Fake or Genuine Designer Handbags

If you are thinking about a designer handbag, you may be wondering whether to buy a genuine designer bag, or a knock-off. Given the proliferation of facsimiles and counterfeits alike plus the number of vendors selling them on the internet, clearly you are not alone.

Women all over the world carry designer handbags. One draw for designer handbags is that they are a status symbol, designed, and manufactured by big names in fashion. And some top fashion models and movie stars endorse various, famous designer handbags, which increases their “status” value. Meanwhile, it helps to know that genuine designer handbags also happen to be of extremely high quality. They last a very long time and, if genuine, are backed by the manufacturer in ways you may not expect. For example, upon request, your bag may be repaired free of charge by the manufacturer if and when a clasp or strap breaks!

As you probably know, city streets all over the world, and internet auction sites are loaded with counterfeit or fake designer handbags, sometimes called "knock-offs.” Handbags are the most common of all the fake designer accessories sold worldwide. Sunglasses and wallets follow at a distant second and third. While you may find almost any name brand being counterfeited, the most commonly ripped-off labels include Louis Vuitton, Kate Spade, Christian Dior, Prada, Gucci and Burberry.

It is not legal to sell a counterfeit item carrying a fake designer brand or any other proprietary trademarked name label belonging to someone else. (Similarly, it is not legal to duplicate copyrighted music, movies, books, and software or the currency of any nation and represent them as the genuine article.) Such at items are often discovered at the docks and seized by legal authorities. But, one way some fake designer handbags are shipped into the country is simply as generic, unbranded items without the labels. Then the fake labels are attached inside the country, separately. It seems it’s not necessarily an actual counterfeit until the label, or some other evidence turns it into one.

Fake designer accessories are sold more widely than most people think. Since they are usually sold at great discount prices compared to the original item, the demand is high. The desire for designer handbags, shoes and jewelry -- and for their counterfeit counterparts -- has reached unprecedented, new heights. Commerce involving counterfeit designer goods is such a big business now that it is commonplace to find forty foot shipping containers at our ports loaded with fake Louis Vuittons, Cartiers, and Gucci handbags made in factories in China - along with many containers of legitimate items made in factories in China. In terms of supply, the mid-year FY 2007 report by the US Customs and Border Protection Office of International Trade showed that nearly $8 million of counterfeit handbags, wallets and purses were seized by US Customs and US Immigration alone. That number represents a very small portion of such items that are actually imported.

And as a measure of demand, a recent Internet search for "fake designer handbags" (in quotes) turned up almost 230,000 Web pages. If you remove the quotes, that number soars to nearly 800,000. Many look at as a “victimless crime. ”After all, many otherwise law-abiding people have started selling counterfeit designer goods out of car trunks or at home “purse parties” (think Tupperware, but with knock-off handbags).

Replica or fake designer sunglasses or handbags may be a good way to maintain your stylish look and save money at the same time. This is especially true if you are purchasing them for their everyday utility value. You may be buying something that looks good, may be of good quality and that comes at a reasonable price, just as you might do when shopping for such an item that does not carry a designer label (real or fake.)

Some companies manufacture bags that are "inspired by" and closely resemble a famous brand's pattern. And you should be aware that handbags and other items actually advertised as “similars” or “inspired by” are indeed legal. If you do not want to pay hundreds of dollars for a simple handbag, then a fake designer handbag, especially legally sold as “similar to” or “inspired by,” may be a good option for you.

But anti-counterfeiting advocates say buying illegal fakes is not a victimless crime. And you may want to consider the fact that there is more to consider besides the theft of intellectual property and the loss of potential revenue for the legitimate owner of the brand and the rest of the distribution channel. For example, there is some evidence that part of the money for the bombing and attacks on the World Trade Center came from the sale of counterfeit goods, in addition to other criminal enterprises.


How Can You Tell

Everyone may know that bags bought from a market stall or a kiosk in a Thai shopping mall or on the sidewalk table -or even inside the store - on Canal St. in New York City are not likely to be genuine. But it is becoming harder to spot better quality fakes, especially those for sale in the more upmarket fashion boutiques.

Many online fake handbag vendors falsely advertise the exceptional quality of their cheap knock-off handbags. And sometimes any significant similarity between these inexpensive purses to expensive handbags is limited to the sales copy of the vendor and the delusion of the owner. However, very often, even a knock-off may be of good quality.

Real designer handbags are generally packed in tissue in an official brand name box, and often come with an equally well-crafted dust bag. Counterfeit replicas, on the other hand, usually are lower in quality than the originals, and are likely to break, rip or fade long before the original does. But before you go ahead and buy such an item, whether “inspired by,” a replica, or a counterfeit, you should be aware that there are plenty of authentic discount designer handbags for sale on the internet by reputable sites at a sizeable discount.

It’s good news that when you know where to shop, there really are authentic discount designer handbags and sources that won't wreck your budget. You may spend thousands on a famous name designer handbag, but you can also buy an actual, authentic designer handbag for $30 or less. But you must also know that you won't find a $500 bag that's authentic on the street corner for 7$ - or even $20. Authentic designer handbags are sold only by authorized dealers, not by hawkers on sidewalks.

When dealing with stores and websites of various types, if a seller skirts around using the word "authentic," you should assume the worst. Of course, even if they do say it's authentic, that doesn't necessarily make it so. Sellers of the genuine article usually do provide a 'money back guarantee' to back their claims of authenticity. But don’t expect the real article if the refundable guarantee is not available.

Written by the owner of this blog, Alexander Gray. Visit: Prada Pink Bag at http://prada-bag-pink.buy-q.info.


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History of Prada and the Prada Handbag

Your interest in designer handbags may be more than to own and/or carry one. Perhaps you would like to become a designer, and even a great designer. How does a great designer brand become great? Here is the best article I could find that explains the history of one of the world's foremost brands, Prada.

The History of Prada and the Prada Handbag

Prada is an Italian luxury goods company established in 1914. Items manufactured by Prada include: ready-to-wear, leather accessories, luggage, and shoes. Prada is considered to be one of the most influential fashion label names. Owning Prada items, such as Prada handbags or Prada swimsuits is a status symbol, telling the world that you are successful, and know how to enjoy the finer things in life.

Originally, Prada was only a leathergoods store that was founded in Milan, Italy. Then, in 1978, Miuccia Prada transformed the company completely, and made it into a luxury goods and fashion house. At first, Miuccia added a set of military spec black nylon backpacks and totes. While the items had difficulty selling at first, they did eventually become Prada's first big commercial success. During the same time as their release, Prada began opening up stores in major cities in Europe and the United States, such as Madrid and New York. The Prada shoe line was released in 1984. In 1985, the first Prada handbag was released by Miuccia, and quickly became a success. Prada's ready-to-wear collection was released in 1989.

Visit a flagship Prada store, and you will notice the unique architecture that distinguishes the Prada store from all others. Prada has commissioned famous architects such as Herzog & deMeuron to create the Prada flagship store buildings. There is actually a 15 by 25 Prada building located along the U.S. Highway 90. However, the doors to the store cannot be opened, it is a very elaborate sculpture!

Currently, Prada also has runway shows, with other fashion houses, like Versace or Louis Vuitton. Prada is known as being a fashion house that likes to use new faces and models. New models are even selected sometimes to open the fashion show for Prada. This is a very rare action taken by fashion houses.

Today, most people who want to own a piece of Prada, will probably want to purchase a Prada handbag. When you look at a Prada handbag, be sure to notice the fine stitching and expert craftsmanship that goes into each Prada handbag. Also, notice that the Prada symbol, a silver and black triangle, is not easily visible on the Prada handbag. This is a direct contrast to other luxury brands, where the logo is easily visible. Thus, the Prada handbag has a special appeal, known as "anti-status," which, ironically, increases the appeal of the Prada handbag.

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This article was brought to you on behalf of the people at Discount Designer handbag online shop and written by Mimi Uei.

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