I’ve seen some strange bags popping up lately on group deal sites and also for sale on some blogs or online stores. These are your run of the mill canvas totes, with the picture of a popular IT bag – started with the Hermes Birkin – printed on it. I think it started out as a tongue in cheek way of poking fun at these otherwise astronomically priced bags that many of us could never own.
But it soon developed into a bit of hysteria of its own. There were allegations of fakes and copycats and even a lawsuit by Hermes against Banane Taipei – the maker of these bags. Gotta admit, the use of the Hermes design wholesale and a copy of their logo may not have been a very smart move. I’m not sure what’s happened to that suit but they seem to be still selling the stuff.
I haven’t seen these in person myself, but I wonder what you think of these.
These aren’t knock offs or even inspired bags. They are just a canvas bag with an imprint of a famous and popular IT bag.
I personally don’t think much of them. I didn’t find it amusing, nor even particularly cheeky. I found these other ones amusing and cheeky. I would rather just have a normal plain canvas bag, if I wanted to get one, or even one with a pretty print. These prints aren’t pretty by any stretch of my imagination.
And as if Hermes prints wasn’t enough, I spotted these other printed canvas bags on a different site. Now these, I don’t even get nor begin to understand.
That’s me however. I like my designer goods but if I couldn’t afford it, I wouldn’t buy a lookalike, copy or much less a canvas bag printed with my dream bag on it. I just accept that some things are there to be lusted after and aspired to. I don’t understand why anyone would get these because they aren’t stylish, amusing nor even fashionable.
Printed canvas bags like these: Inspired or just tired?
I would say tired and a waste of time and money. They aren’t cheap. The Banane Taipei ones (picture 1 and 2) retail for about US$200 and the Thursday Friday ones (Picture 3) start from US$65 for the medium sized ones. I think that money could be put towards better use, or even towards saving up for the real thing. Feel free to share your thoughts.
Paris B
They were funny the first time round by Thursday Friday. Like any joke, they get stale after a while and the latest one by BT isn’t even remotely funny. More like, raise an eyebrow and what the eff were they thinking about? And the Celine tote printed on a canvas shoulder carry with the straps cut off were simply an insult to a bag. It felt to me that BT was just hijacking the ingenuity of TF without an ounce of originality on their own. I won’t mind getting one for $10 to carry Coco’s stuff on our outings but $200 for a canvas tote? Are consumers out of their freaking minds?
/rant over
I feel the same. At $10 I’d find it mildly amusing. At $200 I’m less likely have it raise any smile from me.
Sorry. Gotta remind myself to be rational and not emotional and judgemental. People are free to spend however they wish but consumers need to be better informed they are not carrying the real deal.
I suppose another person with a sense of humour very different from my own might think it witty but personally I find it completely tacky. And the worst part is that the tackiness don’t come cheap!
I think it’s the price that makes it unamusing, more than the design itself which could be cheeky at the best of times.
I actually happen to be one of those individuals that find this funny and tongue-in-cheek, but I don’t know if I’m so much laughing with the makers/buyers so much as I am laughing at them. I think the idea that a canvas copy of a luxury item is coveted (I hear the originals became so popular they were about as difficult to get as a real Hermes would have been) is laughable, in and of itself. Add to it the idea that these bags aren’t even cheap and I think you have a ridiculous situation on your hands. Not to mention, the luxury item industry itself is pretty laughable. I understand the idea and buy into it somewhat, but I do find the prices exorbitant.
I think where this whole thing becomes a lot less funny is when you realize that people buy into the hype of real luxury items so much that they are willing to consider these a luxury. The entire ideal is cheapened, but ultimately, the bags become tacky and terrible because they showcase the fallacy of vanity and materialism so obviously to those of us on the outside of this fad.
In some ways, I think the whole idea of luxury is getting out of hand, and too commonplace these days. I have to admit I buy into it too, but I have learnt to be a bit more discerning, and I have my limits. I guess the whole canvas thing at those crazy prices really just gets my goat. It might be funnier if it was a fraction of the price eh? 😉
If these bags were terribly cheap, $5-$10, then I can see the “cheeky” factor. But for $200, I’d rather save up to buy the real one. (I actually can’t comprehend spending $200 on a bag. Ever. Let alone a canvas one.)
Haha I’m the same! At a fraction of the price, it could actually be amusing but at those prices, erm… I’d rather get a leather bag!
Hahaha, good morning Paris. When I first saw these printed bags and the hype in some blogs, it really gave me a whole bag of mixed emotions 🙂 I was tickled, intrigued, confused, indifferent. It was amusing in the beginning but then I felt it was a very lame copycat attempt. I cannot imagine which age group would carry such bags and where would the person bring it to – better not be caught dead with this sort of bag in any store or even the mall as it seems to scream “I am indeed carrying a printed copycat!”.
Initially I saw the bag and I immediately thought of my sister who is still in uni, maybe the parody bag as I call it would go well with her. But then again, Birkin and Celine hardly cross her mind as she’s now more concerned about traveling and sustain her grades! This parody bag might not appeal to the younger ones, neither will the working class be caught carrying one…Funny concept but not quite in real life.
Lol I totally get you! I don’t quite know who they’re targeting either and now that you mention it, it looks like there’s no segment of the market that could carry this bag reasonably. That said, it seems like it is doing well though, so maybe there is a market after all 😉
I thought the BT trend would’ve died awhile ago… and there’s even BT fakes too *faint* WTH.
I would just say… meh. Then again, I tend to march to the beat of my own drum. I just accept that there are some things I can’t afford – like Anya Hindmarch Etta shoulder bag (with three detachable compartments and comes with the crossbody strap option) that I like but it’s almost RM5,000. Erm, no.
When I read about the fake BT stuff I was incredulous too. Haha I loved how you could describe the Etta bag though 😉
I have some of these printed bags in original leather ‘version’ 😀 and twice I got jealous/angry stares from ladies carrying these canvas totes. I think its better if they carry these than fakes. At least they dont preted tha they own it…
But I need to say when I spend 6000euro+ on a bag I spend it because of heritage and quality, history behind the bag but mostly quality, Hermes bags look amazing after even 40 years…!!! Its not nice feeling seeing someone carrying fakes!!
I wouldnt give you an angry/jealous stare, Catherine, but maybe a wistful one 🙂 I’m really against fakes like you too. I guess you have a point that it’s better that people carry a parody than a fake. I would love to own an Hermes some day, but that’s pretty much a dream for now 😉
Well I don’t think it’s cheeky and funny.I’m not a big fan of canvas tote, personally prefer branded leather goods but my wallet won’t be so happy XD
None of ours will be lol!
i got the birki one from gmarket for sgd45, just for fun. These days, branded bags have lost it novelty. I saw 20’s ladies carrying chanel bags to hawker centre for lunch and those bags used to be highly sought after. Sad but branded has become so common these days n u see birki on the street so often also.
U see probably a lot of fake Birkins too 🙂 Here in Paris very often women, older younger-whatever- have fake Birkins. Of course there are true ones too! I live in Paris but outside of the center of Paris no one will have Birkin… In Monte Carlo I saw many but for example in Cannes less. In the cities where are a lot of rich people its not a big surprise that women carry Birkins or Chanel 🙂
Hmmm, I thought the police there catch people carrying fakes? And that it is a crime?
It is a crime, I dont know how they check it but there are lots of fakes too.
Yeah I see lots of young girls carrying these bags too (gah! The money! At their age i was more interested in saving up for a house lol!) and whilst I admit that it’s way too common these days, the real thing, maybe worn in the right setting, does have a certain allure 😉
Actually, I find them very funny! You won’t catch me with these bags, but I think that there is a certain appeal for them no? They make the notion of owning something that has never been accessible to them more real, although it is only an image.
I do not cringe at fakes, so long as they’re not too conspicuous. For example, we see a lot of fake bags around with more or less the same “shape”, but without the brand name. I’d go for fakes because I like how the originals look, but I don’t have the $$ for them (as long as those fakes don’t place the names of the original brands on them, of course).
My perception may change, but, for now, my stand is, why not? Does it mean that only anyone with a couple of thousand Euros to spare deserve to own a certain bag?
Interesting viewpoint, Hanny 😉 I’ve done the fake thing (can’t knock something till youve tried it 😉 ) and I quickly learnt that it wasn’t for me. I’d rather spend the money on a good quality authentic product, maybe not from the brand itself, but from a more affordable brand. But that’s me 😉
I wouldn’t buy one… but I know people who would 🙂
Haha I know of people who would too. I might if it was about 10% of the price maybe? 😛
I don’t see it as much of a problem unless I am the brand in question (say Hermes or Celine). I personally would never buy such bags.
But I fully understand where they are coming from. It’s just a cry out loud against elitism, high society, etc, etc. It’s a bit like what Gangnam Style is trying to say. It is a message and a movement, more so than copy.
As it is a message/movement, it really is just part of society’s evolution. A bit like how people in Singapore printed T-shirts with white elephants (you may or may not have heard) to make a statement or T-shirts with Mas Selamat (the alleged terrorist who unthinkably managed to escape our jail and prison warden).
LOL, maybe can say that I am seriously apathetic. But it is true that these are none of my business. I believe the relevant brands will deal with it.
PS: Hermes Birkin is the only bag I resolve to buy as a reward, maybe after 10 years? So I will never get a fake or even dig them by buying Banane Taiwan. Good luck to their lawsuit, I think they will win if there are no undertable transactions.
The Birkin is quite something to aspire to! I think its great! 🙂 I would too but have given up the chase after I realized I could never put down the money for it, no matter how ready i thought i was lol!
I like the toungue in cheek message, but not for that price. I’d buy one for RM20 (if ever I can find one for that price) and hit the wet market with it…haha! OR if I wanted to go as Rosmah for Halloween, PERFECT.
I know right? At RM20 it’s funny but at close to RM600 the jokes on you! And about Rosmah, you’d need a huge wig too. And a ring. Dont forget that! 😉
Not a big fan of these canvas tote. I just don’t get the humour. Lol.
Monstro: Rosmah for halloween! Great idea!!!!
I just feel like someone’s taking the Mickey of me at those prices! 😛
No. No no no no no no omghellnowhatweretheythinking no. The very first time I saw it, yes, I thought it was hilarious. Then I thought it was even more hilarious when Hermes filed a lawsuit against one of the companies who did this (Thursday Friday, I think?). I thought it would stop, then Banane Taipei came in and sold the bags at $200 each. For a cheapo canvas bag like that? No no no no no no no.
Incidentally, I do have one which has a Chanel classic flap in front. I didn’t buy it (you siao ah? :P), it was given to me last year. I haven’t taken it out of my cupboard since I put it in there last year. Might take it out to the market one day. Might 😛
I think its the prices that makes it unfunny. $200 is hell of a lot of money to be paying for a joke!
*Five* *Five* *Five* 😀
I am totally against Fakes/Replicas too. A few good bags good enough for me instead of the many replicas though
By the way, I remember you love the LV Empreinte in Artsy? The latest Empreinte in Speedy 25 is out! It’s gorgeous 😉 LOL Sorry, just to keep you posted only 😛
LV Empreinte (Lumineuse) is one of the most scratch-proof and durable lovely leather bag I own! Just thought I will share this info how practical it is 🙂
Hi Catherine! Wow! You are using the Lumineuse PM? Yours in Ombre? Didn’t know it’s scratch proof but the Empreinte Speedy 25 is really really beautiful 😀 Love it even more as it comes with bottom studs and extended straps. Cool! 😀
You, Catherine and AnT are NOT GOOD for my wallet! >.<
^5! 😀
I was recently shown a picture of the Empreinte Speedy by a friend too and needless to say, its lust at first sight! The only thing that makes me balk is the size. I do have a 25 and I find it too small. I love the look of the Empreinte Speedy but am similarly afraid that 25 would be just too small for me 🙁 Still, won’t stop me taking a look in store 😉 Are you eyeing it too?
😀 Yes my dear. At first I thought a 25 might be too small but if you see it in person, it is slightly bigger than the normal Speedy 25. Got it as a belated birthday pressie (in Terre, chocolate brown) 😀 So just cannot stop eyeing at it everyday now 😛
Do pop down at one of the stores, yes? 😀 Not sure whether they will have it in 30 next year though but I felt that 30 might be slightly bigger than the canvas leather speedy 30 😛
Gah! You and Catherine now have me hankering after the Empreinte! I will definitely have to check it out. The Speedy looks so good (even if I already have one)
LOLL!
Well perhaps you may not like it as much as I do, so no worries about your wallet 😛
This is my first Speedy and also my first leather bag in Empreinte range 😀 I love it even more with the bottom studs and extended shoulder strap! 😀 😀
Fortunately you did not get the Artsy 😛
I already liked it in photos! Gah!! 😛
Wuahahaha! 😀 Try to watch the video on their website when you get the chance, yea? 😛
maybe one day they will print one with my favorite car on the canvas!!! i’ll buy it if i see it on deal site at RM19.90!
LOL PB you already know my take on this topic! 😛 But just had to leave a note after reading Xin’s comment – come la Xin, we’ll get one custom-made for you this Christmas k? 😀
HAHAHA! As Bee said, maybe that’ll be your xmas present 😛
I think it’s cute…for a shopping bag ! 🙂
Maybe something to take to the market? Not at those prices though! 😉
I personally would not get such ‘bag’ for myself.
I think most of us think the same Marina 😉