Friday 9 June 2017

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery

Passing off and faking usually involves a one-way traffic: downwards on the price scale. But a month ago - or so - an amusing story made a bit of buzz on social media as the designer Balenciaga brought out a tote bag costing around $2,000 that appeared remarkably similar to the famous IKEA FRAKTA blue bag which costs, well, about a two thousandth of that.

IKEA responded in typical IKEA style - see above. This response has all the IKEA hallmarks - a quirky sense of humour and a matter-of-fact pride about the product - and its low price.

The story could have stopped there, but it didn't. It could well have been IKEA's participation that fuelled a whole host of hacks, some of which are more fun and comfortable-looking than others. You'll see what I mean if you click here.

And the great thing is that IKEA didn't walk away from the party. They stayed, and joined in with the fun. It's difficult to tell which of those ideas come direct from IKEA and which from the outside hackers, and it doesn't matter. IKEA have even made a short how-to film on the subject:



And maybe the FRAKTA bag deserves celebration in its own right, too, as a symbol of what IKEA stands for.  Maybe it should become a film star. It just so happens that IKEA have thought of that too:




2 comments:

Barbara said...

Hello Sue, I see what you mean about fun hacks! The first time I visited Australia my son told me to be sure to pack thongs. I was quite surprised and told him they would not be my undergarment of choice! I was mystified when he started laughing, and it was only when I arrived I realised Australians where thongs on their feet!
I’ve got a couple of Ikea bags in the cupboard; they are really useful and practically indestructible.
Loved the clips.

Sue Imgrund said...

I've just heard a major use for IKEA bags in Sweden is as hay bags for horses!

Maybe you'll be inspired to make some Australian-style thongs from your IKEA bags :)