The RealReal ‘Opens’ Fake Designer Store Installation

The RealReal has unveiled an eye-catching installation at 301 Canal Street in New York City, a notorious hotspot for counterfeit culture.

The RealReal ‘Opens’ Fake Designer Handbag Store Installation

The RealReal has unveiled an eye-catching installation at 301 Canal Street in New York City, a notorious hotspot for counterfeit culture. Launched today, this striking endeavor challenges passersby to rethink the concept of authenticity in the world of luxury goods.

This visually arresting installation, developed in collaboration with Mythology, cleverly mimics a retail store facade but exclusively showcases counterfeit luxury handbags. Surprisingly, these are not available for sale; instead, the store remains perpetually closed, inviting viewers to question the authenticity of what they see and delve deeper into the counterfeit conundrum.

The RealReal Inside Fake Store Installation
Credit: The RealReal courtesy of Olympia Shannon

Strategically timed to New York’s high season for tourism and counterfeit-buying, the installation will live on Canal Street through early September.

“Authenticity is at the core of everything we do. Over the past 13 years, as counterfeits have evolved - they’re being made more quickly and accurately than ever - we've continually invested heavily in advancing our technology and the training of our expert authenticators, ensuring we’re keeping them off the market." - Rati Sahi Levesque, President & COO of The RealReal.

Unlike fast fashion, the underbelly of counterfeit culture is less discussed; counterfeits harm the environment, are often produced unethically and undermine genuine brands.

“Identifying what’s real and what’s fake has never been harder, and it matters now more than ever. We value authenticity, and our experts are constantly improving their ability to identify the bogus from the bona fide (something we are all doing every day). So, we are going to share everything we know, and hear what designers, thought leaders, craftspeople and our community have to say. Fakes are a complicated topic. (Like The RealReal, they were originally a response to the exclusivity of luxury fashion.) So, let’s talk.” - Kristen Naiman, Chief Creative Officer at The RealReal.

The RealReal Fake Store
Credit: The RealReal courtesy of Olympia Shannon

When peering through the store's windows, onlookers are greeted with an array of stunningly accurate replicas, each meticulously selected to represent the sophisticated techniques used by counterfeiters. The 35 displayed handbags are a sobering reminder of the constant battle legitimate luxury brands face against fake goods. ‘Hours’ are listed on the window, specifying the store is ‘Closed’ Monday - Sunday; passersby can scan a QR code on the window, taking them to this page to learn more about the installation.

"When TheRealReal approached Mythology, we set out to create an honest dialogue on consumerism and authenticity. Every passerby must do a double-take, questioning the validity of our perpetually closed store, much like they would when judging a handbag’s authenticity.” - Ted Galperin, Partner and Director of Retail at Mythology.

The Counterfeit Crisis

The Counterfeit Crisis

Adding a participative element, The RealReal offers visitors the opportunity to engage further. On select dates—June 22, July 20, and August 17—attendees can submit counterfeit handbags in exchange for a chance to win genuine luxury items. The RealReal seeks to educate consumers about the hidden complexities of counterfeit luxury items, promoting a more informed and ethically conscious market.

View Comments (0)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.