Fake Britain: The Rise of the Imitation Industry

By Susie Rushton
August 2007


These days, according to the latest research, [two-thirds of Brits are actively loving] fakes. [They] are buying them while on holiday in Europe but also in online auctions and in markets here in the UK. Research shows that [they] perceive it to be a victimless crime and that perception isn't changed by the fact that very little seems to be being done to stop it.

Even celebrities, those privileged beings who are routinely loaned hot-off-the-catwalk looks for free by fashion houses, are now admitting to buying fake designer accessories. The actress Renée Zellwegger has said that she bought a counterfeit bag in Hong Kong. She may not be the pinnacle of chic but when multi-millionairess Britney Spears carries a pale-pink fake Chanel bag, tweens everywhere get the message that cheating the luxury goods houses is cool.


Britney Spears spotted carrying another fake Chanel purse and lovin' it


This is a potentially disastrous turn of events for companies that trade on their aura of exclusivity and carefully nurtured relationships with Hollywood stars. No wonder that brands such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel (which, with Burberry, are the most copied) are fighting back on the A-list front. When Courtney Love was photographed at a party earlier this year wearing a fake Chanel dress, the fashion house was said to be incensed. In this month's US Harper's Bazaar, Love does penance, posing with jewellery just covering her nipples over the headline, "I'd rather go naked than wear fake". Love claims she wore the copycat Chanel "inadvertently" . If so, she would be rather more gullible than the rest of us.

The reason Chanel et al have a problem with forgeries is that there is such a huge demand for them. More than ever, [the Brits] are buying fake goods, knowing that they are fake – and not giving a damn. They are put off neither by the loss to those brands' businesses nor – apparently – by any thought of the organised crime that inevitably props up a global trade worth as much as $200bn each year. And as the standard of those fakes improves, no longer is poor quality such a big issue for buyers.

While a minority will always prefer to know that they own and carry the real thing, there is a growing group who will buy both fake and authentic luxury goods. It's a misconception these days to think that the woman who carries an ersatz Louis Vuitton Monogram or Chloé Paddington bag is a young, low-income consumer who can't afford authentic goods. According to a new study by the law firm Davenport Lyons, two thirds of those who buy counterfeit watches, handbags and clothes also buy genuine designer goods. In demographic terms, there is very little to distinguish the fake-buyer from the genuine-only buyer.

And increasingly, [the Brits] are openly confessing that [their] Gucci watch or Mulberry bag isn't the real thing. Researchers say that up to two thirds of [them] are happy to admit they buy fake goods – an increase of 20 per cent on last year. As the global trade booms, an even wider range of spurious items gets shipped across borders, with piracy affecting not just luxury goods but even everyday items such as toothpaste, toys and batteries.

Is fakery losing its stigma and, particularly in the realms of image and self-presentation, even becoming a kind of status symbol? And if authenticity has become strictly optional, into which other realms of culture will that attitude spread?

For a full report on the 'Fake Britain: The Rise of the Imitation Industry' story, click here

Spotted: Reese Witherspoon with Miu Miu Coffer Bag

On a day out shopping in Los Angeles with her daughter, Ava, Reese Witherspoon was spotted with Miu Miu's Coffer Bag in Cream. Because the Coffer Bag seems to be a hot favourite with Hollywood A-Listers and those in the celebrity circuit, this Miu Miu number seems to have reached 'It' Bag status. Other A-Listers who have been spotted with the 'Coffer' include Lindsay Lohan, the new face of the Miu Miu's 2007 Ad Campaign.

Wanna get your hands on one? It's available for $1,445 via Saks

Spotted: Hilary Duff with Marc Jacobs 'Debbie'

Recently, Hilary Duff was spotted with Marc Jacobs's Sweet Punk Debbie Hobo in Black. However, if you ask Bagaholic Babe, I much prefer the one in 'Bisque' (Cream) above. Yup, Bagaholic Babe isn't a fan of Black bags because although it's versatile in the sense that it goes well with everything in one's entire wardrobe, but let's just say I need my dose of colour. Well yes, I know that 'Bisque' (Cream) is less of a colour than Black, but that coupled with the Gold hardware just does me in! Anyway, whether you like it in Black or in 'Bisque', both colours are available. Get this Marc Jacobs Sweet Punk Debbie Hobo with studs (with adjustable leather shoulder strap) for $1,800 via Barneys New York

Spotted: Sienna Miller with Luella Army Bag

Since I posted up Luella's Spring-Summer 2007 Collection today, I thought I might as well make it 'Luella Day', and show you an A-Lister who's been seen toting her Luella Army Bag around.





Luella Strappy Army Bag in Olive Patent Leather - £495

However, I'm sorry to tell you that this Strappy Army Bag is sold out. For more details, visit Luella.com

Newsflash - Latest Celeb Craze: Moni Moni Handbags

This hot new brand is so HOT that they are on backorders! Moni Moni is now officially arm candy on the Celeb Circuit as we see many celebs toting Moni Moni Bags that they are so IN LOVE with. Could this be the new IT Bag? Could this be the New Balenciaga replacement?


3 Designs are hot favourites among Celebrities - The Splendor, the Shopper and the Eden.



Paris Hilton with the Moni Moni 'Splendor' Satchel


Jessica Alba with the Moni Moni 'Eden'



Michelle Trachtenberg of Buffy the Vampire Slayer with the Moni Moni 'Shopper'


Moni Moni Handbags: designed by Cinzia Monaci

After graduating from the University of Turin in Literature and Communications, Cinzia won a scholarship to study arts in Lyon, France and attended journalism courses at the Sorbonne University of Paris where she collaborated with several fashion and entertainment publications. She moved to Los Angeles in 1997 where she continued to correspond for European magazines, collaborated with In Style, and started her own business supplying major department stores with Italian name brand fashion goods. In 2002 she won a scholarship in Fashion Business at FIDM in Los Angeles and started designing her own line of handbags. Moni Moni International, Inc. was founded in early 2004 and is now sold in many boutiques around the country and around the world.


All Moni Moni Bags are handcrafted in Italy. Made of selected dyewash Italian leather that is dyed and then pre-washed to make them look shaded and patinated. Some irregular marks may occur as a result of this very particular proces; these should not be considered imperfections. If cared for properly, this bag will only get better with time. Super soft and Large. Dust Bag included. Some Bags come with a detachable Shoulder Strap.



If you wanna get your hands on one, Now's your chance. You can only get them from ONE PLACE only. Get it from ADASA . The 'Eden' retails for $525, while the 'Splendor' retails for $435. Bagaholic Babe loves the 'Splendor'.
(Info from ADASA, Photos from WhatCelebsWear)

Spotted: Jennifer Garner With Chloe Bay Bag

Jennifer Garner with Chloe Bay Bag


Chloe 'Bay' Bag in White Lambskin

Jennifer Garner, of Alias and 13 Going On 30 fame, was spotted with the New Chloe Lambskin 'Bay' Bag from the Spring-Summer 2007 Collection. If you want to get your hands on this bag, you can get it at Bergdorf Goodman for $1680. The Bag comes in a few colours, and if this tote is not your style, they have it in Hobo style too. Chloe's 'Bay' Bags for the Spring-Summer 2007 Collection is made of Lambskin with Gold Hardware and Studded details. Bagaholic Babe's absolute favourite part of the bag are the Chunky Zip closures. ;)

Spotted: Paris Hilton with Fendi Logo Shoulder 'B' Bag

Paris Hilton spotted with Fendi Logo Shoulder 'B' Bag

If you want your very own Fendi Logo Shoulder 'B' Bag that was spotted on Paris Hilton, it's still available at Saks .
Fendi Logo Shoulder 'B' Bag

This Fendi Logo Shoulder 'B' Bag is in Fendi's Signature Zucca print jacquard, combined with distressed leather, topstiching and brass hardware with chainlink accents on the strap. With a push through flap closure, the Logo Shoulder 'B' Bag is from the Fall-Winter Collection 2006, so hurry if you still want one! Available at Saks for $920.

Spotted: Paris Hilton Spotted with The Alma Miroir!

Just a while back, Paris Hilton was seen carrying the lovely Alma Miroir from Louis Vuitton's Winter 2006 collection. The bag looks absolutely fabulous with its metallic monogram and comes in only shades of silver and gold. The line also carries the Papillon and Speedy 30. The Alma is going for USD2100 while the papilon and speedy are USD1100 and USD1150 respectively. It's pricey, I know .. but so pretty, it's a must have!