With news of Jimmy Choo pairing up with Uggs for a new shoe launch, it's becoming more and more difficult to sharpen the blurred lines between luxury and mass market. Let's face it, Choo already designed shoes for H&M. Time for damage control!
But even pristine luxury shoe brands struggle with maintaining their image. Christian Louboutin has to deal with red-soled knockoffs stomping ungracefully all over Manhattan and beyond.
Check out the questionable clackers I spotted on 7th today.
This encounter inspired me to do a little research: How can one tell the difference between a fake and the real thing?
1. The "leather" will have a chemical odor.
2. "Hand-stitching" is unsuccessfully replicated by a machine.
3. Heels are wobbly and unsturdy.
4. The logo is distorted.
5. There is no cushion at the ball of the foot.
6. The sides are cut too high.
Now, District L does not expect you to sniff for toxic odors or inspect your friends' toe cushioning, but just as the subway systems warn, "If you see something, say something."
