Counterfeit Manolos and Birkins put Jakarta in crosshairs of US trade office

At ITC Mangga Dua, "Hermes Birkin" handbags cost from just 600,000 rupiah for the PVC version, while cow leather replicas went for up to 2.5 million rupiah. - ST PHOTO: ARLINA ARSHAD

JAKARTA: A stroll through ITC Mangga Dua, one of Jakarta’s largest wholesale markets, felt less like a shopping trip and more like a masterclass in counterfeit couture.

Rows of “Manolo Blahnik” and “Jimmy Choo” heels glinted behind glass counters. Above them, gleaming “Rolex” watches sat beside belts stamped with the “Ferragamo” logo. Floor-to-ceiling shelves brimmed with designer handbags – inspired by brand names such as Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Dior and Balenciaga.