Counterfeit

Counterfeit is a multifaceted project where I assumed the roles of art director, producer, and graphic designer, exploring New York's counterfeit culture with a focus on Canal Street. The project challenges traditional views on fashion's financial aspects, highlighting a democratization where luxury brands no longer strictly denote wealth. The project portrays a landscape where authenticity holds a new meaning.

Counterfeit delves into how even the wealthiest individuals are drawn to imitation products, as these no longer solely represent affluence. This cultural shift is reflected in Canal Street's counterfeit scene and visually and conceptually challenges the fashion industry's hierarchical structure.

The project emphasizes the democratization of fashion, reshaping how consumers engage with iconic brands, signifying a shift where anyone can now partake in fashion's narrative. It redefines logos from status symbols to personal style expressions. By inviting viewers to reconsider authenticity, it sparks conversations on fashion, consumerism, and style democratization in New York.

Credits: Directed by Louise Akani; Art Direction by Louise Akani, Faiz Ouacime Kabouche; Video by Jeramey Hampton; Music by Charles Atanga; Designs by Louise Akani