Inherited a fake - what should I do?

So, my husband's aunt gave me a handbag that an old boyfriend of hers bought her some years ago when they were traveling in Europe. The outside is stamped "Salvatore Ferragamo made in Italy" but the hardware has no etched logo, and the lining is cheap vinyl. I also found a "made in China" tag inside. The shape of the bag and the leather is really lovely. It has a long strap and two handles, and is a good size/style for work. But I am creeped out by the fact that it has a label on the outside that clearly is illegally stamped! If it didn't have that logo on it I wouldn't have even thought twice about carrying it. Also, the logo is stamped discreetly into the leather, not flashy or very noticeable. Am I being overly sensitive? What would you do?

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15 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

If you like it - wear it. At least road test it.

If you don't have a fab style experience on it's first outing, pack it up in the sentimental box. How does that sound?

Kate

Veteran

I think it's fine to use it - I doubt anyone else will know, and I think inheriting it should also help to absolve you.

biscuitsmom

I agree...its not something you went out of your way to purchase, so you shouldnt feel bad about carrying it if it works with your current wardrobe and you like it....if not, donate it!

Sihaya

You can always donate it to a good cause like Dress for Success so that even things made unethically can be used to serve some good in the world.

Jenava

Sihaya, that is a nice idea. I'll wear it a few times and see if I can get over it - I know my husbands aunt wants me to make use of it. If I decide not to use it I'll give it to dress for success!

taylor

It looks nice in the photo. But I can understand your hesitation.

You work for Nordies, and your outfits have such attention to detail and you are well aware of fine quality (Just seeing what your post) that "this is a fake" will be lurking in the back of your mind when you carry this I bet:)

Give it a shot and see if you can get some use from it:)

Thanks Taylor. Yes, that thought is already lurking in my mind. Kind of makes me feel a little silly! :-p

Katiepea

I agree that if you like it, use it Jenava. If it isn't well made or made from cheap materials, it probably won't hold up that well for long anyway before the stitching starts to fray or the vinyl starts to perish. If you are really worried, just don't wear it anywhere people may recognise the 'fakeness' of it. (Oh, I love it when I invent words!)

BlondeAmbition

Active Member

I've seen some really well made and expensive knock-offs. What is it that worries you about it exactly? That they are using the name illegally or that you might get spotted with a knock off? If it's the principle that concerns you then don't compromise your integrity by taking it out. Sure you'll be the only to know it's a knock off but who wants to walk around feeling self conscious? It's not worth it. But if you're just worried that someone will know then don't sweat it - it's really no big deal and most of us don't go around trying to evaluate the authenticity of other people's accessories. Enjoy it if you can and donate it if you don't want it.

Scarlet

I think Taylor's comment was right on.

The thing that bothers me is the idea of this bag parading as something it's really not, in addition to the fact that someone was very devious in creating such an item. I'm very uncomfortable with inauthenticity. And, I've never understood the need to make things appear as if they were more than they are.

If the bag were just a bag, and weren't an imitation of a well-know designer label I wouldn't think twice about using it.

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