Shops like the one shown here provide tons of replica designer handbags. Can you spot the fakes?
Credit: Google.com | ©Google.com
From the trash bags of street vendors to the ritziest stores on Rodeo Drive, designer handbags are everywhere. Most of us can't afford the authentic thing (with bags costing, on average, $1,500+), so we gravitate towards the Internet, the streets of big cities, or purse parties for the next best thing. However, those replicas can sometimes be more fake than we thought. Here are five major things to look for when buying a designer knock-off and tips for spotting a spoof.
1. STITCHING
Stitching can be a dead giveaway. Inconsistent stitching and sloppy construction in less visible areas, such as the underside of the bag or inside pockets, are details to look for immediately. Authentic designer bags tack on an extra zero on that price tag due to extra, carefully-crafted construction. They cost more because they are built more complexly. Counterfeit products usually do not have the care of construction that the real item has. If the construction looks simplistic, it's likely to be a phony.
2. MATERIALS
Many fakes are no longer made of PVC but of reasonably good leather, even lambskin; however, they are seldom as good as the materials labels like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Coach would use. Fake purses tend to be stiff and often have some sort of discoloration. When dealing with replica leather handbags, make sure the leather does not have an uneven look that is consistent. Also, people generally assume designer bags should be lined, which is why many replicas are lined. But, on the contrary, real purses are not.
1. STITCHING
Stitching can be a dead giveaway. Inconsistent stitching and sloppy construction in less visible areas, such as the underside of the bag or inside pockets, are details to look for immediately. Authentic designer bags tack on an extra zero on that price tag due to extra, carefully-crafted construction. They cost more because they are built more complexly. Counterfeit products usually do not have the care of construction that the real item has. If the construction looks simplistic, it's likely to be a phony.
2. MATERIALS
Many fakes are no longer made of PVC but of reasonably good leather, even lambskin; however, they are seldom as good as the materials labels like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Coach would use. Fake purses tend to be stiff and often have some sort of discoloration. When dealing with replica leather handbags, make sure the leather does not have an uneven look that is consistent. Also, people generally assume designer bags should be lined, which is why many replicas are lined. But, on the contrary, real purses are not.
- Intricate details can make or break a fake handbag.
- Make sure the stitching and materials used for your handbag are of acceptable quality.
- The inside tag needs to have the same font as the brand's, and words must be spelled right.
Comments
Sonya
(Guest)
(Guest)
12/11/2009
"I just purchased a beautiful Hermes bag for around $15,000" People stop lying
Serena
(Guest)
(Guest)
03/02/2009
I know how to spot a fake within the first 10 seconds I see a knockoff. I hate fakes. I only buy real. It does come at a price, but it's worth it. I mean, price is just a number! Like, I just purchased a beautiful Hermes bag for around $15,000, and I don't even care about how much it was, because it was worth it!
joanne coyne
(Guest)
(Guest)
10/23/2008
My Louis Vuitton has a number on the inside, do they ever number their bags?
Simon
(Guest)
(Guest)
08/13/2008
In the past I've conducted in-depth studies into the luxury goods industry as part of my work.
One thing to bear in mind if you do buy a knock-off - your money is likely to be going to criminal organizations. There's often an attitude that because the likes of Louis Vuitton and Gucci are part of multi-million dollar corporations, it's a victimless crime - it isn't. The likelihood is that the people who are ultimately behind your new cheap Louis Vuitton bag are also responsible for putting drugs on the streets or for committing terrorist acts.
Made me feel a little bit better when shelling at the Louis Vuitton store for my wife's latest handbag ;o)
Eleanor
(Guest)
(Guest)
07/06/2008
I bough a white Versace handbag on ebay which is supposed to be real after using for two days one of the studs holding a strap has come away. Is this a fake and if so should I report it to ebay?
chamorean
(Guest)
(Guest)
03/21/2008
most people may not be able to tell the difference between an authentic bag and a replica. but for those of us that do, will know. i understand that the pricetag for the authentic is over most of our budget. but when you think about when you're purchasing a replica about how rich you are making them scammers, do you honestly feel good about yourself? they don't care about anything but making their money. they don't care about how HARD the designers worked to get to where they're at. they to, suffered in the beginning. most of them at least. but they worked their hearts out to be able to tag their merchandise that way. though i agree they can lower the price just a tad bit so it could be more affordable. heck, they're rich already. just put yourself in their shoes. you work your butt off to make it to where you're at and all of a sudden a no good scammer comes in and takes your position from you. like kissing your boss's butt. when you earned your position by working your butt off blood
Chamorean
(Guest)
(Guest)
03/21/2008
One of the dead giveaways on a gucci is the font of the gg on the bag. the font is normally off. if you look on www.unitboi.com/forum you would be able to see an example of the authentic and the replicas. also there will be more how to spot in details with all designer bags added in the near future.
CHINADOLL
(Guest)
(Guest)
02/20/2008
I think that a fake LV is as good as a real one, i just thought of it about 5 minutes ago when today i found one at good will
and i was so happy, sometimes you can find good stuff there and i found out through the video its a fake im not gonna
tell my husband couse he was so so happy that i had one he has been saving some money on the side so
he can get me one but i rather pay bills my family is more importent then a nice cute flashy LV hand bag/logo.
SAMANTHA
(Guest)
(Guest)
01/07/2008
I BROUGHT A GUCCI BAG FOR 450.00 ON LINE. AND I WANT TO KNOW IF IT'S REALLY REAL! CAN YOU TELL ME WHAT TO LOOK FOR INSIDE OR ON THE BAG TO SHOW AUTHENTICITY!!!
Becky
(Guest)
(Guest)
12/10/2007
I am thinking about buying a lot of two Gucci bags. I'm about as fashion challenged as they come. What should I look for to make sure that these are the real deal? I am worried, especially since I cannot physically see the bags, I have to see pictures. One of my concerns is the price ($360). The ARV is about $2000. It does have the serial number, the papers, the care booklets, and dust covers. What do I need to be looking for here? Please e-mail me at tink_the_mighty@yahoo.com if you can help me out. Thanks!
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