A really interesting discussion Gemma. I have to say, I'd never knowingly buy something fake - and for the reasons you highlight. In buying a fake, you're supporting a market that's built on undervaluing every part of that process, from the provenance of the materials to the value of the skills of the people making the products. There's a very good reason that fakes cost a lot less and it isn't only about the brand adding on 'designer value' that isn't added to the fake version.
I see this with furniture, and must admit it's the only time I've been tempted to succumb to this - but haven't as yet! But this raises other related questions. There are iconic design pieces that are simply unachievable, but affordable on the 'inspired by' market. But then, why are they affordable? Quality of materials, those you see and those you don't (fillings, fittings). Quality of manufacture and what those doing the making are actually getting paid for their skills. And, at the end of the day, is it right to support designers getting ripped off? Now, you could argue that it's okay if the designer/brand is so 'big' that it won't really affect them (like Adidas). But on the other hand - and I'm thinking of furniture again here - why not spent that money on something that is well made and authentic, but that costs less. So, accept that you can't get the piece you want, likely ever, but get something else you don't like as much but that it isn't 'inspired by'?
Yeah, I know I'm not helping this discussion by raising *more* questions! 😅
A really interesting discussion Gemma. I have to say, I'd never knowingly buy something fake - and for the reasons you highlight. In buying a fake, you're supporting a market that's built on undervaluing every part of that process, from the provenance of the materials to the value of the skills of the people making the products. There's a very good reason that fakes cost a lot less and it isn't only about the brand adding on 'designer value' that isn't added to the fake version.
I see this with furniture, and must admit it's the only time I've been tempted to succumb to this - but haven't as yet! But this raises other related questions. There are iconic design pieces that are simply unachievable, but affordable on the 'inspired by' market. But then, why are they affordable? Quality of materials, those you see and those you don't (fillings, fittings). Quality of manufacture and what those doing the making are actually getting paid for their skills. And, at the end of the day, is it right to support designers getting ripped off? Now, you could argue that it's okay if the designer/brand is so 'big' that it won't really affect them (like Adidas). But on the other hand - and I'm thinking of furniture again here - why not spent that money on something that is well made and authentic, but that costs less. So, accept that you can't get the piece you want, likely ever, but get something else you don't like as much but that it isn't 'inspired by'?
Yeah, I know I'm not helping this discussion by raising *more* questions! 😅