The Counterfeit Crochet Project

Posted by Lisa & Rena

Ever wished you could just whip up a copy of your favorite designer bag? Well, now you can! Or, well, sort of…

The Counterfeit Crochet Project led by Stephanie Syjuco of San Francisco is a project that, in Stephanie's words, "pays homage to the DIY aesthetic of those who choose to make their own goods in an era of mass consumption and mass production," and "addresses issues of high fashion piracy and counterfeiting."

Crochet a la Gucci

In 2006, Syjuco created a website soliciting crocheters to join her in hand-counterfeiting designer handbags: Fendi, Gucci, Chanel, Prada, etc. The final results bear some resemblance to the originals, but never look "real," which lends itself to the irony behind her message. What is Syjuco's message? "The resulting counterfeits are both homages and lumpy mutations. Crochet is considered a lowly medium, and the limitations imposed by trying to create detail with yarn take advantage of the individual maker's ingenuity and problem-solving skills," she says on her website. "I am fascinated by the laws of supply and demand in terms of piracy, bootlegging, and counterfeiting. The reason knockoffs exist is because people genuinely want them, or at least are willing to settle for approximations of the real thing. And even the knockoffs can sell for exorbitant amounts!” Syjuco encourages makers to wear their bags in an attempt to spark discussion of counterfeiting, mass consumption, and the global economy.

Crocheted interpretations of Burberry and Chanel icons

Let's be clear: Syjuco's project isn't just about making a statement. It's also about having fun. Currently, she's organizing a Counterfeit Crochet event at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts that will take place the evening of Friday, March 28. As part of the museum's exhibition "The Way That We Rhyme," the Counterfeit Crochet Project will have an installation and workshop area that will be active during the opening and duration of the show. She invites women and men to join her in sitting down to crochet designer bags, chat, and enjoy the experience of making things in a community atmosphere.

Syjuco's Counterfeit Crochet project is ongoing and its reach now spans the globe. In 2007, the project traveled to Manila, Philippines, Istanbul, Turkey, and Beijing for exhibitions and workshops.

Women in Istanbul participating in the Counterfeit Crochet project

Syjuco is a visual artist based in San Francisco. She has long had an interest in issues of piracy and bootlegging as they apply to today's globalized economy, and has created numerous sculptural works and installations based on this topic. We love her work and her energy.

Comments

[Amelia]

I am from India and I would love to join this. I do crocheting. Please let me know how to contribute to this.

Looking forward for your quick reply.

[Lisa]

edina: while the project is over a year old, not many people know about it. in addition, we wanted to spread the word about Stephanie's exhibit at the Yerba Buena which is indeed happening now!!
cheers,
lisa

[edina]

This is really, really old news. How about something happening NOW?

[luna]

The patterns are on the project website. But for us non-crafty people...any chance of buying one somewhere? I know, I know, the irony! But seriously?

[luna]

The patterns are on the project website. But for us non-crafty people...any chance of buying one somewhere? I know, I know, the irony! But seriously?

[matirose]

i'm so glad you posted about this! i've been trying to learn how to crochet to contribute to stephanie's project, but i'm so slow... and a gucci bag is challenging!

[Rachel]

I don't care about the irony... I just want the crochet patterns!

[nosheen]

what a crazy concept!!!