The price of designer bags has got slightly out of control over the past few years and it leaves most people unable to afford the mighty price tag. Therefore, in order to feed a fashion obsession people are increasingly resorting to fakes.
A survey carried out by the Daily Mail titled, "Counterfeiting Luxury: Exposing The Myths 2007" questioned 2,000 British consumers and found that up to two-thirds of those polled would be proud to buy the fakes.
Perhaps the most staggering discovery was that one in five fake purchases was made by a household with an income of over £50'000.
Related links: DVF tracks down "fakes" at Topshop
[image: Zinoo Park]
Online bidding websites have provided a new medium for fake designer items to be sold and a third of those that were questioned took advantage of that. The market for fake goods has increased its profits by 10% of the last year and now reportedly makes £14billion each year.
The report states, "More than three million British adults bought fake luxury items last year. The most desirable brand was Louis Vuitton, followed by Gucci, Burberry, Tiffany, Prada, Hermes, Chanel, Dior, Yves St Laurent and Cartier."
I don't find these results very shocking, when a company insists on charging over £1000 for a handbag you are alienating a lot of people. Also, although it is a crime people do not consider it in such a way. Nearly three quarters of those surveyed would be put off if they knew it would result in a jail sentence but were unsurprisingly opposed that sort of regulation.
I don't own any fakes. I do not particularly object to them and have bought items from high street stores which strongly resemble designer items. How do you feel about "fakes"? Have you ever bought an obviously fake item?
[source: Styledash]