Wow. Investigating the underworld fake designer handbag market has opened my eyes! So what do the great fashion houses think of black market copies? You might be surprised. Prada says that they would be 'worried' if their products weren't copied. So is that condoning these criminals? On the other hand, Louboutin is a 'luxury revel' and has a different business philosopy. They want to … [Read more...]
Last week a market stall owner in Sydney was raided for selling fake designer handbags. This week we're exposing the nasty side of fake handbags. I'm sick. This research into the counterfeiting black market makes me sick to my stomach. According to Dana Thomas of 'Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster', counterfeiting is an underworld activity exploiting children and underpaid workers and … [Read more...]
My friend, we'll call her Jane, was telling me about her latest trip to Singapore, and how her best buy was a REAL leather Prada bag for $130. Oh no, she insisted, it was the real thing, because the lady in the shop said it had a tiny fault. Reduced from $2500 to $130. And see, it smells like leather . Mmmmmm .... Meantime in Sydney over the weekend, police reportedly located a loot … [Read more...]
If you’re in Perth this weekend, then you’re a lucky duck because you will be able to head to UWA on Sunday to check out the new season bragbags' range at Perth Upmarket. If not, don't worry, the online shop to the rescue! There are quite a few lovely new designs and colours this spring and I can't wait to get my hands on some of them. Want a little preview of what you will find? How … [Read more...]
This summer, you will note a new and interesting trend over the bragbags range, the use of more embroidered features. The art of embroidery in Vietnam dates back over 700 years. It was introduced in the north of Vietnam in the 17th century by Lê Công Thành upon his return from a diplomatic trip to China. The skill spread through the northern villages and eventually reached Hanoi where guilds … [Read more...]
So last week I asked Jenny why her bags are made in Vietnam. It made for interesting reading! Another interesting thing you may not know about bragbags is that Jenny is a member of the Fair Trade Association of Australia and New Zealand. What does this mean? Well firstly it means supporting businesses who do NOT use sweatshops or factories. Or use child labour. It also means paying a … [Read more...]
Now if you have been reading along at home you will know that last week I decided I wanted to find out how the bragbags bags are made. I love knowing the story behind the products I love! So my last post talked you all through the design process and now we are at the next step – where the bags actually get made, in Vietnam. First though, I wanted to find out from Jenny: Why Vietnam? I know … [Read more...]
If you’re like me, you like knowing the story about where things come from. So today I thought I’d find out from Jenny what processes are involved in putting a beautiful new bragbag on your shoulder! ---------------------------------- Step one is the design stage. Jenny has always worked with one other designer to bring fresh eyes and debate to the process. She has been working with her … [Read more...]
So last week Jenny held a photo shoot for some of her latest range of bags and organisers at a very glamorous setting - her own house! Ah the joys of working in the fashion industry! Here's a sneak peek: … [Read more...]
So last week Jenny asked on facebook "is your bag a bottomless pit, or is it tiny and neat?" My answer was that it is a neat bottomless pit! I dream of 'packing light' when it comes to my handbag ... and it's something I semi-achieve on the weekends when I head with this little baby. During the week however, my need to be prepared for anything means that this is what my handbag … [Read more...]