A Trip Into to The Hidden World of Designer Replicas

Yang Zhao 2.19. 2016

● Follow the manufacturer ● Italy, Turkey● China, Korea, Vietnam...● Future?

Where What● Iconic, high recognition● Mega brand and

niche labels

How● Marketplaces● e-Commerce● Social Media!

There are hundreds of millions of fakes but replicas are our true enemy.

● Definition: 1:1 and grading system● Quality: selective in style and sophisticatedly produced● Price point: retailed at $200 and above● Distribution: increasingly discreet enabled by social media

(invitation only)

Note: ● Co-existence of replicas and factory defects (“gray products”)● Coded language and masked images making anti-counterfeit more challenging

Facts of Replicas in Asia

MarketplacesHigh-end, individual fashion boutiques

These fakes are not cheap!

e-Commerce and Social MediaCounterfeiters use e-Commerce to

acquire, social media to sell

Product photos are treated on e-Commerce platforms to avoid scrutiny.

Once you have access to the social media account, you can view detailed photos.

Trending Replica StylesCultural differences do affect popularity of styles.

These styles are less popular in Asia’s counterfeit market.

These styles are made to rival authentic ones.

● Like authentic goods, replicas are constantly evolving● Digital and social media post new challenges● It’s a number’s game so always train your senses with actual

products and visit stores more often● Quarterly review of counterfeit trends

Summary

The End