How To Spot A Fake Louis Vuitton Handbag

With such an interest in high fashion, many spend thousand of dollars each year on designer labels. Among them is the much loved brand Louis Vuitton.

All over the world, people are on the lookout for the LV brand - making purchases in LV stores, second hand boutiques and even online. In order to be sure you're getting an authentic piece for the amount you're paying, we've searched and found a video which might be of help to you.

Take a look at the video below. I'm sure it'll be of use to you.

How To Spot a Fake Louis Vitton Bag


Courtesy of videojug

Introducing: myauthentics.com - Your Guide to Spotting Fakes

Learn to spot a fake when you see one with Myauthentics - a web portal that provides up-to-date information on counterfeit news, the negative effects of counterfeit and reputable retailers online for safe shopping. You'll never have to worry about paying a large sum of money ever again to an unknown retailer only to find that you've been ripped off.

If you've already made a purchase but have doubts as to whether you've bought an original, visit the Myauthentics website for relevant materials from their wide range of categories and find out what you could do if what you've purchased isn't what you got.

How to Spot a Fake

Faking it
How to spot a fake by Alice Temple
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 like Vogue.com or the designers' own sites ( Gucci, Louis Vuitton , Dior 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.


The nod of approval
There are some websites authorised to sell designer labels. Amongst the three most popular are www.yoox.com, eLuxury and Net-a-Porter - all legitimate designer e-tailers (eluxury.com is run by LVMH which owns Dior and Vuitton). Natalie Massenet from Net-a-porter.com that sells bags by Marc Jacobs, Chloé and Moschino advises, 'Consumers should look to shop on websites that are recommended by the brands themselves or by a trusted source such as high-end fashion magazines. Jimmy Choo for example links to Net-a-Porter. If in doubt about the authenticity of the goods available online you should always review the Terms and Conditions of the website, which should explain the provenance of the goods.' It's also worth checking the returns policy. All sites are bound by law to offer a refund service. If it doesn't, alarm bells should ring.


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.


article courtesy of Handbag.com


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In addition to that, Bagaholic Babe would like to add that these professional Fake Handbag sellers on auction sites like eBay can even fake receipts! And...the photo of the bag you see is sometimes a photo they nicked from authentic sites such as eLuxury....so oftentimes, the item you receive differs greatly from the one the seller put up in his auction. To be safe, never buy online unless from the authentic e-tailers such as Net-a-Porter and eLuxury.

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.