What's the difference between a knockoff and a piece that is inspired by a designer? —Lesley
Here's the short answer: As I understand it, handbags called inspired by or similars are legal. They're fun, inexpensive handbags that have similar design elements as their designer counterparts, but no one's going to confuse your inspired-by bag for the real thing (and if you think they will, you're just fooling yourself.)
Personally, I think designer-inspired bags are thrifty and fab-u-lous!
I photographed these knockoff Coach and Prada bags on the streets of New York City. They're everywhere.
The people who sell these bags are trying to pass them off as the "real deal." Knockoffs, replicas or fakes will have fake name brand tags, logos, labels, etc. Inspired handbags will NOT.
Personally, I don't see the point of buying a fake. There is way too much credible information linking the sale of fake designer handbags with terrorist organizations, child labor, etc. Not to mention, a $100 fake Coach purse ain't a great deal. They're also considered tacky by many, and are often poorly constructed.
Additional Resources:
Handbag guides on Ebay
Counterfeit Chic for a lawyer's perspective
My Poupette on how to identify a fake bag
PS-I hope if anyone out there does buy fakes, they will read this and stop. January 2009's Harper's Bazaar had an article about a group of people using children to make these handbags and the kids wanted to go outside and play, so the people running the factory BROKE the kids legs so they couldn't go outside.
http://www.fakesareneverinfashion.com/