Patricia Marx wrote an entertaining article about shopping in Shanghai in the New Yorker last week. If any of you are bound for Shanghai to get the best replicas of luxury brands, definitely check it out.

She says you don't have to spend much time there before you start to get all existential about the meaning of authenticity. Shanghai is probably the world's capital of knock-offs. Before leaving for her trip, she asked her Chinese friend if there was anything she could bring from America. Her friend said there was no need, as chances are, any item you would bring from there is made here. So she packed light and carried a big duffel bag for her shopping expedition.

Speaking of fake replicas, a local fashion designer told her,

In Los Angeles, they have real Birkin bags and fake boobs. In Shanghai, it's the other way around."

The photo of Shanghai above is via Joi.