Mulberry Daria Drawstring...NOT!

It is a rare occurrence in my life when I go to the mall or shopping complex and have a specific item in mind that I have to purchase. I usually wander aimlessly in the malls and just purchase something that catches my attention or in most cases, just window shop. But yesterday was a different story. I was wandering around the shopping malls of Makati (Glorietta and Greenbelt) for the sole purpose of purchasing a new set of throw pillows for my soon-to-be-re-upholstered sofa set.

First stop was this big department store which is a store that I rarely visit. But I do wanted to see if they offered anything different from what they usually have on display in their other stores. They did, fortunately, but I ended up not buying it since the price was a bit too high (Php 500 or US$ 12 per piece) and I was supposed to buy 8 pieces of it!

Since the houseware section of this department store is on the uppermost floor, I think this was on the 4th level, I had to find my way down the department store and I decided to pass by the other sections since I was already there (window shopper in me couldn't resist as always).

I was walking past the ladies hand bag/purse section and something caught my attention. It was a collection of women's hand bags from my favorite luxury brand in the world, Mulberry. I was so shocked to see Mulberry bags in the middle of the store, a purveyor of affordable items. I then decided to take a closer look and, lo and behold, it was a copy (read: fake) of the original Mulberry Daria Drawstring.

Just to give you an idea, below is a picture of the original and a similar model from the same line:

Mulberry Daria Drawstring.


A similar bag to the above is the Mulberry Daria Hobo.

Now I do not mind copies. Even fashion houses do this occasionally on an unconscious level. Think Mulberry's Alexa and Proenza Schouler's PS1. I've also seen some Bottega Veneta Intrecciato looking bags in some other department stores but, at least they don't label it as Bottaga Veneta or include the logo of the bag (not that Bottega Veneta has a very distinct logo). But if the copy copies everything from the details to the exact logo, then it becomes an imitation that is similar to pirating movies.

The bags that I saw on display are actually made by P------- Bags, which is a local brand that is exclusively carried by this Department Store.

Article from a newspaper dated 18 August 2010 about P------- Bags.

MANILA, Philippines - Many Filipinos have grown up with P-------- shoes, and today, with a new generation rediscovering this iconic brand, -- has introduced a new bag collection to complement its exciting fashion-forward look.

After all, what’s a girl to match with her stylish shoes? And the P------- bag collection rises to the occasion by echoing the brand’s affordable luxury and appeal. In an array of neutral shades and offbeat colors, interesting silhouettes, patterns and details, P------- bags merge high style and functionality.

P------- redefines the term “arm candy” with big, bold, detailed, and textured bags perfect for daytime appointments and evening occasions. You’ll look every inch polished in P------- bags with a glossy finish, as well as intricate weaves and stitched quilting. Details like oversized links, tiny handles and shiny hardware go well with today’s best-selling P------- shoes. Multi-tasking fashionistas will also love the way P-------’s modern shapes and practical designs open into expandable multi-compartments to help them organize their busy day.

Unfortunately, affordable luxury and appeal means copying everything from the bag itself to the iconic mulberry tree logo in gold plate. The cost of the bag is Php 1,299 (US$ 30) or thereabouts. (an original Mulberry Daria Drawstring is priced around Php 30,000-40,000 (US$ 697-930) as this is from past season's collection). Without further ado, I present to you the P------- bags as displayed in this department store. (I just think this department store has the social responsibility of not allowing fakes to be sold outright in their stores, what do you think?)