@NJgirl 1205 wrote:
@Stray wrote:
@Lipstickdiva wrote:
@NJgirl 1205 wrote:
@LipstickDiva- I am there often as well and it is funny. There is always a look out watching for the police; once I was amidst a transaction and had to run with them to get my change so I learned always use exact amounts. But, you see them sketching outside Prada, Fendi, Chanel at the Spanish Steps. It is an industry in Italy, it is fun, they are earning a living and it is harmless. Depending where you buy the knockoff, the quality can be pretty good and if you have a lot of designer bags, like LR, people assume your bag is genuine. I don't think less of LR for carrying a knockoff...it isn't shameful.
Actually I believe it is shameful and actually illegal to steal intellectual property. Why support that industry?! With so many options out there in every price range, I never did understand those who insist on purchasing counterfeit merchandise. If you can't afford the real deal, don't buy it!
@NJgirl 1205- I wouldn't do it here but in Italy, it is still illegal, but widely accepted. The police do occasionally chase the vendors but know the bags are widely sold. Italian police are very tough and could shut the industry down if they chose to. In Prada, a bag can go for $5,000 but if you wait until evening, you can purchase a real leather bag right outside their door or at a legal factory. It is a cottage industry there. Most are people immigrated from N Africa, they serve a purpose and are earning a living. Tourists look for these vendors and they turn a decent profit. If you want a Prada bag and have $5,000, you buy it. Theses vendors are not using a Prada label or imprint but people know the designs. A person who wants an original Prada bag will not buy a knockoff and Prada is not losing any business because they have a very select clientele. The knockoffs are for people who can not afford Chanel, Prada, Fendi etc. or chose not to spend a tremendous amount on a bag but want a decent looking bag. But, for the person who values the brand, the status, they will not ever buy a knockoff. The high end designers aren't outraged re the knockoff industry but quite good hearted about it because it doesn't affect their bottom line. I even had a friend who works for Fendi purchase a knockoff and gave it to her young niece in order to teach her how to care for a leather bag; she purchased genuine when the girl was older. I have a mix of designer bags, use knockoffs when I don't care what happens to them, like when I volunteer at the shelter, for travel, have purchased them for US friends upon request or if they are an odd color that I may wear occasionally. I will spend on a bag I like up to a point....I prefer D&B, Coach, Fendi or Furla....but, sometimes the knockoffs are just cute and good quality; I make the decision at that time. I have never longed for a designer bag and purchased a knockoff instead....it's not just a matter of, if you want a designer buy one; I can and will when I wish to do so. The knockoff business has actually cut down crime in Rome; the vendors are fluent in many languages and are quite nice. On the other hand, I have never purchased a knockoff in the US nor would I pirate a movie or music...in Rome, you do what the Romans do...not shameful there...and GILI may not be a knockoff but what's the difference when you call it a copy.
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