Replicas are gaining some real momentum in recent years as their refined quality is able to attract buyers who used to purchase genuine products. Some mix seasonal replicas with classic real ones; some find a faster track to complete their Birkin collections in full colorway. Afterall, buying a replica does not seem to pose any immediate harm to an individual end consumer, why not, if you can spend $100 and look like a million bucks.
I have no interest in stirring up any beef with the replica empire but I want to help those who want to purchase genuine products so they don’t end up paying real price for a fake one.
Below I provided a 1:1 comparison between a genuine Toile de Jouy Book Tote and the so called best version super replica. It takes less one second to tell…
First and foremost, here you go with the one second tell tale.
Just look at the herringbone trim alongside the logo, genuine ones have irregular, free-spirit intervals between the two colored stitches while those of the replicas are strictly arranged. And you don’t need to look any further. (Please note, this tip will become less relevant over time as counterfeiters will eventually course-correct this most visible flaw.)
It is true that some replicas can have quality exceeding the real ones and we’ve seen genuine products with lots of imperfections but the original design and craftsmanship, regardless, should be valued and honored. Compared to replicas, authentic Book Totes have looser stitches while those of the replicas’ are too dense, too perfect. It’s most obvious with the Oblique that I assume counterfeiters will continue to upgrade as long as Dior continues to make it, making this guide less relevant soon in the future.
I also noticed counterfeiters were struggling with the handles a lot. They seem can’t get the construct and shape right.
The foil stamp is getting closer but another one second tell-tale: look at the space between “C” and “h”, which is non-existent on a fake one.
To be fair, counterfeiters did an overall good job replicating the intricate graphics but, again, they can never be 100% accurate, especially the Toile de Jouy, when one has cutting corners as a guiding principle.
This is a personal space where judgement is at my own discretion. It’s absolutely easier for me as well to get great fakes for immediate gratification but I choose not to. I believe that there is no shortcut in life and the joy of working hard towards something cherishable.
Super replicas’ damage to luxury goods is more than just sales or brand reputation. It disrupts one of the fundamental principles that luxury goods operates- exclusivity. The once loyal customers of genuine products now find a pathway for face value glamour and they are not coming back. Streets of Soho and Meatpacking are already jammed with Birkin bags and Off-White sneakers, since when VIP pass has become an entrance for all?