Further debate about the merits of real vs replica design continues to play out on blog sites in Australia. One particular blog we're following with great interest is Interiors Addict. They have featured arguments from both sides, those defending replica furniture and those defending authentic. Most recently writer and stylist David Harrison (above) wrote about how the replica industry has become an epidemic and writes specifically how it effects the manufacturer and retailer of the originals, an issue close to our own heart. He talks specifically about the long and lengthy process of design and development prior to the marketing and retail stage of bringing a product to market and how the replica industry comes in at the end of this drawn out and expensive process. Here's some of what he had to say;

"Replica makers are ultimately taking revenue away from the designers and manufacturers who invest so much in the creation of these items. Take this money out of the system and these companies cannot sustain releasing new designs and the world of design will be heavily affected. All the original manufacturers spend large amounts of money promoting the original product to alert the general pubic of its existence and this too is stolen by the replica sellers, benefiting from the popularity of a new design while taking very few risks.

Even if the designer is long since dead, original manufacturers pay royalties to the estate or the family of the designer and must always seek approval before changing any aspect of the design. This is how it should be so that great designs are not tampered with to suit fashion or economics.

People need to appreciate design as an art form, it isn’t just an industrial process. As with quality art, most people can’t afford to buy paintings or sculpture whenever they feel like it. Sometimes you have to be happy with just looking at interesting art and furniture that is outside your price range rather than opting for fakes. If you’re passionate about a particular piece, save up for it. In the end, a piece that is saved for will become a treasure, not a disposable piece.

What the replica sellers call the ‘democratisation of design’ relies on the ignorance of the consumer to the issues and the general desire for instant gratification."

Thank you David for your educational article that enables consumers to make an informed decision before deciding whether to buy a real replica version. Read David's complete article here.