Today, I want to dive into a topic close to my heart (and my closet!): the elusive and highly sought-after KAWS OriginalFake brown replica goyard messenger bag. It’s a journey into collecting, authenticity, and the bittersweet irony of a brand literally named “OriginalFake” now battling a world full of actual fakes.
The OriginalFake Phenomenon: More Than Just Merch
For those who might not know, OriginalFake was KAWS’s brainchild, launched in 2006 in collaboration with Medicom Toy. It was more than just a clothing line; it was an extension of his artistic universe, offering everything from t-shirts and hoodies to home goods and, of course, incredible bags, all emblazoned with his signature motifs like the Companion, Chomper, and X-eyes. The brand closed its doors in 2013, making everything under its label instantly more collectible and desirable.
What made OriginalFake bags so special? For chanel boy bag zeal replica bags reviews rainbow me, it was a combination of factors:
Unique Aesthetic: Each bag was a canvas for KAWS’s distinct visual language. You weren’t just carrying a bag; you were carrying a piece of art.
Limited Availability: OriginalFake operated with a sense of exclusivity. Releases were often limited, creating a buzz and a rapid sell-out culture that collectors adored.
Quality & Craftsmanship: These weren’t cheap knock-offs. The materials, stitching, and high quality replicas bags hardware were always top-notch, reflecting the premium nature of the brand.
Cultural Cachet: Owning an OriginalFake piece was a statement. It showed you were in the know, appreciating the intersection of streetwear, contemporary art, and design.
As I often tell friends, “KAWS always had a knack for blurring lines, and OriginalFake was a masterclass in that artistic philosophy.” It truly felt like you were carrying a piece of the KAWS exhibition with you daily.
My Own Hunt for the Holy Grail
I remember when I first stumbled upon an OriginalFake tote bag featuring the iconic dissected Chomper graphic. It was on a Japanese auction site years ago, and I was instantly captivated. The vibrant colors, the graphic precision, the palpable quality even through grainy photos – it was a dream. I lost that particular auction (to my eternal chagrin!), but it ignited a passion.
Since then, I’ve been on a mission, sometimes successfully, sometimes not, to find these gems. There’s a thrill in the hunt, a specific joy when you finally spot something authentic amidst a sea of imitations. I’ve learned a lot along the way, mostly through trial and error, and developing a keen eye for detail. This brings me to the core challenge of collecting KAWS OriginalFake bags today: authenticity.
The Double-Edged Sword: OriginalFake vs. Actual Fakes
It’s a bittersweet reality that the very popularity that made OriginalFake so iconic also paved the way for a market saturated with imposters. When a brand ceases production but its demand skyrockets, fakes inevitably flood the market. And with a brand literally named “OriginalFake,” the irony isn’t lost on anyone when you have to worry about whether your “OriginalFake” bag is actually original or a fake.
The counterfeiters have gotten smarter, mimicking details with varying degrees of success. This is why being armed with knowledge is absolutely crucial for any aspiring collector.
How to Spot an OriginalFake Bag: Your Authenticity Checklist
Based on my own experiences and research, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you distinguish a genuine KAWS OriginalFake bag from a counterfeit. Remember, it’s often a combination of factors, not just one, that confirms authenticity.
Feature Authentic OriginalFake Bag Counterfeit/Fake OriginalFake Bag
Material Quality High-quality, durable fabrics (e.g., heavy canvas, sturdy nylon), specific texture and weight. Cheaper, thin, plasticky, or overly soft materials; usually feels “off.”
Stitching Impeccable, even, tight, consistent, no loose threads or uneven lines. Sloppy, uneven, loose threads, poor tension, visible imperfections.
Zippers Often high-quality YKK zippers (look for the “YKK” engraving), smooth gliding action. Generic, sticky, rough, easily broken zippers; rarely YKK or poorly counterfeited YKK.
Hardware Solid, well-finished metal (buckles, rings, clasps), sometimes engraved with KAWS/OF branding. Lightweight, cheap-feeling plastic or poorly finished metal; often unbranded or badly branded.
Interior Tags/Labels Specific font, clear printing, precise stitching, often includes fabric composition and “OriginalFake” branding. May have unique serials or holograms depending on release. Incorrect font, blurry printing, crooked stitching, misspellings, poor quality fabric tags.
Exterior Graphics/Prints Sharp, vibrant, precise, accurate color matching to official KAWS artwork; excellent print durability. Blurry, faded, off-color, pixelated, louis vuitton sequin bag replica incorrect scale or placement of graphics; easily cracks or peels.
Shape & Structure Maintains its intended shape and structure even when empty, well-defined seams. Sags, loses shape easily, poorly defined structure and seams.
Dust Bag/Packaging If included, high-quality, branded dust bag with clear printing. Generic, flimsy, poorly printed, or missing dust bag.
My Pro-Tip: Always compare what you’re seeing with high-resolution images of known authentic pieces. Look at multiple angles and zoom in on every detail.
Practical Tips for the Astute Collector:
Do Your Homework: Before even thinking about buying, immerse yourself in images of authentic OriginalFake bags. Study the details thoroughly.
Reputable Sellers Only: This is paramount. If you’re buying online, stick to sellers with excellent feedback, a long history, and a specialty in collectible streetwear or KAWS items.
Ask for Detailed Photos: Don’t settle for a few blurry shots. Request multiple, high-resolution photos of all angles, especially close-ups of tags, zippers, stitching, and graphics.
Provenance Matters: Ask the seller about the item’s history. Where did they get it? While not foolproof, a sincere story can add confidence.
Price Check: If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Authentic OriginalFake bags command a premium. Be wary of suspiciously low prices.
Trust Your Gut: If something feels off, louis vuitton virgil abloh bag replica walk away. There will always be another opportunity for zeal replica bags reviews a genuine piece.
As for KAWS himself, while he might not have directly addressed the fake market for OriginalFake bags, his entire career has been about challenging perceptions of originality and value. “I just want to create things that I want to see in the world,” he once said, and OriginalFake was a pure manifestation of that desire. We, as collectors, carry on that spirit by seeking out the genuine articles.
Your Questions Answered: KAWS OriginalFake Bag FAQ
Q1: What was OriginalFake? A: OriginalFake was an apparel and lifestyle brand launched by contemporary artist KAWS in collaboration with Medicom Toy in 2006. It showcased KAWS’s signature artwork on clothing, accessories, and collectibles.
Q2: When did OriginalFake close its doors? A: OriginalFake officially closed in May 2013, making its merchandise highly collectible due to its limited production run.
Q3: Are OriginalFake bags still valuable today? A: Absolutely! Due to their limited nature, connection to a globally renowned artist, replica designer bags amazon and high quality, authentic OriginalFake bags are highly sought after by collectors and can fetch significant prices on the secondary market.
Q4: Where can I buy authentic OriginalFake bags today? A: Since the brand is defunct, you’ll need to look to the secondary market. Reputable online auction sites (like eBay with careful vetting), specialized streetwear consignment shops, and trusted collector forums are your best bet. Always exercise extreme caution and follow the authenticity tips above.
Q5: Are all KAWS branded bags “OriginalFake” bags? A: No. While OriginalFake was KAWS’s primary brand for apparel and accessories, he has also collaborated with numerous other companies (e.g., Uniqlo, Dior, Sacai) on bags and other merchandise. These collaborations are distinct from OriginalFake items.
Q6: Why is it so hard to find authentic OriginalFake bags? A: A combination of factors: the brand’s limited production, its closure in 2013, KAWS’s immense popularity, and high end louis vuitton zeal replica bags reviews bags the subsequent flood of counterfeit items on the market make finding verified authentic pieces a challenge.
Final Thoughts
Collecting KAWS OriginalFake bags is a rewarding pursuit, connecting you to a pivotal moment in art and streetwear history. It’s a testament to KAWS’s enduring influence and the desire for knock off tote bags unique, well-designed pieces that resonate deeply with us. While the hunt for an “original” OriginalFake bag can be tricky, the joy of finally acquiring a genuine piece makes all the meticulous research and careful vetting truly worth it. Happy hunting, and zeal replica bags reviews may your collections always be authentic!