From collectibles to cars, buy and sell all kinds of items on eBayWelcome! Sign in or register.
aAdvanced Search

Reviews & Guides

Write a guide

Faking it...How to spot a fake designer handbag

by: d1mitrov( 256Feedback score is 100 to 499) Top 5000 Reviewer
7 out of 11 people found this guide helpful.
Guide viewed: 2516 times Tags: hangbag | purse | louis vuitton | original | fake


I found this info on the web and thought it might be helpful!

 

Just how do you tell a fake Louis Vuitton or Gucci bag from the real deal? Find out how to take home the genuine article every time with this indispensible guide to spotting the fakes.


Handbag wars
With the advent of the Internet the crims are raking in the dirty dollars. Ebay is a breeding ground for fake designer merchandise and while there are websites selling the genuine article, there are just as many passing off counterfeit goods as the real thing. The problem is taken seriously by those at the top. Rumour has it that security staff at Louis Vuitton will even confiscate guests' handbags at their fashion shows if they are suspected fakes (oh the shame)! So, what are the signs to look out for?

The design
Do your research. Every celeb worth their close-up carries a status bag - the pages of Heat, Vogue and Harper's Bazaar are full of them. Check sites or the designers' own sites (to see the styles and details of authentic merchandise clearly. Never seen a Murakami visor? That's because they don't exist outside of Canal Street.


Puckered leather and wonky stitching are sure signs of a fake
The fabric
When paying big bucks for a designer bag you're definitely paying for the name, but also the craftsmanship. The reason a real Hermès Kelly bag costs an arm and a leg is because they're hand made. You won't see shoddy workmanship on a legitimate bag - puckered leather and wonky stitching are sure signs of a fake. Only accept an article in pristine condition; if you're questioning the quality it's likely to be suspect.

The details
Don't overlook the smaller features. The zips, handles, buckles and other trimmings are often what lets down a fake. Hermès bags should have an 'Hermès Paris' stamp, while genuine Louis Vuitton leather goods say 'Louis Vuitton Paris, Made In France'. However, the fakers are cannier than ever and are wise to the fact that savvy shoppers seek the 'LV' stamp on zips and press studs. In this case, look even closer. Monograms should be clearly printed, not smudged - and stitches should be tiny and discreet, not clumsy and gaudy. 
 
Look here too
Hot trend: worldly native 
 
Summer accessories on the catwalk
 
Hot trend: it's a fine romance
 
The extras
When buying from auction sites like www.ebay.com look for extras like branded dustbags, boxes (designers love packaging) and identity cards. But be alert. However much you follow these rules the fakers are always one step ahead. In many cases they can fake the packaging and ID cards as well as the handbags, so don't let your guard down. The bottom line is: if you have any doubts, don't buy.


Guide ID: 10000000002190701Guide created: 10/28/06 (updated 02/03/08)

 
Was this guide helpful? Report this guide

Ready to share your knowledge with others? Write a guide



 


eBay Pulse | eBay Reviews | eBay Stores | Half.com | Reseller Marketplace | Austria | France | Germany | Italy | Spain | United Kingdom | Popular Searches
Kijiji | PayPal | ProStores | Apartments for Rent | Shopping.com | Skype | Tickets


About eBay | Announcements | Security Center | eBay Toolbar | Policies | Government Relations | Site Map | Help
Copyright © 1995-2008 eBay Inc. All Rights Reserved. Designated trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of the eBay User Agreement and Privacy Policy.
eBay official time