OK, so by now… we’ve all seen the latest knock-offs. I’m not talking about the bags you pick up on Canal Street- the Jake Spate, Louis Wutton, or Cucci, knock-offs of high street luxury.

I’m talking about the craze that began with Jack Spade’s $85 knock-off of the plastic plaid four dollar flea-market favorite…

And here’s Jack’s:

He explains it all in black and white-

“Inspired by the ubiquitous blue, white and red plaid bags found throughout New York City’s Chinatown, we created a small collection in the same plaid plastic material. The blue, white and red plastic strips are woven into a overlapping pattern then heat-sealed, making them extremely durable and water resistant. To commemorate knocking ourselves off, we created a special JACK SPADE/CANAL STREET/NEW YORK label that is crookedly sewn onto each piece.”

Pure genius, but this is old news. Move forward to Louis Vuitton’s Summer “Braided Leather” collection for 2007. Sure, it’s braided leather… and is great quality! It holds a ton, and is very versatile- a bargain for $1200. Here is the red and blue “Street PM”:

I mean, you’d think that Marc Jacobs would be a little more sensitive to the whole knock-off idea. Especially with the whole Vuitton v. Dooney & Bourke mess in 2004

I mean, what to you looks more similar?

Or:

But I digress… that was just the history. What I REALLY wanted to say with all of this is that WE are stuck in the middle here. I mean the whole Chinatown thing? Who are they using in this little battle to make their point?

Granted… maybe some of us really DID always really think those red and white flea-market bags were cool. Maybe you were already carrying them- and are telling all your friends that you started this whole craze! And I know I’m probably offending at least one of my clients, who will remain nameless But really… I get the feeling that they think they can just throw anything out there- put their name on it, and we’ll buy it!

It doesn’t look like Reese Witherspoon is wearing Jack’s, Louis Vuitton’s or the good old Chinatown special. What is she wearing???

Honestly, I’m just afraid of the Fall 2007 line… made of superior materials, fabulous quality, extremely roomy, easy to carry, and fun, familiar design! A bargain for only $800!

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