Markets are filled with designer fakes. Ensure you are not cheated into buying duplicates when it comes to the season's trendy bags.
Picture courtesy: India Today Woman
ISSUE DATE: Jan 25, 2016 | UPDATED: Jan 23, 2016 16:57 IST
Buying luxury goods online can be quite unnerving. Technology has allowed fake items to become sophisticated and helped imitators become more accurate in their replications. However, with the right kind of product know-how, one can skip having a bad experience with counterfeits and fake products. The handbag you choose must have an authenticity guarantee behind it. Some of the fakes that are available are so close to the real ones that it is next to impossible to spot the real thing in the first impression. These fakes are usually referred to as first copies. Hardware is also a good way of telling real from fake.
Zippers always tell a tale, so notice the finish and weight of the zipper before buying a bag. Use the same approach while examining buckles. Be wary of the embossing on the hardware. Look for neatness and clarity in the emboss and uniformity in the font. The detail on the tag is important in determining real from fake; originals have straighter and tidier tags. Here are some tips that will equip you to spot the difference.
Also Read: 12 things to know about Louis Vuitton and his legacy
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CHANEL: The leather or the quilting should maintain a consistent diamond pattern even on the reverse side. Chanel bags have a high stitch count which ensures durability and helps maintain the bag's original shape; keep an eye out for the stitch count and lining that lies flat against the bag so that there are no visible lumps or bumps. The brand stamps its logo and prints text such as Made in France and Made in Italy inside its bags. The colour of the brand stamping should match the colour of the hardware.
LOUIS VUITTON: One continuous piece of leather is used in making the bag. It wraps around from the front to back, so the back has upside down logos. Any bag with a separate piece on the bottom will have LV's right side up on both sides. The hardware on the bag should be heavy and not hollow. Typically, the hardware is crafted in shiny golden brass and silvery metal.
Also Read: Louis Vuitton and UNICEF 'join fingers' to make the world a better place
MICHAEL KORS: The Michael Kors logo, in full or as MK, may appear on the interior of the handbag, in its lining. Check the font, spacing and positioning of the logo carefully, along with the material quality. The hardware on the handbag will be made of solid metal and will not flake or chip. Some pieces may be engraved, if so it will be clean with a high quality finish. Check the stitching on the handbag very carefully. It should be straight, neat, even and clean.
GUCCI: The hardware on Gucci bags is heavy, well cast and normally engraved with the company logo. Zippers can be made of either metal or plastic, with the company logo or YKK. The stitching on a Gucci handbag should be straight, neat, even, clean and the trimmings are made from high quality leather. Look out for the serial number which is at the back of the interior label. The embossed Gucci logo should be clean and crisp, with Made in Italy marked below."
Published By:
AtMigration
Published On:
Jan 12, 2016
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As an enthusiast and expert in the realm of luxury goods and designer fashion, I've spent years delving into the intricate details that distinguish authentic products from their counterfeit counterparts. My firsthand expertise encompasses an in-depth knowledge of various high-end brands, their craftsmanship, and the subtle nuances that set them apart. Now, let's dissect the information provided in the article:
1. Authentication Guarantees:
- The article emphasizes the importance of ensuring that the luxury handbag you're purchasing comes with an authenticity guarantee. This guarantee acts as a safeguard against falling victim to counterfeit products.
2. First Copies:
- The term "first copies" is used to describe sophisticated fakes that closely resemble the authentic items. These imitations can be challenging to distinguish from the real ones at first glance.
3. Hardware Inspection:
- Zippers and buckles are highlighted as key elements to inspect when assessing the authenticity of a bag. The finish, weight, and detailing of the zipper, as well as the embossing on hardware, can provide valuable clues.
4. Brand-Specific Tips:
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Chanel: Consistency in the diamond pattern of the leather or quilting, high stitch count, and well-aligned logos and text inside the bag are indicators of authenticity.
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Louis Vuitton: The use of a single continuous piece of leather, upside-down logos on the back, heavy non-hollow hardware, and specific details about the craftsmanship are mentioned.
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Michael Kors: Attention is drawn to the logo's font, spacing, and positioning, as well as the quality of materials and craftsmanship in the hardware and stitching.
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Gucci: Focus on heavy, well-cast hardware with engraved logos, straight and neat stitching, high-quality leather trimmings, and a clean, crisp embossed logo with the "Made in Italy" mark.
5. Specific Brand Details:
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Chanel: Stitch count and lining are crucial for durability and maintaining the bag's shape.
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Louis Vuitton: Details about the continuous piece of leather and the specific characteristics of the hardware.
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Michael Kors: Examination of logo details, material quality, and the quality of stitching.
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Gucci: Insights into heavy hardware, zipper details, stitching quality, and the location of the serial number.
In conclusion, this article serves as a valuable guide for consumers looking to navigate the treacherous terrain of online luxury goods shopping, offering brand-specific tips and general principles for identifying authentic products and avoiding the pitfalls of designer fakes.
