All that glitters by Diidi Albert
Image seems to be everything; we are so concerned with perfection even when it’s simply an illusion. Don’t you think it a problem when people are willing to do unspeakable things for what a new bag or perhaps some new shoes? Don’t you think that is the definition of a flawed society? We are imperfect individuals obviously but when it becomes a pageantry of replicas for the sake of fitting in then it’s a problem.
Everyone wants to shine but who says we can’t shine on a budget? Why can’t we have a bag that cost £50 and be just okay with it why spend N50, 000 on a replica? My mum had a saying growing up “Be content with what you have” and I guess it has stuck with me ever since.
Competition seems to be the spice of life, don’t get me wrong, competition is healthy but when all you want to do is compete for material objects, check the lengths your willing to go to get it, and ask yourself is it even worth the trouble? Trends change, fashionable items get old, would you still like the person in the mirror after you have that £1,400 LV alma MM.
Louis Vuitton has been replicated to a point I’m embarrassed to carry my bags out. I would rather carry my speedy 30 in Damier Azur (£450) that I got at 16, that is worn out than carry my Alma GM Vernis ($$$$) In Amarante or my Alma MM Gold Miroir, because the amount of replicas in Nigeria is ridiculous. I’m a bag fiend if I see a bag in Aldo for £35 and I like it I will buy it same way as if I see a bag in Dior for £2400 I will save up meticulously and buy it. Why don’t we have that attitude is following the trend at any cost worth it?
Isn’t the saying QUALITY over QUANTITY, I get the spoilt brat tag a lot perhaps because I spend ridiculous amounts on bags but the truth is my parents don’t believe in squandering money, If you want it earn it. Why can’t we have fabulousity on a budget? I live on a budget. I love ASOS, New Look, and Dorothy Perkins. Primark, Topshop as much as I love Karen Millen, Selfridges, Debenhams and House of Fraser. It’s all about choice. Mix and match and have fun. Why not be an original you than a replica of someone else. But a luxury leather tote, which has no label but looks gorgeous, if you need a label. DKNY is doing fabulous pieces without monogram.
Or do like me save up Speedy 30 - £450, the move on to perhaps a Neverfull GM which comes in (Monogram, Ebene and Azur) - £510. Gucci a Boston starts at about £385 and Gucci even goes on sale. Save up instead of getting 3 replicas get one original on. Opinions are like assholes everyone has one. This just happens to me mine.
I’ve heard of the fake Louboutin craze I can’t comment on it because I’m not a shoe girl (Blasphemy they yell) but it’s true. But Aldo works, so does office, Topshop and Dorothy Perkins alongside New Look have a phenomenal range. I also really enjoy Kurt Geiger and Carvella as much as I love a bargain from Primark.
I have seen so many fake Alma MM’s and Damier Ebene Trevi’s than I ever want to. I should also point out that the Artsy never came in Damier Azur only in Monogram GM and MM and Empreinte. The Ponte –Neuf that is another story entirely.
Also Alma was never made in a lot of colors I should add. The colors I’m sure they released are Blue Galactic, Orange Sunset, Green Tonic, Violette, Pomme d Amour, Amarante, Bleu Nuit, Rouge Fauviste, Bleu Infinite, Blanc Corail, Gris Art Deco, Rose Florentin, Terre D Ombre, Vert Impression, Bleu Infinite recently they’ve added the Givre.
Truth is most colours have been discontinued except “ Amarante, Rouge Fauviste, Blanc Corail, Bleu Infinite, Terre D’Ombre, pomme d’ amour if I’m not mistaken.
Thinking out loud.
Live. Love. Play.