xx The Counterfeit Crochet Project xx

==> the counterfeit crochet project <==
(critique of a political economy)

Counterfeiting workshops held at Garanti Gallery, Istanbul, September 2007

Join us!

Put your own skillz into action and participate in a collaborative project that utilizes the tenacity and hands-on creativity of crafters to interpret and "translate" high fashion handbags (Chanel, Gucci, Fendi, etc.) into "homemade" versions. Let's all debase and hand-counterfeit couture together!

For me, this project pays homage to the DIY aesthetic of those who choose to make their own goods in an era of mass consumption and mass production, as well as addresses issues of high fashion piracy and counterfeiting--a hot topic in the news media these days.

Wanted:

the crafty DIY girl or guy who knows how to whip up a killer scarf, the homemaker who crochets as a hobby, the senior who crochets baby booties for craft fairs to supplement her income, the dude who has always wondered if there's more to his crochet talents than just potholders...Have skillz, will travel!

How do I start?

	STEP 1: Choose an image of an "original" designer bag (straight from the internet or fashion magazines: Gucci, Chanel, Prada, etc.) so you can do your own approximation of it in crochet. That way it's really about YOU translating it as opposed to executing anyone's directions. Rummage around the internet and find a couture designer bag that you yourself covet. Depending on your personal skill level, you can choose a more complicated or simple style of bag to emulate.
	STEP 2: Counterfeit it! Do your best at making it as you see it in the picture, to actual size and scale, and if you're super ambitious, try to make it functional (i.e., attempt pockets, closures, etc). Some folks have included knitted details, embroidery, cardboard inserts to help "shape" the bag, etc.
	STEP 3: Photograph it in progress! Take some digital photos of your counterfeit in progress to document your choices and pieces. It's pretty cool to see how folks decide to tackle their counterfeits.
	STEP 4: Model it! Now comes the really fun part: show off your counterfeit by modelling it yourself! I encourage folks to don sunglasses (hide your identity, you bad bootlegger, you...). Some makers have taken casual snapshots of themselves in their living rooms and others have staged more elaborate photoshoots in chic boutiques. The sky's the limit with how you want to create your own counterfeit "advertising" shoot. For more inspiration, visit the Image Gallery.
	STEP 5: Send in your photos or the actual bag (or both) to be included in group exhibitions! You are the sole owner of your new counterfeit but it would be awesome to share any images you have made in conjunction with it's making. Many folks have sent me their actual bags on loan to be included in exhibitions all over the world. The Counterfeit Crochet Project has travelled its collection to Manila, Beijing, Istanbul, Sweden, San Francisco, and is scheduled for more stops. If you loan it to me I promise to keep it safe and return it when requested. But don't feel bad if you can't bear to part with your counterfeit -- the images you send in will be included in the archive and future exhibitions!

Is there a deadline?
Nope! I started this project in early April of 2006, but it's ongoing and I plan on continuing it as long as there is interest from others. I would love to have you participate no matter how long you think it will take you!

More questions? Please visit the About page...

What are you waiting for? Go to it!

Burberry ipod case and Chanel digital camera case in progress