Difference between Designer Dupes & Fakes
First of all, lets clear up a question I know will be lingering. Designer dupes are not a counterfeit or fake designer item. A “dupe” is an item that looks like another, but is not a counterfeit or copy of that item. Buying a fake Louis Vuitton bag would be considered a counterfeit, copy cat or fake designer good. While buying a Madewell bag that looks similar to a Louis Vuitton one, is a dupe. It is under another name, does not use the same logo, claim to be another brand, or directly intend to pass as the original designer.
In this post, I will be sharing designer products and styles that have similar, less expensive competitor products, or dupes. See the graphic below for an idea! The booties on the left is a Jeffrey Campbell shoe, prices at $179. While the similar looking bootie, or dupe, on the right is a Steve Madden brand shoe, priced for $100 lower at $79.
Why to Never Buy Fake
When it comes to designer goods, its pretty evident I am a fan. Being a former (I graduated, whoop whoop) fashion student, we learn the impact the designer industry has on the fashion realm. As well as the impact the copy-cat market has. I will NEVER support, advertise or even acknowledge / accept the fake designer good market. If you don’t know, it has a huge impact and takes a huge toll on the environment and also the economy. Copy-cat, or “fake” designer goods are made often over seas, in large factories that run illegally, with extremely poor working conditions.
The employees are paid next to nothing, have to deal with long hours, child labor and un-safe conditions. The goods are then smuggled into the United States. Sometimes hidden in bins or other goods. When or if they are discovered at customs, they are confiscated. In some countries (whats up, France) if you are caught having an illegal, fake, designer bag or product on your person you can even be arrested for up to three years. French airports crack down on this, because of the huge impact it has on their economy.
The Imapact
Due to the rising counterfeit production, luxury fashion houses attempting to avoid their materials ending up in counterfeit hands, have turned to burning their left over textiles. While this is a huge problem for the environment, the fashion brands feel it is the only way to try to protect their goods from being sold illegally. This practice is slowly started to end, with Burberry being the first fashion house to announce they are ending their participant-ship.
I’m sure most people when purchasing that cheap knock off item don’t consider the effect it could have on the world. But, it’s important to consider. I understand the high costs of the luxury fashion brands, but the prices are for reason. Please, never buy fake goods.
Save or Splurge; Designer Dupes to Shop Now
Of course there are a lot of designer products that I think are worth the splurge, like the picks I have listed in the next paragraph. There are also a lot of products that offer the same style for a lot less. Take a look at my picks for designer dupes, that are worth saving the money below!
Worth the Splurge
Sometimes its better to spend the extra cash and have a product that will last. I am a big advocate for the consignment industry. It has recently begun taking over the sustainable fashion market. When you are looking at designer items under certain brand names, such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Gucci, I usually consider these worth the splurge. Chanel anything will hold its value almost 100%. When you are bored or done with a piece, sell it via consignment. You can easily do so online yourself, or take it to your local consignment store. If you need help with consignment tips, check out my post, What is Consignment.
Designer bags I usually recommend as being worth the splurge. Of course there are exceptions to everything. If you are really aiming to own an authentic, big brand piece, I recommend doing so with a bag. They hold their value the best, and are easy to unload when you want to switch things up. Some bags even have an increasing value! Check out my Consignment post for more info regarding that.
Have a favorite designer dupe, or even designer product you want to find a dupe for? Leave me a comment below this post!
XO,
Tori
