network of the replica bags in Shenzhen. It can be said that it is supported by a system of Chinese manufacturers and transnational shopkeepers; a vast complex of factories, marketplaces, and shipping companies working together to produce counterfeit goods and to distribute them worldwide.
Most of the products being sold are replicas of luxury goods, particularly designer bags. It’s interesting to note that these replicas aren’t necessarily inferior to the real thing; in fact, many of them have been praised for their excellent quality and craftsmanship. This is why it’s so hard to tell the difference between the real and fake products.
I also learnt about the various tiers of production when it comes to replicas. From cheap and cheerful bags to highly intricate and detailed versions of the originals. It’s crazy to think that the more intricate ones are even able to fool some of the top brands’ quality control inspections.
This got me thinking; what does the future hold for these replica bags? How long will it be until they become widely accepted in the mainstream market? And what would this mean for luxury goods and designer brands? These are questions that I’m sure will be debated for many years to come.
I continue to be fascinated by the idea of replica bags, for both good and bad. On the one hand, it’s a shame that people are taking advantage of the hard work of others and replicating their work to make a profit. On the other hand, however, I have to admire the skill and craftsmanship of those who produce them.
When it comes to Shenzhen replicas, I’m not sure what to make of them. It’s a complex debate and one with no easy answer. Of course, if you’re looking for something unique and beautiful, I’d recommend that you look at the real deal but if you want something cheaper yet with the same appeal then a replica could be the way to go.