By Guest Writer, Elegy

How do you feel about knock offs?

My position didn’t so much evolve as much as sprout into blossomed existence after posing this question to a peer and being given this succinct gem:  Personal style has nothing to do with designers. I appreciate the effort that is put into creating not just one piece, but a cohesive collection. That is the result of sleepless nights and mental breakdowns (or staring down the cliff) so I respect it. I’ve seen the ground-up break down of sourcing and design, and have myself participated in parts of the process. I just don’t mind knock offs- not anymore. Not everyone can afford to pay full price, that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be able to dress as they’d like. If you love it, rock it.

Why I’m comfortable buying knock offs:

I’ve tasted quality, made some buying mistakes, and at this point I feel bolder about seeing something and discerning whether or not the quality is good enough to compete with the “original” (nothing’s original, but I digress). And- at least when it comes to the major brands (think fashion powerhouses)- studies have shown that they’re not actually losing money- those who buy the knock offs are not typically in the brand’s target market.

When I will buy a knock off:

When it’s well known that the price you are paying is for the brand: in many cases you are paying for the brand. After a certain point the price tag versus the material and technique reaches a plateau- anything above that range means you are paying for the privilege of the brand, and the prestige that comes along with it. But hey, if it’s a really pretty thing and there’s nothing else like it- go for it! (Oh, also if you can afford it… don’t break the bank). If there is something just as nice comes along… I know where I’m headed! Example: I’ll be a little less controversial and just say take a look at ASOS’ sales some time. Some items will list their RRP (recommended retail price), which is often times 100-200 percent more than the cost of an individual piece after buying in bulk. Gotta turn a profit.

When that very specific item I want: doesn’t come in my size! Agh! Especially when it comes to shoes since I’m a half size.

When that very specific item I want: is no longer available. I discover a lot of wonderful things 1 to 5 seasons too late. Alas and alack.

And, I dare to say it, sometimes I like the look of the knock off better. It happens- why pay hundreds more when the imitation is far more enticing?

When I won’t buy a knock off:

When it comes to really high caliber works you just can’t imitate.  Example: corsets. For the love of whatever it is you believe in (like maybe “comfort”) do not get a knock off corset. Not if you plan to have it on for longer than 30 minutes, and even then… Make it 10! The only exception being it’s an underbust you plan to use as a fancy belt. The knock offs fundamentally cannot give you the shape and support a higher quality corset will due to the very nature of the cutting monetary corners they go through to list them at that price.

Independent designers, specifically those who are mainstream and more accessible: I don’t want to take away from what they’re doing (which, in a lot of cases involves keeping the jobs in-country) and most of these business are run by one person (exception being those that have grown successful enough to begin hiring out- and all the more reason to support them!).

There’s a certain amount of love, care, and pride in one’s work that emanates from such designs.

Sales! Sometimes there are sales, darling! Internet and in person, you’ll find stock needed to be chucked to make room for the next season. You’ll have annual sales, semi-annual sales, and the good ol’ fashioned monthly sales! Coupons and codes as well. In person you’re e more likely to encounter sample sales, especially if you live in a big city with a well-established fashion hub. Sometimes the sales tip the price just in your justifiable favor, sometimes they won’t, but they’re an option. Just remember, 9 times out of 10 all sales are final when it comes to these- know your size!

Brand loyalty- it’s a product of the second and first point, in that order. You cannot replace excellent customer service and presentation. I’m only loyal to a few brands, they earned it, yet I still feel that the brand does not make the wearer.
When it’s just so specific. This ties back in with point one: sometimes the outline, the silhouette is quite unique. Sometimes it’s that only one company has the machine to stitch the item “just so.” Sometimes the brand is the only one sourcing (or creating in rarer cases) the fabric and base.

And of course, lastly, when the lovely item is not expensive.

P.S.
There’s something to be said for DIY: If I can get the base and accessories, I’ll take that path.

Share on Facebook