When we started our site twenty years ago, one of our editorial and community pillars was that we would not promote fakes.
This never seemed to be an issue, as counterfeit bags were considered problematic for many reasons until recently, when dupe culture rose to popularity.
With bag prices skyrocketing from beloved brands, consumers felt priced out and disregarded by the brands they once loved and saved for. Add to that popular stories about wealthy people carrying fake Hermès bags, and we find ourselves in a different time.
While you will never find me looking to take anyone down for the choices they make with their life, you will also not see me carrying or promoting counterfeit bags. But I have always talked about finding another bag that may give you the same style or vibe; that is how we wind up with a look for less!
Some of the most popular bag shapes have taken a stronghold in the accessory world, meaning countless other brands follow suit with similar shapes and aesthetics. If any of these bags were on your list but you didn’t want to spend retail, here are some great options as a look for less!
GET THE LOOK (FOR LESS)
This reminds me of Dragon Diffusion vs Bottega Venetta. I didn’t know of the former a couple years ago and I thought every cabas of woven leather was Bottega… jokes on me of course. But seriously they are of nice quality I hear. However, I wonder if carrying one of them would leave the impression of trying to do a “look alike” and pass for the higher priced-point bag. Not that should be anyone’s business. But in certain social contexts, it can inspire negative connotations…
As a rule of thumb, when I want a designer bag, I do ask myself – would I purchase if this is not from the Maison whatever? It cools head sometimes.
There are some nice imitations. I actually like the Loewe style one better than the real thing. The giant Loewe branding is awful. A few years ago JMcLaughlin had a nearly identical version of the BV Small Arco for $400 as I recall. No surprise that it sold out.