Louis Vuitton Malletier is the name of a man also referred to as LV. He began the legendary French fashion house back in 1845, which, today, is one of the most widely-recognized brands in the world. The Louis Vuitton logo pattern is nothing short of iconic. No matter what type of material it is printed onto or embossed into, the LV logo is beloved.
Although it is so well-known, many people do not realize just how many pieces are in every unique collection. While every Louis Vuitton trunk, handbag, and other accessory is different, not all Louis Vuitton fabric is created equal. In fact, each one of them is made with a unique material, high-quality, and design.
Is This Real? Authenticating Louis Vuitton Leather
When authenticating a Louis Vuitton leather accessory, you need to look for the distinct characteristics that only a genuine piece of the LV collection has. The leather alone may not be enough to know for sure that the item is genuine. However, taking a very close look at the leather or canvas materials is the best place to start searching for signs of authenticity.
Many Louis Vuitton goods are made of 100% genuine real leather, but there is confusion about what Louis Vuitton trunks, handbags, and other accessories are made of sometimes. This is due to the durability of Louis Vuitton materials. Commonly confused for leather, LV canvas is so tough that it is known to last for years, regardless of wear and tear. The types of leather are here in this simple guide to Louis Vuitton materials.
Material Guide to Louis Vuitton Leather
Available in many styles, Louis Vuitton leather comes in these main types, plus more. While the monogram print is one of the most distinct in all fashion history, there is more to authenticating a piece of Louis Vuitton leather than you may know. Use these tips as a short material guide to understanding Louis Vuitton leather.
1. Epi Leather
No effort is needed to look elegant with Louis Vuitton Epi leather. Made in a range of colors including noir, rose nacre, and rogue, the Epi leather is more than just a modern marvel for today's woman.
Every Louis Vuitton creation, including the Neverfull, Alma, Now, and others, feature this durable leather made for everyday use. Still stylish in any iconic shape, the Louis Vuitton Epi leather is the perfect combination of elegance and timeless luxury. Introduced in the 1920s, Epi leather made a comeback in 1985, and today is still a well-known material with a rigid, two-toned quality.
2. Monogram Vernis
The word is French for varnish because the finish is smooth and shiny. The dazzling material was first introduced by designer Marc Jacobs in 1998, only shortly after he took over at Louis Vuitton.
The LV stamp is clearly visible as it is set in a soft calfskin that is then coated with a finish to deliver the sparkling look of Vernis Louis Vuitton leather. Preferred by men and women for the gleaming finish and brilliant sparkle in sunlight, the bags and other accessories made with Monogram Vernis can take any outfit to the next level.
3. Monogram Empreinte
Introduced in 2010, this ultra-soft yet durable calf leather is easy to fall for. Handbags, wallets, and other accessories, including cardholders, are made of this smooth leather.
Designed slightly heavier than bags made of canvas, Louis Vuitton Monogram Empreinte leather items are known for being easy-to-clean and soft to the touch even after years of use. The unique embossed style makes all Louis Vuitton leather goods ideal for those with a lush lifestyle.
Canvas vs Leather
Each Louis Vuitton leather accessory creates a unique look no matter what you wear. Bringing the soft, durable spirit of Louis Vuitton to your everyday life in the form of the most elegant and extravagant accessories on Earth, the leather is one thing that makes them exclusive.
However, Louis Vuitton canvas can fool a lot of people. In fact, there are many types of handbags and accessories made of Louis Vuitton canvas that look like ordinary leather, but it may surprise you to know that it is in fact canvas. Many patterns of the classic LV logo can be seen in a variety of colors of canvas, and due to the rugged, ultra-durable nature of Louis Vuitton, many people can't tell the difference.
Louis Vuitton leather is so exclusive that counterfeiting the posh handbags, wallets, cardholders, and other accessories is a problem. As one of the most profitable faux brands available on the black market, anything with a Louis Vuitton logo holds value. The question you must ask before purchasing any Louis Vuitton item is, “what is the actual value?”
How to Tell a Real Louis Vuitton From a Fake
One of the most commonly counterfeited brands on Earth, Louis Vuitton sales must be validated.
Use this checklist to authenticate your Louis Vuitton items:
- Trim
- Fading color
- Stamp
- Logo
- Stitching
- Receipt
When it comes to authenticating Louis Vuitton leather, you will need to look at the trim first. Every real Monogram Louis Vuitton handbag is made with cowhide leather. The soft cowskin is then finished with an exclusive process known as vegetal tanning. This process has been developed over time to deliver the most delicate leather available.
Today, you can tell counterfeit Louis Vuitton items from real authentic pieces by the natural marks and irregularities.
Genuine Louis Vuitton leather can appear imperfect, and while a faux item will turn yellow or pink over time, a true Louis Vuitton will only look natural. Accumulating marks, scuffs, and tiny scratches are common for authentic tanned leather, referred to as “Vachetta,” which takes on a darker color with use. Genuine Louis Vuitton natural leather always has crisp, clean color glazing, so you know it is counterfeit if there is any reddish color along the edges.
Louis Vuitton Bag Materials
Besides leather, Louis Vuitton bags are made of other materials that you may recognize in both monogrammed and plain colors.
Here is a short material guide to other types of Louis Vuitton items:
- Monogram canvas
- Damier Ebene and Damier Azuar
- Monogram multicolor canvas
- Damier canvas print
A Note on the Quality of Louis Vuitton Leather
Today, there are so many ways that black market artists are able to make fake Louis Vuitton items. You will be able to use the tips above to tell the difference between a real Louis Vuitton and a faux replica, but one way to know for sure is to hold the item in your hand.
Every Louis Vuitton genuine leather handbag, wallet, belt, clip, and other accessories are made with the highest-quality leather, stitching, prints, embossing, and designs. No matter which style of Louis Vuitton leather is for you, choose one or more items that you truly love. And remember: every made in Paris LV piece is an investment. Proven to increase in value over time, any item made of genuine Louis Vuitton leather is worth the price.
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