I would never buy an original or fake LV because it seems nuts to pay for a bag that is made from vinyl. I also don't like paying for something that is priced simply because of initials rather than quality. The only designer bag I have ever bought was a botega veneta which I got on sale in Milan for $150. No initials -- just absolutely gorgeous leather. And there are knock offs of the woven leather everywhere but the leather sure doesn't feel the same and that's what I care about. I certainly don't care if someone thinks I am carrying a designer bag. By the way -- I would also never have bought the original at the absurd normal price but for $150 it was a great value. And, yes I know it's the original because I bought it in the botega veneta store. I have purchased bags in thailand but they have been either stingray or bamboo. Never a knock off.

Gloria- you exhibit good sense about the LV bags!!!!

In defense of LV-- Louis Vuitton monogram bags are not made of vinyl. The material used is coated waterproofed canvas with leather trim & handles. I have 3 LV duffles, bought in 1965 that we use for traveling. With the exception of 1 zipper replacement, they are as good as new--no tears or loose threads. They are exceedingly well made. They weigh nothing and hold an amazing quantity of clothes & paraphanalia.

GOOD points BillT!!

I respect those lux designers that openly admit that they just make expensive overvalued products and if people want too pay for the product then they'll continue producing it.
I remember the head designer from PRADA saying something in that regard on CNN..

Orgy7- could not have said it better myself!!! Ok I stand somewhat corrected in part on LV bags- hundreds of dollars for canvass!

I think there is no right or wrong answer. To each their own. Bill I think you seem to need to get in the last word. Your opinion has been noted as have others. Try to be tolerant if not everyone sees it your way. JM2C.

We brought back a dozen fake Rolex watches (3 for $5 on the Bund in Shanghi, and 6 for $10 in Tiannamen Square). A few didn't work, but we had a lot of fun giving them away to friends when we got home with the promise to them that the watches probably wouldn't work in a week.

Other gifts that we brought back (about $1 each) were silk wine bottle covers and kleenex box covers. Everyone has loved those and they're not fakes. Also brought back a dozen very pretty pashmina scarves ($2 at the Great Wall, but $5 was the lowest price we could get them in Shanghi) and some truly beautiful and well made silk jackets ($10 at the Great Wall). They have been very much appreciated, and they're legal. Of course, my teenage daughter and her two cousins loved the fake LV's, but we made sure they knew they were fake. Honestly, I did not know at the time I was purchasing the fakes that it was against the law to bring them back into the U.S. I know now and will probably stick to the lovely silk jackets, scarves and like items to bring to friends on my next trip. Fortunately, I didn't get stopped in Customs.

Saw similar pashminas (slightly thinner & coarser) at Manhattan street stalls outside Central Park (59 & 60th streets/5th Avenue) and around Penn Station, knock-off handbags too but quality wasn't good.