The Gazette’s article on knock offs – finally! (and a word on Bape)

That once in a blue moon when the local English newspaper publishes a meaningful fashion article is indeed a special occasion.

Flattery or Fakery? talks about the dicey situations about the knock off industry and how legal pursuits in Canada are long and drawn out processes. Here’s an excerpt of what Daniel Drapeau, a lawyer for Ogilvy’s, said about companies profiteering of the knock offs:

What he doesn’t like about the “cheap chic merchants” is that “these guys kill true innovators,” he said, citing Montreal’s Salvatore Parasuco as a design innovator. “The Zaras of the world are killing that. Should we be encouraging people like that? What are they contributing to society?”

Though knock offs have propelled some fashions to spin out into their own subculture (like Hip Hop/urban fashion), very few actually become cult-like and command a loyal following.

There is something you can spot especially on the Bape hoody with diamonds. Look carefully and you will see the difference. Take a close look at how the diamonds are placed. The real Bapes have the diamonds “on” the letter. The fake ones have it “around” the letters. Also the quality of the material of the real Bapes does make a difference. The designs look cleaner and clear, while the fakes ones look slightly faded or a little lighter than the real ones. Take a close look at the diamonds!

Here’s a useful site for any of you Bape aka A Bathing Ape fans out there looking for the real deal. How to spot a fake Bape gives you image references as to what makes a piece real or a fake. After being thoroughly brainwashed by a single request from a cousin of mine to purchase a Bape hoodie in Tokyo (where the brand originates from), I’ve come to believe that high end urban apparel do exist. Perhaps it may not be that they’re made of cashmere, but the Japanese know how to package and execute their products flawlessly. My experience at the Bape store in Tokyo was so entrancing, I’m seeing Bape stars and camouflage when I think of urban apparel. If I had to say so myself, if I were to wear urban streetwear, it’d be Bape.

Btw, I’ve actually seen Bape apparel in Chinatown right next to La Maison Kam Fung restaurant in the shopping mall. Most likely they’re fakes, but I haven’t had time to go look and see. If they are, please don’t support the fakes and buy them. Authentic clothing always feels better on you if they’re real right? Why spoil the fun?

Image and text credits: nigobape.com