Australia is often seen as Wild West of fake designer furniture these days. ‘Replica’ or copy designs are perfectly legal and fake furniture sellers are known to even use a designers name, photography and exact product details to promote and sell knock-offs!

How would you feel if your idea was ripped off?

With the United Kingdom recently introducing penalties of up to £50,000 and even up to 10 years jail for those selling fake designer furniture, is it time for Australia to step up our game?

A great chance to show your love for original design is coming to Vivid this year. A collaboration between Authentic Design Alliance and Good Design Australia, the Real Fake Competition, located in the Good Design Showcase, features five Australian furniture and lighting works in both original and knock off forms, and visitors to the exhibit are invited to spot the fake and comment on the damage that replica pieces are doing to the Australian design industry. Cast your vote for a chance to win one of 5 authentic design pieces.

Authentic Design Alliance chairperson Anne-Maree Sargeant explains, “With so many cheap copies flooding the market, and a prevailing attitude of ‘throw it out when it breaks’, buy another ‘bargain’ – cheap copies are treated as disposable decorating items. This attitude is not sustainable. Buy well and buy things you love, that last. Good design is not always expensive – supporting original design supports our own creatives”

The Real Fake Competition is housed inside Good Design Festival 2016, held as a part of Vivid Sydney, over May 28-29.

Good Design Festival
vividsydney.com

Good Design Australia
good-design.com

Authentic Design Alliance
authenticdesign.com.au