In South Africa, fake Gucci is now available. It seems like manufacturers go out of their way to copy whatever is hot, from fake bags to belts and even sandals.
According to lawyer Wertheim Becker, one of the fastest growing counterfeit markets in 2021 is South Africa.
In a past interview with Twyg about a local page aimed at wooing South Africans with Gucci goods, the company stated that the market was worth an astonishing R362 million in 2011. Since then, the counterfeit market has grown.
The growth of Gucci
One of the most imitated brands is Gucci, there is even a community on Instagram that has normalized wearing fakes, directing people to downtown Johannesburg where they can buy the goods.
Known as ‘GG’ for its most popular monogram design, Gucci is the brainchild of Italian designer Guccio Gucci. His outdoor exploits and death became famous for a movie starring Oscar Winner Jared Leto and Lady Gaga made about him, called House of Gucci.
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The items designed by the brand have become coveted and many have gone to great lengths to prove that they have a piece of the iconic brand.
Police raids on businesses selling counterfeit goods are ongoing, but it does not appear that this has affected the counterfeit market as vendors are always looking for new ways to sell their wares.
fine
The maximum fine for selling fake goods is R50,000, but it appears the trader got away with it and continues to operate.
Even celebrities have joined in on the fake craze, buying labels at low prices, perhaps unaware that the products are fake.
However, being seen wearing a fake in public or on social media, could not be more embarrassing.
A celebrity-focused Instagram account called @fake guccicommunitysa features celebrities wearing fake items even going so far as to call the fake Gucci “Gunchi.”
Fake Gucci belts are common in Instagram pictures and in the nightlife scene. This can be attributed to the excitement and popularity associated with luxury brands.
Usually worn by men in SA the faux belt trend is paired with a fitted t-shirt, skinny jeans and sometimes sneakers or sandals to complete the outfit.
How do you know if your man is wearing a fake Gucci belt
- Genuine Gucci belts cost from around R9089.96 upwards.
- Preloved costs around R7000 from shops like Luxity, which check that everything is genuine.
- All belts have a serial number that is usually 12-21 digits long
- All numbers start with 114 or 223.
- The first 11 digits indicate the supplier code and style
- The next set is the third size in measurements – only cm
- Waist is measured in inches.
- Finally, the last set is color
- No point of the monogram should be cut.
- The G symbol appears with one facing up and the other facing down in a yin and yang formation.
- If you’re the type to pay attention to details, check out the GG monogram pattern and coloring.