How to Determine the Authenticity of a Louis Vuitton Hangbag

Since everyone and their moms seem to have a Louis Vuitton handbag (replica or not), I wanted to provide an informative entry on the how-to's of distinguishing between an authentic and replica Louis Vuitton handbag. I am by no means an "industry expert". All information provided here are derived from my observations to and fro around New York, as well as from my own experiences/consumption of the product.

Ok, let's get started.

The most commonly replicated LV canvas is the "Monogram" canvas (light/dark brown pattern with the repeating "LV" logo). So, let's limit this discussion to the monogram canvas and break it down into refuting and affirming traits of authenticity.

Refuting Traits

- cracking or discoloredleather: real leather grows deeper in color over time due to contact with the oils on our hands, but should arrive looking even and in LV's case, the handles should come in a light beige.
- unaligned/crooked/overlapping/threading stitching. designers charge a premium for the extrawork they put in perfecting their stitching; on a replica, sloppiness is often the result of churning out as-many-as-possible.
- a cut-off "LV" logo. the LV logo should never be cut off.
- blurry or overly sharp contrast between light/dark brown monogram design
- a crookedly laid canvas (usually most obvious at the hem). LV takes extra care in aligning their canvas and a "matching point" is often observed.
- overly shiny leather. it's probably plastic.

Affirming Traits

- solid straight bright yellow stitching (unless old, then its brightnessmay be dulled by dirt).
- indented embossed line alongthe yellowstitching.
- deep maroon sealbetween leathers, seen on handles and straps.
- continuous/continuity of canvas. the next piece of canvas lined up with the pervious at the hems or the "matching point".
- matte but smooth leather look.
- packaging: dark brown/black dust bag; dark brown box.


Caution