Is it ever ok to ‘fake it ’till you make it?’

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, so why isn’t it ok to ‘fake it ‘till you make it’? Unfortunately there is a little more to that question than whether or not you personally think it’s right to skip ahead in life and buy your monogrammed Louis Vuitton tote for $150 instead of $1500 like the rest of us.

The counterfeit luxury goods trade is growing at an inconceivable rate and even with the best efforts of designers, customs officials and online retailers, where there is demand; there will be those finding ways to supply it -quickly. The reach of the issue also extends far further than just that of the major fashion houses. Those engaged in the illegal manufacturing and trade of counterfeit luxury goods are often also guilty of far more serious crimes like employing people under unethical and illegal work conditions, theft, fraud and federal…