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Original poster

Gucci or Goochi??

120 replies

SansaStark90 · 06/04/2025 04:47

Over the years I’ve collected handbags. I’ve been feeling down on myself so treated myself to a new Gucci bag. My friend came round with a similar style. She admitted to me it was fake! I put them side by side. Hers was slightly brighter gold. Otherwise, no difference! Am I unreasonable to now think a lot of people own fake and I’ve wasted my money and should maybe buy a fake for when I go on nights out so I don’t worry it gets ruined. I cannot believe the quality of fakes. I’ve never looked as my perception is off some market stall and terrible. Before people say they fund crime, all clothes come from sweatshops really and these are coming from China and the whole business is set up to replicate fakes. Feel naive and like I’ve wasted a lot of money

OP posts:
FuckityFux · 06/04/2025 13:29

Only mugs waste money on ridiculously expensive handbags just to impress others who probably don't care anyway.

However, I also wouldn’t buy a fake designer bag as I think they’re generally a bit dull looking and I prefer more interesting quirky designs.

Original poster
SansaStark90 · 06/04/2025 13:29

Overtheatlantic · 06/04/2025 06:08

Strathberry might have the stealth wealth vibe you’re looking for?

I bought the green strathberry that Meghan wore. I know! Im easily influenced and thought it was quite luxury. But for me, Demellier knock strathberry out of the park

OP posts:
Missey85 · 06/04/2025 13:26

unsync · 06/04/2025 07:06

You can't compare the fake / replica / dupe industry with clothing manufacture. Saying it is all from sweatshops is naive at best. It is organised crime, run by sophisticated criminal gangs. If you are happy to support child labour, modern slavery, drug running, people trafficking, prostitution, human misery and terrorism, crack on and buy a fake bag.

Louis Vuitton bags have been made in china for years Thier not the quality bags they used to be the knockoff ones are made by the same people

1AnotherOne · 06/04/2025 13:25

I own a real Chanel bag. I bought a smaller version of the same style from a reputable seller in China. The leather is stunning, hardware heavy and comparable to a friends you cannot spot the difference. It was around £2-300 which is expensive for a replica obviously but a huge saving on the real deal.

I’m very tempted to sell my real bag (on which I’d make around a £5k profit) and buy the same as a replica but something is stopping me.

Original poster
SansaStark90 · 06/04/2025 13:23

TonTonMacoute · 06/04/2025 13:15

A jewellery designer I worked with years ago went to the Far East to see about having his stuff produced out there. He said the same factories make the fakes as make the originals and there's no real way to stop it. I don't know if that's still the case. The fakes use less expensive materials, but that's about it.

There are lots of young designers and makers in this country, buy from them and get something really special. I bought a Jane Hopkinson bag from the Chelsea Craft market over 30 years ago and people still comment on it.

Jane Hopkinson

Edited

I really don’t doubt that’s what happens. From being 18 to now in my mid 30’s the craftsmanship you used to get feels lost and they feel mass produced. The original loewe puzzle bag must have taken hours upon hours. Now they’ve dumbed down the design so they are easier to make. It’s like believing your chicken from M&S comes from a different factory to Aldi.

Id love to support young designers that’s a great idea. Your Jane Hopkinson bag has stood the test of time. I love that.

OP posts:
Crispyapple · 06/04/2025 13:22

I’m also guilty of assuming the majority of designer bags are fake when out and about. I think it’s because fakes are so common nowadays - some brands more than other, admittedly.

Original poster
SansaStark90 · 06/04/2025 13:17

CeciliaMars · 06/04/2025 13:00

If I see a designer bag, I mostly assume it’s fake. And think you’re stupid to pay hundreds / thousands of pounds for a bag.

I have never presumed a bag is fake unless you can really tell they are fake. That’s weird. All my bags are real so you’d be presuming wrong

OP posts:
TonTonMacoute · 06/04/2025 13:15

A jewellery designer I worked with years ago went to the Far East to see about having his stuff produced out there. He said the same factories make the fakes as make the originals and there's no real way to stop it. I don't know if that's still the case. The fakes use less expensive materials, but that's about it.

There are lots of young designers and makers in this country, buy from them and get something really special. I bought a Jane Hopkinson bag from the Chelsea Craft market over 30 years ago and people still comment on it.

Jane Hopkinson

CeciliaMars · 06/04/2025 13:00

If I see a designer bag, I mostly assume it’s fake. And think you’re stupid to pay hundreds / thousands of pounds for a bag.

Original poster
SansaStark90 · 06/04/2025 12:43

DustyLee123 · 06/04/2025 07:34

I always assume these bags are fake.

Why? All mine are real. So you’d be presuming wrong

OP posts:
DustyLee123 · 06/04/2025 07:34

I always assume these bags are fake.

AllProperTeaIsTheft · 06/04/2025 07:33

SansaStark90 · 06/04/2025 05:54

Could anyone recommend a quiet luxury brand. Similar to Demellier? I want something others don’t have that stands out

So your main priority isn't that you particularly like the look of a bag, it's that it's expensive and exclusive, and that you won't end up feeling put out because someone else will have a bag as nice as yours but by paying less? So, purely a status symbol?

Motheringlikeapelican · 06/04/2025 07:29

Gnocci

Blueuggboots · 06/04/2025 07:27

@SansaStark90- it’s not whether it’s high end or not, it’s the perception that it makes you something different, just because of a label, that someone, somewhere, decided was “special” and worth paying thousands of pounds for. Why not get one made? Have it designed and made especially for you. Then no one else will have one. Truly unique and special. Unlike these ridiculously expensive bags that are made my downtrodden people who are probably being exploited….

AlloaintheMiddle · 06/04/2025 07:08

If you can afford a Gucci, rather look for a small leather good maker (loads on instagram).
Your bag will be bespoke and unique, quiet luxury kind of bag… that’s classy in my opinion!

unsync · 06/04/2025 07:06

You can't compare the fake / replica / dupe industry with clothing manufacture. Saying it is all from sweatshops is naive at best. It is organised crime, run by sophisticated criminal gangs. If you are happy to support child labour, modern slavery, drug running, people trafficking, prostitution, human misery and terrorism, crack on and buy a fake bag.

threenaancurrywhore · 06/04/2025 06:49

Before people say they fund crime, all clothes come from sweatshops really
Maybe stop buying new stuff then? How many handbags do you need?

LavenderBlue19 · 06/04/2025 06:48

Just buy bags you like and that make you happy, that are of a quality you find acceptable. And that you think people will compliment you on, if that's very important to you.

If that means buying fake Gucci because you really love the style, the quality is good enough, and it means you can spend your money on other stuff, fine. If what makes you happy is owning real Gucci, keep buying those.

AncientAndModern1 · 06/04/2025 06:45

Gucci bags are bargain basement compared to Chanel though. Crazy prices there. When a second hand bag can cost £5k or more.

Tbrh · 06/04/2025 06:43

AncientAndModern1 · 06/04/2025 06:17

Gucci bags aren’t ‘plastered’ with logos or monograms. They are extremely expensive though. https://www.gucci.com/uk/en_gb/pr/women/handbags/top-handle-bags-for-women/gucci-softbit-medium-top-handle-bag-p-837467AAEAO1000

That is beautiful

TheCountofMountingCrispBags · 06/04/2025 06:39

It's pronounced 'blingy'

BertieBottsEveryFlavourBeans · 06/04/2025 06:38

AncientAndModern1 · 06/04/2025 06:29

The snaffle bit fastening is very much part of the Gucci look and heritage. I also think it’s a beautiful, elegant bag but the price is crazy to me.

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Thank you, that's really interesting!

The price is insane, however if I was wealthy a beautiful designer handbag would definitely be my absolute weakness. My feet don't fit beautiful shoes (too long and wide) but a handbag always fits!

Glittertwins · 06/04/2025 06:31

Yes, my screen froze, the gold horsebit is part of their history.

AncientAndModern1 · 06/04/2025 06:29

BertieBottsEveryFlavourBeans · 06/04/2025 06:23

Oooh that is gorgeous!

This might be a thick question, is there anything on that bag that would identify it as being Gucci to someone who doesn't necessarily have any knowledge of designer handbags (like me!) or even to someone who has some knowledge? I can't see the Gucci logo so wouldn't look at it and immediately identify it as a Gucci bag, I'd just be thinking "that handbag is beautiful"

Show quote history

The snaffle bit fastening is very much part of the Gucci look and heritage. I also think it’s a beautiful, elegant bag but the price is crazy to me.

Kelta · 06/04/2025 06:28

What is the difference in cost. Where do you even get fake bags in this country? Would they even be accessible to you?