Is your Authentic Designer Handbag Really Authentic?

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.

Determining the authenticity on any product can be a little tricky, but if you know the basics, you will be able to spot a fake in just a few seconds.

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.

If you shop wisely, and inspect the bag carefully, you will be able to spot a fake from a mile away.

Deanna Key is the author of many articles and resources concerning desinger handbags. She has worked as an importer/exporter of designer fashions for over 5 years, and has imported over $25 million worth of designer goods. Read more helpful articles and get discounts on designer handbags at http://www.handbag-spot.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Deanna_Key


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Continuing on this subject, Bagaholic Babe recommends mypoupette.com. MyPoupette.com offers services such as authenticity checks, where they can check the authenticity of your bag. For safe online shopping, I recommend that you check this list outThey also have a list of blacklisted websites that claim to sell authentic designer handbags but actually don't. Also, there are eguides for checking the authenticity of your bag. These eguides are available on eBay (search under 'Reviews and Guides'. So far, there are eguides for checking authenticity of Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Balenciaga, Fendi, and Prada - and yes they come with a whole lotta pictures too so that you can compare between the fake and the real. However, there are really good Korean replicas out there... where even the leather handles of the LV monogram can change colour with age, much like the REAL Louis Vuitton. Most are so well made that you can hardly tell the difference even when you compare the real with the fake.

However, to be REALLY sure that what you're paying for is the real deal, only buy online through websites such as net-a-porter.com, neimanmarcus.com, eluxury.com which can be found under the 'online shopping tab' on the left of this blog. Don't be tempted by the unbelievably cheap prices that other websites offer, because you could be paying for the replicas instead of the authentic designer stuff. And believe me when I tell you this, because I'm speaking from experience.