Before I go on about how my replica bags bag ended up causing a media frenzy, I want to preface my story by saying I’m a huge fashion admirer. My collection primarily consists of knock-off luxury fake bags, shoes, and clothing. I only buy replicas and thought I’d never get in legal trouble for it.
So, I recently bought a gorgeous pink Gucci replica bags bag, and frankly I was in love. It made me feel like I could take on the world, and if I left the house with it I felt like I was in a celebrity’s presence. Like any typical girl, I fully embraced the excitement and was taking selfies with it everywhere.
But then I had a bit of a wake-up call. I had posted a picture of my bag to my blog page to showcase the glam it added to my outfit and got a comment that said it was best to steer away from using any logos or creators names if it was a replica.
This was big news and replica bags before I knew it, the news had gone viral, with legal experts offering all kinds of opinion about the rights of the luxury brand and retailers of replicas. I felt I had put myself in a bit of awkward situation as I had aligned my personal brand with a retailer that was involved in a controversial trial.
I started to feel a bit worried, thinking if I am held responsible as well since the bag I bought was a replica and had the same design as a popular offering from that luxury brand. I decided to take down my post from my blog page and lay low.
The existing legal bills weren’t the only thing going on, the court process had made influencers and bloggers quite conscious of even indirectly endorsing or advertising knock-off or counterfeit products, resulting in a proverbial media frenzy.
At first I would have thought that I’m not doing anything wrong. After all I had posted a picture of a bag, not of a trademark. But on further reflection, I realized how many laws and norms come into play when it comes to things that are associated with fashion and luxury brands, and I’m glad I stayed in my lane.