https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bad-conscience-with-fakes Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 11 Apr 2026 06:08:22 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bad-conscience-with-fakes#post-115377 Thu, 07 Jan 2010 22:25:41 +0000 woodstar 115377@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ever since the child labour stuff was an issue like – 10 years ago – I try to buy things from brands that used to be in the spotlight for that reason and needed to introduce rigid production policies, like H&amp;M or Nike. I think once the big companies like them got burned they will never do it again.” </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bad-conscience-with-fakes#post-87948 Fri, 21 Aug 2009 18:12:33 +0000 Julia1234 87948@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>so, let's say Louis vuitton would launch a campaign which underlines values and qualities such as craftship...and that people who manufacture LV do that for life, it's their passion, etc. They "are" the brand. etc. They strongly belong to the company like to a family. Would you think that people would be impressed by that? Would they go like "hey, that's a good company", and hence pay the high prices ?...Like as a strategy to say: we don't keep underpaid people trapped in filthy factories manufacturing our stuff (fakes I'm saying now) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bad-conscience-with-fakes#post-85479 Mon, 10 Aug 2009 18:35:07 +0000 Dawn 85479@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't mind buying designer knockoffs in H&#38;M or Zara but I dislike buying fakes on the side of the street for all the reasons highlighted in the link posted by Maya.</p> <p>You would think they were appealing as I am on a low budget in terms of clothes and accessories but I find much better quality by buying on sale or in outlet retail units. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bad-conscience-with-fakes#post-85471 Mon, 10 Aug 2009 18:26:01 +0000 Debora 85471@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maya, Cathy, and Shana - fascinating articles...what an eye-opener! Thanks for sharing! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bad-conscience-with-fakes#post-85460 Mon, 10 Aug 2009 17:54:02 +0000 fathenry 85460@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It is embarassing when someone asks you about your fake and you have no clue! (ie: "Oh wow, is that an xyz designer necklace?" Answer: "Why no, I purchased this on ebay.")</p> <p>I recently purchased a necklace that looks like a designer, but I had no idea how closely it matched until folks started asking me about it. I am definitely not in the designer jewelry market so I didn't realize it was a copy and it was not billed as a copy. It is really embarassing and now I hesitate whenever I put it on.</p> <p>It is really a bummer because it was a statement piece that I saved up for and splurged on (for me) of fairly high quality. Now I hesitate whenever I put it on and the piece doesn't hold the same appeal. </p> <p>It is embarassing when the gals with the real pieces (or knowledge of them) ask about it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bad-conscience-with-fakes#post-85350 Mon, 10 Aug 2009 07:08:11 +0000 RoseandJoan 85350@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would just like to add that if you are looking for designer at high street prices try topshops New Gen project. The idea is simple, up and coming talent design a range for the clothing store and get full credit for their designs. In return Topshop pay for runway shows ect to help the fledging business.</p> <p>This way you may be ahead of game by owning a Christpher Kane or Marios Schwab purse and your conscience will remain intact. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bad-conscience-with-fakes#post-85260 Mon, 10 Aug 2009 00:29:29 +0000 shana 85260@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Agree with the posters above - knockoffs (inspired by..) is one thing but a counterfeit or fake is a completely different animal. Here's a recent article about fakes that really got my attention:</p> <p><a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/fashion/2009/07/16/2009-07-16_killer_heels_christian_louboutin_jimmy_choo_knockoffs_rip_off_buyers_prey_on_chi.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.nydailynews.com/lif.....n_chi.html</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bad-conscience-with-fakes#post-85249 Sun, 09 Aug 2009 23:11:50 +0000 carissa 85249@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't think I'd be drawn to fakes anyway, but after reading Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster by Dana Thomas I wouldn't be comfortable purchasing one. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bad-conscience-with-fakes#post-85248 Sun, 09 Aug 2009 22:55:20 +0000 shiny 85248@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmmm. Normally I do not like the fakes, the kind they sell on the street, because they are covered in big gaudy logos. But I would not buy the real thing either, if it is covered in big gaudy logos! </p> <p>Also I learned my lesson when I bought a pair of fake DG sunglasses, and I cannot wear them because they are crappy as can be and leave me squinting. I would have rather spent the money on a pair of sunglasses that actually worked. </p> <p>I feel the same way about purses: you can get better quality the more $ you spend. The quality of the zipper, the leather, the lining, the stitching. I can tell. Not all expensive purses are going to have this quality, and not all inexpensive purses don't. I'm just saying, when I buy something expensive, it's for the quality, fit etc.... NOT for the label. </p> <p>Now with all that said... apparently my favorite necklace is a fake. It didn't cost me a lot, and I didn't know it was a fake when I bought it. I can't even remember the designer (Angie told me once). I thought the quality was on par with the price. It's not Claire's-turn-your-neck-green cheap, but it's also probably not going to last me forever. I bought it because I just loved the design. And I wear that necklace often. Do I have qualms? I dunno. I guess I do, a little. But, I can say this: if I ever need to replace it, I would definitely contemplate buying the real thing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bad-conscience-with-fakes#post-85235 Sun, 09 Aug 2009 21:39:28 +0000 taylor 85235@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ohhh, I stay away from fakes. I am in the moral camp and the fact that I have worked hard for the pieces I have and treasure them.</p> <p>Do you think no one can tell......I can spot a fake Louie, Burberry,Dooney , Coach, etc. Those who have these pieces know the little tell tale signs...and you will NEVER convince me that 17 yr. old has a real Prada or Chanel...think about it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bad-conscience-with-fakes#post-85233 Sun, 09 Aug 2009 21:36:26 +0000 cciele 85233@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This article was reprinted in my paper today (about a Museum of Counterfeiting in Paris):<br /> <a href="http://www.latimes.com/features/lifestyle/la-igw-counterfeit26-2009jul26,0,2376759.story" rel="nofollow">http://www.latimes.com/feature.....6759.story</a></p> <p>I wouldn't buy a fake (I don't buy for brand names anyhow). I would, and do, buy "inspired by" items though! Definitely find the best you can at your price point; there's lots of treasures out there that aren't fakes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bad-conscience-with-fakes#post-85220 Sun, 09 Aug 2009 20:43:13 +0000 Maya 85220@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>"I do not buy rip offs as there is design talent at all levels and to suit all budgets." Exactly. Bags are one thing that can be amazing at any price point. I see no logical reason to go for a counterfeit.</p> <p>Here is some worthy information:</p> <p><a href="http://ihatecounterfeitbags.info/dontbuyfakes" rel="nofollow">http://ihatecounterfeitbags.info/dontbuyfakes</a></p> <p>Not all of the links regarding the relationship between organized crime/terrorism to counterfeit sales work anymore, but it's a valid point and probably more important than anything having to do with quality. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bad-conscience-with-fakes#post-85210 Sun, 09 Aug 2009 20:27:51 +0000 Louise 85210@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wouldn't buy, say a fake Louis Vitton bag cause inevietably they are cheap and badly made and those who genuinely buy designer would spot the fake a mile off. I think it's better to buy a well made non designer bag which makes a statement rather than a fake.<br /> But i'd think all fashion is in some way copied by the high street stores from the designer catwalks but they are labelled as made by that store not the store trying to pass it off as designer which i think is the difference? x </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bad-conscience-with-fakes#post-85204 Sun, 09 Aug 2009 19:45:05 +0000 RoseandJoan 85204@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel like I want to defend the design houses here.</p> <p>Yes their stuff is expensive but in many cases they are business' with difficult balance sheets. Even an old powerhouse like Lacroix went into administration earlier in the year. They work in a creative environment and there ideas eventually filter down to the high street. I can't afford designer at the moment, I do not buy rip offs as there is design talent at all levels and to suit all budgets. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bad-conscience-with-fakes#post-85167 Sun, 09 Aug 2009 16:20:08 +0000 Chris 85167@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There are federal agencies that target counterfeiters and will impound shipments, etc. Not sure how effective that is as.<br /> Hard to sue a guy selling fakes on a streetcorner (if you have been in NYC/DC you see them and they move rather quickly when cops show up) but they sue for trademark infringement when they can.<br /> It's hard to fight against something like that. I don't see the big design houses lowering prices so that more average people can buy their goods though - they sort of have to put up with it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bad-conscience-with-fakes#post-85144 Sun, 09 Aug 2009 12:51:33 +0000 Julia1234 85144@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hm.. interesting. ..but, I was wondering, if counterfeiters are getting better and better, the threat they pose is increasing too. But do you think brand originators (let's take a Louis Vuitton) do something about that? ..Like..trying to keep their customers so they don't switch to fakes? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bad-conscience-with-fakes#post-85001 Sat, 08 Aug 2009 18:56:53 +0000 Maya 85001@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There is a moral issue with counterfeits. If we're talking buying off the street, it's probably best to avoid (brief anecdote: lots of my friends who were new to NYC several years ago were into buying counterfeits, and one day my roommates came back with some bags they bought in Chinatown. Everything was hunky dory until it rained and they discovered they were filled with a dense cardboard!). Aside from bad quality, their origins are very sketchy.</p> <p>However, lookalikes from legit stores are fine, like the Zara blazer. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bad-conscience-with-fakes#post-85000 Sat, 08 Aug 2009 18:39:33 +0000 RoseandJoan 85000@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The problem I have with fakes is not a moral one.</p> <p>The few designer pieces I own I have worked for. I feel pride wearing them knowing the effort it took to purchase them. I do not think I would get the same feeling wearing a fake. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bad-conscience-with-fakes#post-84992 Sat, 08 Aug 2009 17:39:27 +0000 Chris 84992@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Knock offs in stores are a bit different than counterfeits on the street in my opinion. I'd rather buy the best quality I can afford even if it is not a "designer" label and not do the fake/counterfeit thing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bad-conscience-with-fakes#post-84973 Sat, 08 Aug 2009 16:53:38 +0000 Inge 84973@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me it would depend a bit on which items we are talking about and whether or not I could find out where the fakes are being made (and if the workers are being treated fairly there).</p> <p>E.g. this week I saw that Zara is bringing out a 'copy' of a Dolce and Gabgana blazer, and I would have no qualms buying that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bad-conscience-with-fakes#post-84971 Sat, 08 Aug 2009 16:44:48 +0000 Michelle 84971@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'd buy a fake in a heartbeat if it looked good and the price was right. Paying designer prices is worth it in specific instances, like when the quality is clearly superior and the item in question merrits an investment in quality, but the majority of the time I simply cannot countenance paying exorbitant fees just for a name. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bad-conscience-with-fakes#post-84965 Sat, 08 Aug 2009 16:14:40 +0000 Julia1234 84965@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hey guys, I was really tempted to buy a very very well-made fake the other day. But then still kinda felt bad since you don't know where this stuff comes from, right?... But the real stuff then gets more expensive, while the fakes look more and more like the real ones. (some, at least) ... Am I the only one who's undecided? </p>