So, I was in Istanbul one time and I noticed the streets filled with fake designer bags. Of course, I knew they were knock-offs instantly because the prices were just too good to be true. As I took a closer look, I started to see the difference in the quality. It was breathtaking how they made nearly perfect replicas of designer labels. It was incredible to watch the hustle and bustle happening on the street.
People gathering around the stalls, pointing, bargaining, inspecting the bags. You could tell the bag sellers were experienced and knew their way around in the universe of fakes. The vendors had the original pictures of the designer bags and wallet to show potential customers. It was almost like a part of the game – taking the fake away and passing on the knowledge.
I talked to some of the traders and their enthusiasm and expertise got me asking a few more questions. How they got the material, who makes them, and where do they get the original designs from? Well, even they weren’t quite sure, they told me that most likely the stuff they were selling was from a trade processor in Greece for the last 10 years, and as for the material they were using, it was either plastic or leather.
What I found so interesting was the way the counterfeiters managed to replicate the stitching and even maker’s mark so precisely. They were paying close attention to detail, but on the other hand were being so careless about the labels. Ironically, it was this carelessness that made buying a fake a risky business after all.
Still, in Istanbul, these “fake designer bags” were very popular. I know this because, after some searching, louis vuitton outlet I even found street corners selling fake designer sunglasses from renowned brands. It seemed like the perfect spot to find the latest trends without having to pay the full price. So, in the end, was this a horror or a dream come true?
After a lot of thought, I decided it was like a dream come true. People who want to look fashionable but don’t have the money to buy designer goods, can now enjoy them even if it is a knock-off. Yes, the quality isn’t the same, but at least it gives the same feeling of wearing a designer item for a fraction of the price. Who doesn’t love a good bargain, right?
The reality is, buying fake designer bags from Turkey is now almost normal. People don’t really seem to mind, and as far as I can tell, changing this consumer culture is not going to be an easy job. The attitude towards these bags is divided, of course – some people don’t mind buying knock-offs, but some might just feel guilty or disappointed in the end.
It doesn’t help either that the market in Turkey is difficult to regulate. Blockages to trade and the limited number of consumers only pushes the counterfeiting industry even further. This makes it difficult to control the production of fake bags, but at least the negative effect of the industry isn’t as great as if it was in a different country.
What I learned during my research is that this kind of trade is mostly conducted through word-of-mouth. People will already know who is selling, or who is buying, but unless you know someone in the business, it isn’t easy to get in touch with the traders. So, it’s pretty tricky, but that doesn’t mean it will stay that way.
For now, fake designer bags from Turkey are still going strong. It’s almost like they are in a different category now and people don’t really pay attention to the origin of the bags. As if they’re simply part of the street style culture – and the trade is increasing exponentially. So, it looks like we will just have to wait and see if things will change in the future.