Louis Vuitton. Need I say more? He is one of the most popular names in fashion and has been for over 100 years. Unfortunately, it is also the most counterfeited brand in history. According to Wikipedia.com, “ just over 1% of all Louis Vuitton-branded items are NOT counterfeit.” Some of you might be wondering, “Is my Louis purse fake?” The answer is quite simple. Louis Vuitton products are only available at Louis Vuitton stores or online at either louisvuitton.com or eluxury.com. So, if you or the person that bought you the Louis product didn’t purchase it from one of these three places, then it’s probably a fake. Paying $40 for a $500 Monogram Canvas wallet should be proof in itself. Remember, if it’s too good to true, it probably is.

Though Louis Vuitton is the most counterfeited designer brand, it’s not the only one being copied. Christian Dior, Fendi, and Coach are a few of those other heavily replicated labels. Sure it’s hard to tell a real from a first-class fake. But after a few months, it’s evident when the bogus bag starts to fall apart. They last for that season and nothing further. Authentic designer handbags last years. Like the saying goes, “you get what you pay for.”

Why do we fiend for designer bags? Because we are constantly bombarded with photographs and clips of celebrities like Jessica Simpson, Lindsay Lohan, Nicole Richie, and Paris Hilton draped in trendy couture items. Having the same purse as celebrities might make some women feel just as glamorous. These highly “bootlegged” brands are beloved for a reason. They represent status and a certain level of class. And in American culture, if a celebrity has it, we want to have it too.

For those ladies who want to keep up with the newest handbags, check out the Reade PM ($680), Epi Passy ($1,240), and Batignolles ($705) handbag from Louis Vuitton. Also, look into the Christian Dior Gaucho Medium Saddle Bag ($1,395) and the Lady Dior Cannage Bag ($1,590). Don’t forget to stop by Coach and purchase the Signature Gallery Tote ($398), Carly Signature Bag ($348), or the Hamptons Signature Stripe Pouch ($148).

BEWARE! These very items will likely be knocked-off and available on the streets of Downtown LA. They are NOT authentic! I repeat…they are NOT authentic (no matter what the vendor says). But who could blame someone for wanting such fabulous brands at a fraction of the price? Sorry, designer bags are not for the frugal. If you want the purse, buy the real thing. There’s nothing like it.

You wouldn’t buy a conterfeit Benz or Bentley. Right?

By Dorielle Hammonds