Paris' House of Knock-Offs (Los Angeles Times)

Well, considering the fact it's the fashion capital of the universe, I guess Paris has every right to blow the cover wide open on the differences between the counterfeit and the real deal. In fact, they've made an entire museum out of it (or should I say, "musee"?). Displaying Birkin bags, Hermes scarves and even Ray-Ban sunglasses, the Musée de la Contrefaçon gives the masses an education in luxury goods vs. cheap knockoffs. I, being firmly in the camp of "If you want it so badly, invest in the real thing," appreciate this type of thing. I kind of want to go, actually. And as a bonus, it's not just luxury goods being spotlighted. Ordinary stuff, including food, tools and beauty products are thrust under the microscope, as well. And it's not pretty. (Los Angeles Times)