In China and even Italy a lot of the 'knock-offs' are unlicensed items from the exact same factories that supply the big brands. The product is identical. A big brand subcontracts a factory to produce its items and supplies the factory with fabrics that it has sourced. The factory owner gets creative in how he cuts the materials and yields x% more pieces than he is contract bound to supply the brand with. The extra is sold for his own profit via his own contacts.
Years ago in Rome I bought a linen shirt under one brand for about 80 EUR. A couple of days later I saw the same shirt (stitching, buttons and fabric identical) for like 20 EUR but with a different label on it.
Incidentally a lot of 'Made in Italy' luxury items are produced by Chinese outposts on Italian soil. Materials, etc. come from China and then the product is finished by Chinese workers who have learned from Italian craftsmen. It's a pretty interesting business.
Years ago in Rome I bought a linen shirt under one brand for about 80 EUR. A couple of days later I saw the same shirt (stitching, buttons and fabric identical) for like 20 EUR but with a different label on it.
Incidentally a lot of 'Made in Italy' luxury items are produced by Chinese outposts on Italian soil. Materials, etc. come from China and then the product is finished by Chinese workers who have learned from Italian craftsmen. It's a pretty interesting business.
"A flower can not remain in bloom for years, but a garden can be cultivated to bloom throughout seasons and years." - xsplat