low go

Everyone has their little bugaboo. Mine is that I hate wearing/carrying/sporting a fake designer label. This wasn’t always the case. Once upon a time, I thought I could get away with a knockoff and no one would be the wiser. Even, as it turns out, Elton John. (Settle in—this is a good story.)

About ten years ago, my husband and I were at one of his concerts in Vegas, where we were lucky enough to be with friends who scored us a private, backstage, meet-and-greet at MGM. That night, I was carrying a replica of the hottest new Louis Vuitton design to hit the market–the multicolored monogram bag. I want you to picture this scenario: I’m standing in Elton’s dressing room, surrounded by big-time music-business friends, my hubby, Elton’s new puppy, and the Rocket Man himself. I’m brainstorming for cool conversation so as not to make a bumbling fool of myself, when I see Elton’s eyes make a beeline for my purse. “Is that what I THINK it is,” he asks? Now everyone’s looking at my little fake purse. If I respond affirmatively, I risk making an even bigger fool of myself, so I decide to spill the truth. “So not,” I tell Elton, who—I’m not kidding here—promptly grabs the purse out of my hand and begins to inspect it…inside and out. “Amaaazing. This is quite good,” he says, as he eventually hands the bag back to me.

It was the last time I ever carried that purse.

 

Me, Elton, and Hubby....

Fakes no longer feel good, even if I’m the only one who knows the secret. So now I have a strategy that avoids humiliation and avoids the exorbitant prices of high-end logos: I seek out pieces from affordable designers who have their own posh patterns and insignias…the more obscure the better.  

The classic Louis monogram

 

The Michael Kors rendition

Etienne Aigner's version

Sharif Signature Satchel; $149.90, www.hsn.com

V by Eva Zebra-Print tote; $149.90, www.hsn.com

Tory Burch Reva Logo Ballet Flat; $195

Iman Global Chic Logo Flat; $$27.97, www.hsn.com

Tory Burch Amanda Coin Case; $95

Iman Global Chic Luxury Wallet; $34.95, www.hsn.com

Tory Burch Sail Tote; $186

Tommy Hilfiger Logo Tote; $78, www.endless.com

So how faux do YOU go? (And please, if you have a good, humiliating story, do tell it. I’d love to know I’m not the only one out there….)

 

1 Comment
  • Maia

    Reminds me of a time I found knockoffs of my friend’s $400 Ralph Lauren boots….. and almost never wore them 🙂

    May 13, 2011 at 5:20 pm