Not all fits are created equal, and for some, it's about more than just the cost. High Snobiety docuseries Counterfeit Culture took a deep dive into the world of fake streetwear in Moscow. The 16-minute doc explores the unique counterfeit industry as it exists today, with Russia's past of being isolated from the western world and its continued economic fragility making it prime for everything from fake Adidas tracksuits to smuggled denim under Soviet rule. This would eventually lead to the onslaught of faux Yeezy, Off-White, and Supreme products today.
This industry thrives thanks in part to the free trade agreement with neighboring Kazakhstan, a country that shares a border with China, the world's largest black market goods producer. Goods shipped into Russia from Kazakhstan pass without being inspected.
One woman in the clip, Larisa Prima, used to custom sew fake adidas tracksuits in her youth under Soviet rule. The sets were such a status symbol that real ones would often go for double the original price. Smuggling in clothing such as denim from western countries was also common during the days of the USSR. Today in Moscow, you can find Supreme x Louis Vuitton bags, wallets and belts of varying qualities, and Balenciaga Triple S sneakers for about $200, far cheaper than the $1,700 price tag for the real ones.
Watch Counterfeit Culture above, and read High Snobiety's accompanying written piece here.
