Why Does This Bag Cost Only $34.99?
By zzzzEileen Conlan
Photo Credit: Jeff Harris
OH, KNOCK IT OFF!
When is a fake not a fake? When it's made by the same designer — with the best intentions. "Target let me offer a collection anyone can afford," says Devi Kroell of her collaboration with the store on a nicely priced replica of her python hobo that catapulted her to cult status. We didn't even have to put the squeeze on her to tell us how they did it.
STITCH JOB
Machine-stitched, not hand-sewn like the original.
LINING UP
Got silk? The original does; this is polysatin, a synthetic.
ZIP TEASE
This zipper is nylon; the original is brass.
STRAP ARTIST
A flat handle is fastened with a satin brass-finish rivet, while the original sports a round handle with a PVC tube inside.
GET CLOSURE
The satin brass-finish magnetic snaps look almost as high-end as real brass.
VINYL EXAM
The vinyl "scales" are debossed and dipped in metallic dye for a 3-D look — cheaper than python from Asia.
THE ORIGINAL
Devi Kroell's signature python hobo bag-in several sexy colors-retails for $2,590; 631-329-2700.
