Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Spotting the Fake

[OetA Update: Contrary to the poll results, the authentic, licensed chair is actually Chair #1! I suspect most folks were confused by the exposed screws on the rockers of Chair #1.]

Time for a little quiz. What's the difference between these two chairs?

One, is an authentic reproduction of the Eames molded plastic rocking chair and retails for $479 at DesignWithinReach. The other is an inexpensive knockoff from Target, the purveyor of cheap chic, and retails for $180.99.

So which is which? Can you tell the difference? If not, would you consider purchasing the Target version or do you feel strongly about avoiding knockoffs?


20 comments:

Christy said...

I'm probably in the minority here, but I honestly can't stand that chair! But I voted and think I'm right. Of course, I could totally be wrong! Fun post! I love polls, as you know!

Kara said...

UGH! I can't tell. I would have to see it in real life to decide if I would purchase a knockoff.

I tend not to buy knockoffs when it comes to my house. I think quality and how well it's made is worth the price.

Beth Connolly said...

Averill-I think the real deal is chair #1 but honestly, I wouldn't have either. I've never understood the attraction of this ugly chair.

Janell @ House of Fifty said...

Okay, I guessed two is the real deal, based on the looks of the...Base! Ha!
FUN post...please do share the answer!
Janell

Pretty Lovely said...

AHhhh this is wonderful - they look so much alike. You definitely will not get the same quality - but, you can always get another one for that price!

annechovie said...

I know this sounds terrible, but I have to second Christy and say I think that chair is hideous. It's amazing to me how certain pieces become design classics....very random. I love the way your posts are well-informed and thought-provoking, Averill. Always a great read!

Kitty said...

I don't mind knock-offs as long as the item in question doesn't purport itself to be the real deal. Hates me some fake handbags...what people often don't realize is black market goods support crime, terrorism and illegal working conditions -- often for children. Why would anyone spend$100 to carry a counterfeit Gucci bag? Bad form, always!

Couture Carrie said...

I love this chair, and I honestly can't tell them apart! Fun Taget find, darling!

xoxox,
CC

Shannon said...

I'm thinking chair #2 is the real deal only because on chair #1 you can see the screws in the wooden rockers. But I love knock-offs!!

Liz @ It's Great To Be Home said...

Excellent question!! I just saw one of these in a real estate client's home the other day - it was my first in-person sighting - good times.

lady macleod said...

You ARE going to tell us which is which yes? I don't mind knockoffs - it's more the quality I'm looking for and if I can get it with an excellent knockoff, I'm there baby.

Cristin // Simplified Bee said...

Love this voting stuff. Fun post as always.

xo,
cristin

Unknown said...

i voted...and need to see which one is the 'real' chair! i'm more stringent about buying the real deal when it comes to clothing...but not so much with furniture. hmmm...that can't be good!
xox

Unknown said...

The exposed screws are exactly what caused my wrong guess.

Kellie Collis said...

I would only want an original- is that really bad??

Kristina at The Purple Pea said...

I would have picked chair number 1. Only because of the screws and the whiteness of the seat. I feel like cheaper things are more white? No idea where I got that from.

Maple said...

I knew it! Somehow I have a feeling if I sat it in it, the thing would collapse!

Anonymous said...

Hello:

I just thought I would clarify some Latin grammar for you. Domus is masculine noun in the nominative singular case. When pairing adjectives with nouns you have to make sure they agree in case, number, and gender. Mea and nova are feminine adjectives so they cannot agree with domus. Novus and meus are the masculine nominative singular versions of those adjectives.

Happy blogging!

Averill said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Averill said...

Anon: Actually, you're wrong. "Domus" is an irregular feminine noun of the fourth declension, which means it is NOT a first declension masculine noun. As a feminine noun, it's absolutely correct to pair it with feminine adjectives.

I suggest you Wikipedia your Latin grammar in the future.

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