A Knock Off is a Rip Off

Every day designer crazed people flock to New York City's Chinatown in an attempt to snag knock off designer goods.  Chinatown shops that carry fake items typically will have at least one wall with a hidden door built in.  The hidden door opens to a room where the walls are lined with counterfeit Chanel, Gucci, Coach, Prada, and more.  Why are people so crazy about these fake goods?  Perhaps it’s the thrill of sneaking around and inconspicuously asking shop owners if they have any bags? The main reason seems to be that fashion crazed women want the designer name, just not the price.

Selling knock offs is illegal and if a shop owner is caught selling these items their business will be shut down.  New York Police Department officers patrol Chinatown every day trying to stop vendors that are selling fake goods.  Knock offs are not only sold in Chinatown, they can also be found in Flea Markets, on EBAY, and even on Web sites claiming to sell authentic goods.

The truth is: a knock-off is a real rip off.  Not only is the production of these counterfeit items illegal, but these items are of terrible quality and fall apart in weeks to months.  Over the years fashion hungry women purchase so many knockoff bags that they could have bought a genuine one.

The main reason why buying a knock off is such a rip off is because it demeans creative integrity.  Fashion is art and a handbag is a sculpture.  Designers spend countless hours creating handbags.  For someone to steal that design and sell it is entirely unethical. 

When it comes to debating on whether or not to purchase a knockoff the answer is simple: don’t do it.  If you don’t want to invest in a bag but still want to look fabulous you can easily to so without reverting to purchasing a fake.  Instead, check out Nordstrom’s BP Department or even Target.  At either store you can purchase a simple black or nude bag in multiple different styles. These bags are inexpensive but still chic!  A true fashionista can spot a counterfeit designer bag from a mile away.  To be frank, being spotted with a fake is highly embarrassing!