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 hand bag a Authentic handbag.
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 designer hand bag in just a few seconds.
One of the best ways to ensure your new designer hand bag is a Authentic handbag is to look at the designer hand bag itself. Designer hand bags 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 designer hand bag and the stitches should be evenly spaced. If the designer hand bag 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 of the designer hand 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 hand bags 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.
How to Detect an Authentic Hermes Handbag
Thinking of purchasing a Hermes purse? With a little detective work, you’ll be able to distinguish the real Authentic handbags from an imitation. Designers put a lot of care and work into their products, and many have “signature” techniques that make it easy to identify their products.
Details can make or break a dress, and the same goes for purses. Most authentic designer handbags don’t just come with authenticity cards. They also come with a booklet that describes the painstaking process and the thoughtful details that make their bag a luxury. Knowing some history about the designer and their product is also very helpful. For example, there is no such thing as a vintage Birkin, because the Birkin has only been on the market since 1984. Someone who knows little about Hermes handbags might mistakenly pay a lot of money for a “vintage” replica of this handbag thinking they were receiving an original.
Even some of the most attractive, well-made Hermes handbags on the market are replicas. Below are some key things to look for when purchasing a Hermes purse:
The Hermes emblem is engraved rather than embossed. Engraving is a technique in which the letters are lower than the surface they are pressed into. Embossed means the letters sit a little higher than the surface.
The handles are of equal length. This seems like a small detail, but it’s a very important one.
Hermes handbags stand on their own, and the hardware on the bottom of the bags do not screw off.
Stitchery is consistent, and is diagonal, not horizontal. The stitching should be level and parallel and should always be the same color throughout the authentic handbags.
The grade of leather is very important. Hermes is notorious for turning away nearly 98% of the high-quality leather presented for use in their authentic handbags. They only solicit the best, and even then, only 2% of the best make the cut. Their leather is supple and beautifully natural. High-grade leather is not stiff or shiny.
Labeling is very important to designers, and their products will not have misspellings in their labels. Any kind of misspelling, not only of the name, is a red flag that the purse is a poor-quality fake. Poorly made labels will have cheap stitching and a low-quality appearance. They are also sometimes inconsistent in their labeling. For example, you might see “Burberry’s of London” instead of the authentic handbags “Burberry of London.” Replicas often pluralize a name, and hang label tags off the purse instead of stitching them where they belong.
Signature markings are found on every Hermes purse. Hermes uses a unique dating system, and this marking can be found on the underside of the strap of the purse.
Packaging is often the deal breaker for designer items. The tissue and wrapping papers, boxes, and shopping bags should be of the same caliber as the item you have purchased. If your Hermes authentic handbags comes in cheap tissue paper and an off-color box, or if the box is too big or too small, chances are you’re dealing with a replica. Luxury items do not come in flimsy, cheap dust bags. Hermes dust authentic handbags are made of thick, soft cotton flannel that is orange in color. Some of the older Hermes authentic handbags come in a tan velour dust bag with a slightly different design.
Hardware protection is vitally important when buying products of gold or palladium. Every Hermes product that is sold in retail stores comes with a protective covering over the hardware. This covering is never made of plastic and is only removed after the purchase.
If you are considering purchasing a luxurious Hermes purse or high-quality replica, a little research could save you a great deal of grief. Understanding the trademarks of excellence and knowing how to recognize them will make your transaction just as authentic handbags as the Hermes handbag you choose.
