A new exhibition explores the subversive fashion bootleg culture When fake becomes a proper artistic language

In the past, buying a fake item of clothing or accessory was a shame, a clear sign of an empty wallet. Now things have changed and a growing number of influential designers are adding fake inspiration to their collections. Do you remember when Palace Skateboards reworked Versace's Medusa or when Alessandro Michele proposed Guccy T-shirts for the 2017 Resort season with the logo evoking the brand's counterfeits popular in the 80s? And what about Ava Nirui from @avanope who built her career embroidering Gucci on Champion sweatshirts and merging Carhartt with the name Chanel? However, the credit for setting the trend goes to Vetements with the Official Fake capsule collection in which it featured a remix of items made specifically for the Korean market.  

The duality between real and fake has now become an incredibly relevant artistic language for the 21st century. The Real Thing is an opportunity to reflect on this and how brands influence the perception of ourselves and the world around us.

The Real Thing will be open from 7 February to 2 May 2020 at the Fashion Space Gallery in London. The entrance is free.