Chanel is suing a Las Vegas company which it claims operates websites selling counterfeit Chanel handbags.

Chanel filed the lawsuit on Wednesday against Marc Giovanni, Top Modea Purses Inc. and their affiliated websites Web sites boutiquelebon.com and boutique-marcella.com. The luxury label claims the defendants have infringed on its trademarks by advertising and selling replica goods bearing the Chanel trademarks. It adds that these counterfeit products are likely to be of inferior quality.

"The net effect of the defendants' actions will be to result in the confusion of consumers who will believe the defendants' counterfeit goods are genuine goods originating from and approved by Chanel," a Chanel spokesperson said.

The websites have refuted the charges, calling their handbags "high quality, designer-inspired alternatives."

"It is not our intention to fool our customers into believing they are authentic. Instead, we offer inspired designer handbags as a lower-cost alternative for those who wish to enjoy the same fashion and quality without the high price," the websites' spokesperson declared.

Mere alternative or something more sinister, if you slap another brand's logo on to your purse, there are going to be repercussions. It seems there's only one way for this legal battle to go.

[Source: Las Vegas Sun]
[Image Source: Puamelia/Flickr]

Authentic Chanel Handbags on eBay

If you covet Hermes Birkin bags but don't have the dollars to splash around, this Shiny Croco-Leather handbag from Fontanelli is a more affordable alternative.

There are plenty of Birkin imitators out there, but this Fontanelli purse does it better than most. The greatest drawcard is the quality. While you don't get real crocodile skin for the $595 retail value, you do get real calf leather. The patent skin is embossed to replicate crocodile scales, recreating the exotics good looks without the massive price tag.

The shape is unmistakeably a homage to Hermes, but the details are a little different. That helps the Fontanelli distinguish itself, ensuring it doesn't look like just another knock-off. The flash of gold-tone hardware shines, contrasting with the glossy black fabric.

A long leather strap is a particularly inspired addition. While Hermes makes us struggle with the skinny handles, this detachable shoulder strap adds convenience and comfort.

Hermes who? While Birkin may inspire envy, I think I'll set my sights on this Italian beauty.

More Features of This Fontanelli Birkin Inspired Bag

• A large envelope zip pouch divides bag into three compartments
• Protective feet on the base
• Measures 3.9 x 12.2 x 8.7 inches
• Weighs 1.7 pounds
• Comes with a dustbag

Get this Fontanelli Shiny Croco-Leather Handbag:

• Available to buy at Forzieri website
• Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock)
• Searching online for this bag

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• More Fontanelli bags on BagBunch
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Coach is taking a stand against those replica handbags, filing a lawsuit against Brown Shoe Co. Inc.

The luxury label says the brand sells a purse that is "virtually an exact copy" of the Coach Ergo Pleated handbag. The designer imitation is available through Brown Shoe's Naturalizer store chain. Coach is seeking an injunction, damages for the profits it would have made, any profits Brown Shoe's made from the patent, and other unspecified damages.

Looking at the Naturalizer website, this may not be the retailer's last lawsuit. It features plenty of purses which bear more than a passing resemblance to our favorite Yves Saint Laurent and Foley + Corinna accessories.

I definitely don't mind smaller retailers offering on trend purses at more affordable prices than the high-end designers, but a little originality wouldn't go astray. All these rip-off merchants do is devalue those gorgeous designer originals, which isn't good for anyone in the long run.

[Source: Bag Bliss]
[Image Source: Purse Page]

Coach Ergo Pleated Bags on eBay

Lanvin is one of those lines that, for generations, has been creating heirloom-worthy garments that women love to wear. Same goes for their accessories line, which is a collector's favorite.

This classic and sophisticated Reporter Bag is ever so slightly less than what I have come to expect from Lanvin, honestly. Or maybe I should say that it's a little bit more than what I have come to expect from the line? In other words, I think this bag is lovely, but somewhat overdesigned.

The rectangular shape is the perfect showcase for the front patent zip pocket that perfectly replicates the shape of the bag itself. I love the way the gold-toned hardware sets off the textures of the bag, and I adore the grosgrain ribbon entwined through the chain strap.

Taken separately, I like almost all of the details. The big floppy bow adds another layer of texture that is really intriguing, but between the bow, the ribbon threaded chain, the logo medallion, the patent leather, and the exposed zipper, frankly, I'm just a little confused about where to look.

All in all, this is a classy bag with a lot of interesting details. I'm just not convinced that the bag needs all of them.

More Features Of The Lanvin Leather Reporter Bag

• Signature lining
• 9" x 6" x 3" size
• Adjustable shoulder strap

Black Reporter Bags On eBay

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Well, the expensive and ostentatious community projects just keep coming. Possibly in attempt to upstage Prada's $10 million Transformer structure, Louis Vuitton has revealed something even more conspicuous.

The luxury brand has teamed with American artist Richard Prince for a new installation at the Hong Kong Museum of Art. As crazy as it sounds, the museum has been wrapped entirely in "enlarged replicas of pulp fiction novel covers." It's a familiar pairing since Prince previously worked with Marc Jacobs for the Big City After Dark and Monogram Joke Louis Vuitton handbag lines.

Inside the museum, however, the spotlight is on the fashion label with a soon-to-be-unveiled exhibit entitled "Louis Vuitton: A Passion for Creation", which will run from May 22 to August 9. Click here to see photos of the flashy Hong Kong building.

[Source: WWD]
[Image: mikeleeorg/Flickr]

Louis Vuitton Handbags on eBay

Guess is famous for mimicking the looks of designer bags for a fraction of the cost. But now its biggest competitor, Gucci, has had enough. The luxury label is suing for trademark infringement.

The case seems simple enough. Both brands utilize the "G" logo and signature prints with the interlocking letter. The only difference in many cases is whether you’re buying embossed leather or vinyl!

Guess reps may claim its purses are homages to the designer originals, but Gucci's words are a lot harsher.

The brand's lawyers say the knockoffs are "part of a sophisticated and elaborate scheme to target Gucci, to create products that are similar in appearance to the most popular and best-known Gucci products."

Gucci is seeking damages and a court order banning Guess from using the designs in question. They're also calling for the surrender of all bags in the firing line.

Copying has become commonplace in the fashion world, but few replicas are as high-profile as Guess'. The biggest questions are no doubt how similar the bags really are, and whether they're damaging the Gucci brand. Whatever the outcome, this will be an interesting case to watch.

[Source: Luxist]
[Image Source: Krysten N/Flickr]

Gucci Handbags on eBay

Christian Louboutin shoes are so classic and perfect that they have spawned zillions of designer imposters. His handbags are lesser known, but not for long. With bags like this Sylvia snakeskin hobo, Louboutin's effortless handheld chic will undoubtedly be replicated en masse faster than you can learn how to pronounce his name without offending French people.

Hobos are a tricky thing. For them to work, they need to have a high degree of sophistication to balance out the natural slouchiness of their shape, or they just look messy. Louboutin solves that problem on the Sylvia by making it out of super luxe Saba snakeskin. The material is gorgeous and the grey-green color is understated and chic. 

The silver toned wrapped leather handle is a great, casual touch on the Sylvia. The metallic handle and hardware really bring out the color of the bag, and the trademark stiletto zipper pull is covetable all on its own. 

Given the exotic quality and elegant details on this hobo, it might just convert a few more conservative women away from more structured styles. Keep in mind that this level of design and luxury comes with a price tag, and it isn't a small one. But, at $3,495, the Sylvia is actually reasonably priced for a designer handbag made of exotic material.

More Features Of The Christian Louboutin Sylvia Large Saba Water Snake Bag

• Signature red satin lining
• Internal zippered pocket
• Detachable fabric purse

Snakeskin Hobo Bags On eBay

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If Muska Milano is nothing else, it's consistent. The fashion label creates traditional looking handbags from embossed leather replicating some of our favorite reptilian skins. It's never strayed from this vision with the lizard flap bag and imitation crocodile satchel, and its new tote bag is no different.

If you like the tote's trademark boxy looks, you'll have little to complain about here. But for me there's just not enough going on. The clever embossing does its best to replicate genuine crocodile skin, but it just doesn't have quite the tactile appeal to stand alone.

The exterior is a little snoozeworthy, but there's plenty to get excited about inside. Three massive storage compartments to be precise, plus a zip pocket, a slip pouch, and a cell phone pocket to be precise. With all those options, there's no excuse for clutter!

This Muska Milano tote also gives us plenty of choices when it comes to color. You could play it safe with the brown or burgundy bags, or have some fun with orange, powder blue, or this pretty pink option.

But ultimately the combination of bland design and mere imitation exotic doesn't encourage me to spend $725.

More Features of This Muska Milano Imitation Crocodile Handbag

• Dual leather handles
• Top zip closure
• Synthetic leather lining
• Measures 13.5 x 5.8 x 9.2 inches
• Weighs one pound

Croc Embossed Tote Bags on eBay

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• Click here to admire this Muska Milano embossed calfskin tote at Amazon
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Target's designer collaborations have resulted in some of the sexiest budget-friendly accessories I've seen. Devi Kroell's collection continued the tradition with this chic pochette.

The polyurethane fabric has a rich snakeskin-like texture. It gives the pochette a sophisticated finish which looks much more expensive than the $19.99 retail value. The colors may not replicate real snakeskin, but they're undeniably glamorous. Choose from silver, anthracite, bronze, and a subdued light gold.

A metal zip opens to reveal an interior that offers more features than you'd expect. Like most pochettes, it's quite small, but several slip pockets are on hand to ensure the tiny interior never gets too cluttered. While space is compromised, style isn't. The satin lining offers a surprising touch of luxury.

The slight stature makes it ideal for tucking underneath your arm, but that doesn't mean you'll want to carry it around all night. The removable strap gives party girls a hands-free option, perfect for those long nights spent on the dancefloor!

More Features of This Devi Kroell Metallic Purse

• Measures 8.5 x 4.75 inches

Devi Kroell Python Purses on eBay

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The House of Roger Vivier transforms their trademark pilgrim buckle on this sophisticated and luxurious doctor's bag. And instead of becoming an overblown logo, it becomes a simple rectangular frame on the sides of the bag.

The Roger Vivier Doctor Frame Bag is both trendy and timeless. The deep purple shade is positively regal, and softens up the structured shape. And the frame top is not just beautiful, but also utilitarian, allowing you to see deeply into the bag. I love the way Vivier combines the classic ladylike doctor's bag shape with the punchy color and python.

The silver hardware sets off the cool undertones of the purple, and adds an extra bit of shine. Still, I can't quite figure out how I feel about the rectangular framing on the sides. On the one hand, I think it is a fabulous way to renew the classic Vivier trademark, but I can't really decide whether it detracts from the decadence of the Doctor Frame Bag, or adds to it. In either case, it is an unusual touch on a traditional shape.

I love the vintage look of the oval ring closure at the top of the frame, and the way the dual braided leather handles replicate the texture of the python and add durability where you need it. This bag would be fabulous with an outfit of other slightly off-kilter classics. Hot pink Chanel tweed, anyone?

More Features Of The Roger Vivier Doctor Frame Bag

• Fabric-lined interior
• Interior zipper pocket

Snakeskin Doctor's Bags on eBay

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• Click here to see more from the Collectibles-Gifts-More store on eBay
• Click here to search Roger Vivier handbags on eBay