KAWS Forgeries
During my usual browse around the 'streetwear' portion of the web, I stumbled across KAWS' blog post entitled Forged. His artwork and items from his brand, Original-Fake, are a common target for those in the business of reproductions.
His involvement with BAPE has lead to some pieces being faked beyond belief. Baby Milo x KAWS tees, BAPE x KAWS 'Chomper' hoodys and even pieces that feature the features of the BAPE Ape face logo with 'X's' for eyes are all mass produced in fake form and distributed through the stupidly high number of fape re-sellers.
Education is key. The Real or Fake forum here on Be Unequaled is invaluable as it gives others a chance to find authentic items, avoid fakes and learn for themseleves. The only problem with education is that as well as the consumer getting wiser, the fakers also get more information on how to perfect their product.
KAWS took what I see as an unconventional step to post up an email address where you can get an official legit check from someone involved with him and his brands. Very few brands have taken this step, but to me it's a positive and somewhat necessary one.
Channel 4 recently screened a two part series showing how far the fake trade has come. The series highlighted the poor conditions for the workers making these items, which is reason enough to not buy them. They also showed how far those at the top of the trade are willing to go. It's now possible to buy fake eggs (chicken eggs) and even fake medication that are supposed to help in the treatment of cancer and heart patients. Some people see the fake clothing/accessory trade as a necessary evil, thanks to the huge profits these companies make, but would they have the same view on these fake medical products if they had to take them, knowing full well the profits some drug companies make?! I think not.
The biggest problem I see with combating fakes is information. Firstly, people often buy fakes for one of three reasons. 1. They don't know that items are fake, 2. They knowingly buy fakes because they don't care and 3. They buy fakes because they want to buy the real thing but cannot afford them.
The last two will be very hard to convince to do the 'right' thing, but it may not be impossible. Attitudes need to be changed and education is key.
Well done to KAWS, I say. I hope that more companies and individuals will take more responsibility and try to help stamp out the fake culture.
(FYI: Timbaland and Adidas were both featured in the Channel 4 program and are actively combating fakes. I also believe that Evisu will authenticate via email, just like KAWS)
Oh, and apologies for not writing about the changes in the 'industry' as promised some time ago. Things are moving faster and faster with each season that goes by and my comments are usually well out of date the minute I've finished penning them down for your enjoyment :( and further apologies for this sensible post that turned into a rant!
