Not Yet in Japan: Loved by Paris Hilton—The Bold and Gentle Craftsmanship Behind Canada’s “Teddy Bear Shoes”

Looking to make your time at home feel a little more special? Enter KONTERFEIT, a luxury loungewear brand from Vancouver, Canada, here to grant that wish.

With slippers that feel like a hug from a teddy bear and robes like being wrapped in a plush rug, a weekend with these pieces is an experience in lavish, almost whimsical, comfort.

We sat down with James Lam, founder of KONTERFEIT, to discuss the philosophy and creative spirit behind his brand, which champions the unique concept of 'Cozy Couture.'

Creative Origins: The Contrast of 'Adventure' and 'Comfort'

"I made a conscious choice to fuse luxury with comfort, and artistry with practicality, all at once."

That's how James defines his brand, KONTERFEIT.

Growing up in Vancouver, Canada, he was an active kid who loved snowboarding down mountains. But on rainy days, he'd immerse himself in sketching and crafting indoors. Adventure and serenity, strength and softness—he has always found beauty in these opposing forces.

Familiar with painting, sewing, and design from a young age, he was driven by a pure creative urge: "I want to create something the world has never seen before." This passion came to life as KONTERFEIT, a brand of luxury loungewear that delivers on both comfort and high design.

This led to the creation of the brand's now-iconic 'Teddy Bear Shoes.' With their undeniable visual punch, they might look like they were made just for social media. But behind the playful exterior lies meticulous engineering and detailed craftsmanship.

"I've always been a huge fan of slippers and have a massive collection at home. One day, it hit me: how can I take this ultimate comfort and make it more fun and iconic?"

And in that moment, the unprecedented idea to fuse teddy bears with slippers was born.

However, the journey of transforming a stuffed animal into functional footwear was far from easy. "The first prototype was literally just a teddy bear duct-taped to a loafer," he recalls with a laugh.

He became particularly obsessed with how they feel on foot. From the inner structure that gently cradles the foot to the sculpting of the plush bear to give it a rich expression, every detail required millimeter-precise adjustments. After dozens of prototypes, he pursued perfection in materials, construction, and stitching to meet the standards of high-end loungewear. They’ve since evolved into slippers that are art objects in their own right.

A playful exterior and a blissful sensation on the skin—KONTERFEIT's loungewear masterfully combines these two elements. Having studied both design and business before establishing the brand, Lam’s artistic sensibility and strategic mindset converged to create a truly unique brand philosophy.

Comfort alone isn't enough. But pure art isn't practical for everyday life. KONTERFEIT strikes that perfect balance, making it more than just a loungewear brand—it's a purveyor of a new way of living.

Faux Fur That's Better Than the "Real Thing": Uncompromising Materials and Craftsmanship

Another of KONTERFEIT’s core values is its commitment to being cruelty-free. From the beginning, the brand has adhered to the principle of creating without harming animals, using premium faux fur in all products.

Around 2020, as the world was rocked by the pandemic, the quest for the perfect material became a formidable challenge. Supply chains were disrupted, and factories shut down. However, this very adversity became the brand's turning point.

"No matter the circumstances, we will not compromise on the ideal texture." James and his team relentlessly searched for materials that were both ethical and had an exquisite feel, repeatedly reassessing their suppliers.

The latest faux fur they adopted is even softer and more durable than previous versions. It embodies a kind of vegan luxury that rivals—and even surpasses—real fur.

Craftsmanship is equally non-negotiable. The three-dimensional form of the Teddy Bear Shoes demands precise sewing techniques and pattern-making by skilled artisans. Some products go through more than 50 prototypes.

The brand name “KONTERFEIT” is a Germanic spin on the English word “counterfeit.” It carries a playful critique of luxury fashion’s copy-culture.

“The authentic that looks fake”—this paradox is a witty commentary on contemporary fashion and, at the same time, a tribute to earnest craftsmanship.

A Future Where Even 'Laziness' Becomes Style

“You should be able to put on a fashion show even while you’re streaming a movie.”

Guided by that free-spirited thinking, the brand plans a multifaceted lineup: upgraded teddy slippers, loungewear that pairs with matching plush toys, luxurious bathrobes, and even summer accessories and towel collections designed to turn heads at the beach.

Looking ahead, a new faux fur is under development, set to surpass previous versions in both feel and durability. The brand's evolution is only just beginning.

For Lam, product development starts with feeling, not functionality or market research.

"First, I start by asking myself, 'How will this make me feel?' A product is meaningless unless it evokes an emotional response. From there, we meticulously perfect the materials, silhouette, and construction. We don't do 'ordinary.' We only do 'bold, luxurious, and fun.'"

KONTERFEIT’s growing fanbase is evident in its high-profile following. Paris Hilton and her mother Kathy Hilton, popular musicians, and style icons have all been spotted wearing the brand. Jeremy Scott, former Moschino creative director, was so taken with its originality that he reached out himself.

But James isn’t chasing fame. “Making someone’s ‘lazy time’ just a little happier.” That’s the true driving force behind his work—and the essence of KONTERFEIT.

Bold, gentle, and just a little whimsical. His quest to deliver the joy of wearing continues.