A Response to the NYT Article on the Superfake Handbag Industry
After a routine inspection, customs agents realized the imports were not clothing — but were actually more than 140 replica handbags and wallets. The items were counterfeit goods featuring brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, and others. A quick look at LuxuryTastic prices shows that it positions itself among the many online replica bags sellers by its average prices. You’ll find just a few bags that cost less than $200 and also a few others that dare to go above $500.
I brought them all to an authenticator in a popular Upper East Side consignment store, the nice, boutiquey kind that keeps "carefully authenticated" Louis Vuittons in locked glass cases. After peering at the fake for several minutes, the woman behind the counter sighed. A kind of counterfeit doyenne, she shills reps out of her Tribeca penthouse and uptown, where the extra room in her classic six serves as a showroom. "I have seen a lot of influencers at them and a few reality stars," says the Hamptons-based RepLady. Priced around $15, Walmart's women's black leather tote bag has a similar style and cross-grain leather as Kate Spade's All Day Large Tote that sells for around $228.
In addition to the materials used, the quality of craftsmanship plays a crucial role in determining the overall worth of a replica handbag. High-quality replicas replicate the original designer handbag’s stitching, hardware, and overall design. Details such as even and precise stitching, well-finished edges, and high-quality hardware can indicate a well-crafted replica. Lisa, a 38-year-old Manhattan woman, has this superrich friend. She has a massive Birkin collection, a $10 million dollar house in the Hamptons, and flies everywhere in private jets. She gets them at "Tupperware parties" for replica designer bags.
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