A huge billion dollar industry has developed of copying original designer items, whether they are called replicas, counterfeits or knockoffs. Replicas have become a global phenomenon in recent years. It is estimated that counterfeit products represent a 5% - 7% share of global trade, generating in excess of $600 billion annually. As Asia's manufacturing powerhouses like China and the consumer's near insatiable desire for designer goods have awakened, this has been a strong indicator.
The availability and sheer variety of replica items have steadily increased in recent years. It is almost certain that if a certain item becomes fashionable (or "hot", thanks Paris Hilton), a much more affordable, yet almost indistinguishable replica is already available. If the genuine article sells, the replica will also sell. A business can be started if there is a profit to be made.
Replicated luxury goods include upmarket designer clothing, shoes, sportswear, perfumes, watches, sunglasses, and of course designer handbags.
The replica handbag is a popular choice for many people because, if it is well made, it offers the same prestige as the original without the often high price tag. Authentic Prada, Hermes or Louis Vuitton handbags cost many hundreds, even thousands of dollars to the average consumer. Over 85% of Louis Vuitton handbags in use today are replicas, according to estimates. Most replicas are priced at a fraction of the original price and can be virtually identical to the original, both in terms of construction quality and materials.
Designer bags, for example, will vary in quality and attention to detail. The packaging may not be as fancy as the original, but counterfeited goods can typically have a decent to outstanding level of craftsmanship. It is likely that this is due to the fact that copy manufacturers are not only jockeying for position with the genuine article, but are also competing against one another.
Often, some pieces are only passable representations of the originals, while others are mirror images. If you look closely, however, you will notice some minor differences. Some of the design features of the bag may differ slightly from the original, as may the brand name or logo.
For the major fashion houses, the flood of replica handbags isn't just a minor issue. Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, and Chanel are among the fashion brands that are very active in combating the proliferation of replicas and counterfeits that benefit from their hard earned brands and prestige. Fashion manufacturers spend millions of dollars on countering this growing issue each year.
However, consumers love
Replica Handbags. And who can blame them? As already mentioned, the price is right! The high prices of authentic designer goods have been attributed by many consumers to mega design houses themselves. The fashion industry has been known to intentionally undersupply a product in order to artificially boost demand and prices.
Designer fashion products will always be coveted. The harder and more expensive you make it to obtain them, the more effort customers will put into finding an easier and less expensive alternative.
It is possible to own a designer item that looks and feels like the real thing even when the budget conscious shopper has access to high quality replica handbags. The intense competition in the replica market not only leads to competitive pricing, but also to superior quality. No longer are these poorly designed knockoffs that fall apart after a few days.
The considerably lower cost also provides the fashion conscious shopper with the ability to own numerous designer bags without breaking the bank. Walk the streets on Monday with a Gucci bag, and on Tuesday with a Louis Vuitton bag. Almost every popular designer handbag is available somewhere in replicated form somewhere.
When the inevitable new lines arrive, the replica market once more allows the consumer to embrace the current fashion trend. Only the very wealthy have the ability to continuously update their wardrobes with authentic versions of every latest designer style. A considerably larger portion of the population can achieve the goal of staying in style with replica handbags.
