On Gucci and Louis Vuitton

Is it just me or are Gucci wallets, belts and bags (the latest green and red collection which reminds me of Christmas), as well as Louis Vuitton wallets becoming more common? A walk along Orchard Road, or even on a MRT train ride to town, you never fail to see someone carrying or wearing one of the above-mentioned accessories.

Are Singaporeans getting richer, or are the big brands becoming less exclusive?

Or are the wallets and bags they carry imitations of the real deal?