Is your authentic designer handbag really authentic?
Posted: Saturday, November 20, 2004
by Deanna Key
Handbag-Spot.com
So, you have just bought a new designer handbag. Maybe you have had your eye on a Christian Dior Saddle Handbag, or Gucci Jackie-O that you know your friends will drool over . You got a huge discount off of the hefty retail price and you’re feeling pretty good about yourself. But know you are wondering- is my designer handbag authentic.
One of the best ways to ensure your new handbag is authentic is to look at the bag itself. Designer handbags are popular and cost as much as they due because first and for-most they are made from quality materials. Take a good look at the stitching. There should be no loose or missing stitches, the color of the thread should match the main color of the bag and the stitches should be evenly spaced. If the handbag is leather, the logo should be engraved, not just printed on the leather.
Also take a look at the hardware. All of the hardware should match in color and sheen. The hardware should also be free of scratches. Many manufactures, including Gucci, Fendi and Prada, protect their hardware with a removable plastic cover that is to be removed only after it has been purchased. The brand name or logo should be engraved, not embossed or simply printed on the hardware. You can also find the brand name of logo engraved on the strap hardware on Gucci, Fendi, Prada, Chanel and
Inspect the material the bag lining, hardware and accents are made of. Many handbags are made of different types of leather, from Lambskin, Calfskin, Goatskin and Patent Leather, but it is easy to distinguish if the leather is of a good quality or not. The lining is usually made of a satin material that has a nice shine to it and most designer handbags have the name brand name or logo on the lining. Designers almost always use leather accents, not plastic. Some purses have straps that are specially coated and seem to be artificial. However a quick look at the edge of the strap, usually near a stitched joint, should reveal a leather core.
Is there an authenticity card. An authenticity card is a little card that usually has the manufactures logo embossed on the front and has some information about the product you purchased and sometimes includes a magnetic strip, bar code. Many manufacturers, including Gucci, Prada, Fendi, Kate Spade and Coach, use these cards.
Check for a serial number. Not all manufacturers use serial numbers, but many do. The serial number for Fendi purses can be found on the inside pocket. Simply turn the pocket inside out and there will be a printed number on the fabric or possibly on the leather tag. Gucci includes a small leather tag on the zipper seam of the handbag which includes a serial number.
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Top-level comments on this article: (8 total)I agree with everything in this article EXCEPT for the registration card. Often times, this card is simply a marketing ploy to get you on the designer's mailing list and they can make more money selling this data on top of expensive handbags.
I agree with the majority of this article. It is very informative, with one exception. I own 3 Fendi bags. I personally purchased all 3. Two were purchased in Rome, Italy, at the Fendi Boutique, and do not have serial numbers. Only the bag purchased in the U.S. has a serial number.
Most of the information in this article is valid to a certain extent. But I don't think it should be taken as law. I've purchased 3 Gucci bags over the past year from the Gucci store in NYC and none of them came with authenticity cards. I also have another Gucci bag that had a losse stitch and a defect on the gucci name plate. The only reason I didn't complain was b/c it was a gift.
I agree with most of the article, however there are some exceptions. If you purchase a Gucci bag from the outlet store sometimes you will see a flaw in the fabric, scratches on hardware or a loose stitch. This is why you are getting them at a discount. I would not take this as law, however there are many good points.
One question i have recently gotten a gift from my grandmother from when she went to NY and she didnt give me a letter or anything but it does have some numbers on the clasp that closes it. Is has the engraved PRADA on the inside and the logo lookin thing on the outside..is it real?
Where can you find information or pictures of Chanel or Gucci bags that were made before 1985? Thank you for any help you can give me.
Is there a website where you can put the serial number of the bag you purchased(Gucci)and certify its authenticity?
need a price on an authentic Gucci from 1985. Where do I GET YOUR ANSWER? cOULD YOU EMAIL ME? BYFIELDJUDY@HOTMAIL.COM
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