Luxe brands such as Louis Vuitton, Coach, Burberry, YSL and others are coveted and aspirational. However, this has also given rise to many counterfeits, from first copy replicas that almost look as good as the original to pathetic wannabes available at local markets, there’s a whole world of duplicates out there.

Recently, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) cracked down on fake luxury goods and seized them from many Indian travellers to the US. This came as quite a shock to many who were used to finding fakes sold at Indian bazaars and stores and being used without much ado.
We spoke to luxury brand lovers to find out their take on this.

Nishat Afroze, Fashion Blogger, Fashionista and Entrepreneur who has her own perfume brand Lurve adores luxe brands. She owns a clutch of luxury handbags from MK, Burberry, Kate Spade, Coach and so on. She says, “I collect luxury shades also. Right now I have Gucci, Channel, Prada , Bulgari and many more. Can’t do without my Versace … It’s one of my favourites.”

Aishwini Kurusamy, Early Childhood & Special Educator who lives in New York and keeps flying to India to stay in touch with her roots is also an ardent worshipper of luxe brands too. She says, “My collection includes Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Coach and Micheal Kors for bags, Omega for my watch, Rayban, Burberry and Versace for shades. And yes, I have regular straw bags, Fossil and Titan watches too!”

What motivates luxe buys?
Nishat says, “It makes me feel and look good with superior quality and heritage. Plus there are special memories associated with some of them like my first Fendi sunglass was a gift from my husband when our son was born. My first Coach bag has a special place in my heart. Recently one of my friend gifted me a Michael Kors Sling, I am totally in love with that colour. That’s my current favourite now.

“Luxe makes me feel more confident about myself. I don’t know about status as I never thought about it but I am totally a bag and shades person so keep on collecting them.” For Aishwini, “It’s more of a why not? I like to have an array of items of different value.”

Is it wrong to buy fakes?
Nishat vociferously says, “Yes of course!! Once people come to know about it, it’s quite embarrassing. One should aspire and buy the original ones only. If you cannot afford it, go for the non-luxury brands. High Street is also booming now a days. There are lots of brands which are amazing in designs and affordable too. They will suit you more than the fakes. I mix and match based on the occasion and my mood.”

Aishwini seconds that, “Either use the real stuff or go for regular nice brands like Charles and Keith etc. But not imitations. That’s for me. But it’s what each is comfortable with. As long as you are comfortable with what you wear and carry, why worry about the opinions of others?
Just live your life and glow up!”