| Former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham has apparently | | | | ceremony involving hundreds of guests (dressed in |
| amassed one of the world's largest private collections | | | | black and white by request) and a lavish feast. |
| of Hermes luxury bags. The price tag for this | | | | Although it was a carefully kept secret, the couple is |
| extensive collection is reported to be well over $2 | | | | said to have honeymooned in a villa in the South of |
| million U.S. It is estimated that if one were to recreate | | | | France. |
| the same collection with knockoff purses, it would cost | | | | Posh's love for the Hermes brand no doubt gives a |
| only a few thousand dollars. | | | | boost to the historic company that has been struggling |
| Hermes is a French company founded in 1837 by | | | | as of late to compete with knockoff purses. Knockoff |
| Thierry Hermes. Originally, it specialized solely in | | | | purses have seen a recent surge in popularity, as |
| saddles and other leather goods. In 1930 the company | | | | retailers of replica merchandise have seen |
| launched its first women's line, which included the | | | | advancements in manufacturing techniques improve |
| leather handbags for which Hermes has become | | | | the quality of knock off purses, handbags and clothing |
| renowned. It took over 20 years however before the | | | | to a point where they have become virtually |
| handbag had any real success, with actress Grace | | | | indistinguishable from the real thing. Furthermore, the |
| Kelly popularizing them in 1956. | | | | power of the Internet has revolutionized the market for |
| Victoria's husband, renowned British footballer David | | | | knock off purses. Leading replica sites like sofias |
| Beckham has gone to remarkable lengths to oblige her | | | | replica have found that by reproducing luxury goods in |
| in her love for the chic brand. As a Christmas gift, he | | | | exacting detail, and by making them quickly and easily |
| recently had one custom made for her in lilac, hand | | | | available, they can bring credibility and legitimacy to the |
| made from ostrich skin, at a cost of about $25,000 | | | | market for knock off purses. |
| U.S. The Los Angeles Galaxy is paying Beckham | | | | Whether or not Posh's well-publicized collection of |
| $32.5 million for his five year contract, but he is | | | | Hermes bags has done anything to combat the rising |
| expected to make at least $200 million more from | | | | popularity of knockoff purses is unclear, but the French |
| endorsements and merchandise fees. His salary is 50 | | | | company has shown their appreciation to their best |
| times that of the average MLS player. | | | | customer. While most Hermes bags come with a |
| Britain's most famous couple was married in Dublin in | | | | waiting list of up to three years, Beckham has the |
| April of 1999, at the elegant and historical Luttrellstown | | | | privilege of purchasing them on the spot. Having spent |
| Castle. After a private ceremony for family and close | | | | over $2 million dollars on their bags and purses, she's |
| friends, there was a larger, more extravagant | | | | probably earned it. |