5 signs to tell if your Gucci or Chanel wallet is real or fake
Investing in a luxury handbag is an exciting and important decision, but differentiating genuine designer products from fakes can be a difficult task. With over 20 years of experience in the luxury resale industry, Luxe Du Jour’s Head of Luxury Purchasing, Koyaana Redstar, shares her expert insights on how to authenticate your luxury purchases. Here are the top five indicators to help you determine if your handbag is authentic.
EXPERT INSIGHTS FROM KOYAANA RED STAR
Koyaana’s journey into the resale industry began at an early age. “I started in the resale industry at a very young age, 13, by selling my mom’s old Kate Spade handbags on eBay,” she recalled. “After my first sale, I was hooked.” With extensive experience working for big-name companies like Rebag and The RealReal, I have the knowledge I need to tell the difference between a real luxury handbag and a fake one. She has it.
Key indicators of reliability
1. Symmetry
Symmetry is an important aspect to consider in designer bags. Luxury brands ensure that every element is perfectly aligned.
Example: The quilting on a Chanel bag should be centered and the back pocket should be seamless. Note: Brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton also pay close attention to pattern placement. Misalignment can be a red flag.
2. Hardware
Hardware quality is an important indicator of a handbag’s reliability.
Features: Real hardware should feel solid and make a satisfying sound when using zippers and clasps. Counterfeit Warning: Counterfeit bags often have cheap, hollow hardware.
3. Smell
It may seem unconventional, but the scent of your handbag can give you a clue as to its authenticity.
Leather Smell: Genuine leather bags have a unique smell. For example, a Hermès bag may have an almost perfume-like scent. Vintage Louis Vuitton: If it smells like Crayola crayons, it’s probably the real deal.
4.Finishing
Attention to detail is paramount when considering the finishing touches for your luxury handbag.
Checkpoints: Clean seams, high quality fabrics, accurate carving of hardware
5.Screw
The type of screws used is an important clue in identifying an authentic handbag.
Authentic brands: Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Hermes use flat head screws. Beware of fakes: Be careful of bags with different types of screws.
Important points
For those considering purchasing a luxury handbag, these simple checks can help you avoid costly mistakes. By keeping these metrics in mind, you can shop with confidence, armed with the expertise of industry experts. Koyaana’s insights help you improve your shopping experience and ensure your investments are genuine.
