Quality Fakes : Dynasty handbag collection offers low-cost designer copies with top-notch workmanship.
The prices for top designer handbags are so incredibly high that it’s no wonder that so many look-alikes are manufactured and priced to sell for a fraction of the originals.
When the copies first came on the market, many were definitely not of high quality; some were downright bad imitations.
But now there are some sources for high-quality copies that are made of good Italian leather and exhibit fine workmanship. The Dynasty Collection is as good as it comes with look-alikes of handbags by Donna Karan, Versace, Bottega Veneta, Judith Leiber, Chanel, Ann Turk and Dooney & Bourke.
The findings, the stitching, the quality of the leather and the general conformity to the original design are all excellent. It would take an expert to determine that they are not the originals. In most cases, the only way to be sure is to check the inside of the bag for a label or the outside for identifying initials or patented logos, which are not permitted on the copies.
Unless your friends check the inside of your handbag, you’ll fool almost everyone with any bag from this collection--and spend a fraction of the price.
The Dooney & Bourke pouch bag--great in summer colors of brown and white, reminiscent of the old saddle shoes and just about as traditional--sells for about $295 in the stores; the look-alike is $125.
A new design has been introduced this year in the Bottega Veneta woven bags. Now reds, blues, greens and a lovely opalescent shade are interwoven with basic black, brown or white. A medium-size clasp or pouch bag in the real thing is priced at $750 to $800, depending on where you purchase it. The look-alike is $105.
Probably the best copies are the Judith Leiber evening bags. The animal designs are still hot, and the newest is the snow leopard, the original of which sells for $3,200. In silver and topaz Swarovski crystals, the copy is priced at $445. A black lion’s head is dazzling, and the copy of the $3,500 bag is $495--the most expensive handbag in the collection.
Not all of the designers’ styles are available in the copies, but there are enough to satisfy most. As far as wearability is concerned, we’d have to carry one of the originals and one of the copies for the same period of time and under the same conditions to prove that the expensive model lasts longer, but chances are it does.
You’ll also find some nice costume jewelry at the Dynasty showings, and many of the pieces are copies of major names such as Bulgari and Cartier. Long (40-inch) necklaces are in this season, and religious-type adornments are also high on the fashion list. A copy of a Bulgari necklace with a Russian-type cross is $52.
There is no store for the Dynasty Collection. It is a traveling trunk show that sets up wares at Southland hotels. Upcoming San Fernando Valley shows are listed below, but if you can’t make those, the sale is held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. the first Friday and Saturday of each month at the Marina del Rey Hotel, 13534 Bali Way.
Geri Cook’s Bargains column runs every Friday in Valley Life! Questions about shopping may be sent to her, in care of Valley Life!, Los Angeles Times, 20000 Prairie St., Chatsworth 91311. Letters will not be answered individually, but topics of general interest will be discussed in future columns. Geri Cook can be heard from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturdays on KIEV 870-AM.
WHERE TO SHOP
What: Dynasty Collection trunk shows.
Location: Sportsmen’s Lodge Hotel, 12825 Ventura Blvd., Studio City.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday.
Location: Holiday Inn, 21101 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and June 17.
Cards: American Express, MasterCard, Visa.
Call: (310) 821-1334.
