A pioneer in monogram bags, Louis Vuitton has produced countless handcrafted purses that women and men alike covet.
You can easily tell the difference between a real and a fake Prada bag just by simply feeling the texture of the material. Authentic Prada BN2106 uses soft nylon in its exterior. As a result, the pattern is more detailed and smooth to the touch.
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Even if their artisanal handbags come with hefty price tags, Hollywood celebrities to common folk want to get their hands on one (or several).
The classic Louis Vuitton logo embellished on monogrammed leather
This comes as no surprise thanks to their top grade Italian leather and precise craftsmanship. Each bag comes with a whole lot of time, love, and effort.
The Hollywood favorite Louis Vuitton 'Keepall' duffel bag
Currently, Louis Vuitton houses Michelle Williams and Alicia Vikander as their main endorsers. Other under-the-radar LV faces include Jaden Smith, Cate Blanchett, and Jennifer Connelly.
Louis Vuitton showcases its 'Manhattan' bag
Unfortunately, with the rise of the brand's popularity also come the counterfeiters. Fake Louis Vuitton bags have dominated the e-commerce industry, resulting in numerous eBay sellers who offer knockoffs at ridiculously low prices.
In November 2019, CNBC reported that The RealReal, the world's largest online consumer marketplace for luxury items, has been selling fake luxury products. The same month, officials seized thousands of counterfeit designer bags at Dulles International Airport.
According to FOX 5 DC, the counterfeit cache included 2,601 coin purses, 459 purses, and three backpacks adorned with Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Dior, Prada, and Hermes designer labels.
Louis Vuitton 2003 Pre-Owned Monogram Multicolour Eye Love Holdall, $36,040 at Farfetch
Don't worry – all hope is not lost. We have the know-how on busting those fake Louis Vuittons, saving yourself the money and hassle of falling prey to counterfeit bag predators.
Without further ado, we bring you nine easy ways to tell whether your LV is the real deal:
1. The workmanship is top-notch artisanal
How To Tell If A Vintage Prada Purse Is Real
One of the more common ways to know if a bag is authentic or not is to check its workmanship. Just like Gucci handbags and other luxury designer bags, an authentic purse will have perfectly aligned stitches that are the same length.
In fact, the artisans behind authentic bags are so skilled that the number of stitches on one handle matches the other.
Authentic Louis Vuitton bags will have perfectly aligned stitches that are the same length
For Louis Vuitton bags, the stitching thread is more of a mustard color than a brighter yellow hue.
The leather pieces that make up the bag are perfectly cut and fitted with each other. If there are creases, bubbles, and misalignment due to bad fitting, you might want to put that bag down.
2. Hardware is beautifully crafted from brass
Bag connoisseurs know that the next thing to check for is hardware. Louis Vuitton uses top grade brass hardware that usually comes in shiny or matte. For shiny zippers and locks, do a reflection test – the brass should reflect as a mirror would.
Louis Vuitton uses top grade brass hardware
The zippers should not snag when you try to unzip the bag. Louis Vuitton also manufactures their own zippers and does not use YKK or other branded zippers.
Hardware should not be covered in plastic. Counterfeit bag makers wrap the hardware in plastic to prevent them from tarnishing right away. Quality hardware will not tarnish and is usually uncovered.
3. Shell pattern should be neat and symmetrical
Another obvious thing to look at in monogram bags is the shell pattern. For Louis Vuitton, the classic LV logo should be symmetrical and the letter L should always be lower than the V. If the letters are wonky and not perfectly aligned, the bag is not authentic.
Louis Vuitton's classic LV logo should be symmetrical and the letter L should always be lower than the V
It is also important to note the placing and consistency of the monogram pattern. If you look at the pattern diagonally, the order of one strip should be a fleur-de-lis, a circle, another fleur-de-lis, then the LV logo. The strip alternating it should contain only the fleur-de-lis symbol.
For logo embellishments, check that they are symmetrical and beautifully crafted. The Maison logo usually writes 'Louis Vuitton Paris' in two lines.
4. Vachetta leather oxidizes and darkens over time
The leather strips that run across and make up the handles are called Vachetta leather. Vachetta leather is made out of natural, untreated European calf hide that darkens with oxidation over time.
Vachetta leather oxidizes and darkens over time
If the strips stay a pale color over time, it is fake. The leather should darken into a beautiful golden shade as it ages.
5. Handle trim should be a darker shade of red, not bright red
There are many great things about Louis Vuitton monogram bags that keep us preoccupied. To the hawk-eyed, one lesser-known detail is the red trim that runs along with the Vachetta leather.
Identify fake Louis Vuitton bags by studying the shade of the trim
You can easily tell a fake Louis Vuitton bag from an original one from the shade of the trim. The authentic ones will run closer to burgundy (but not quite) while counterfeits will usually be a brighter shade of red.
Low-quality Louis Vuitton counterfeits will also have the trim peeling off over a short amount of time.
6. Date code should be found on the lining
Each bag comes with a date code, which is basically a little leather tag where letters and numbers are embossed to note where and when the bag was made.
Unlike other bags, Louis Vuitton date codes are a little harder to find since they're tucked within the lining. One thing is for sure: an authentic LV will always have a date code.
In some cases, the date codes are stamped into the lining.
7. Know your dust bag and box history
Counterfeiters often get lazy when it comes to details. A good way to catch fake products is to know your history of Louis Vuitton dust bags and boxes.
Dustbags before 2004 are made out of beige flannel with the LV logo on it and brown drawstrings. Some of the older bags may have blue drawstrings on them, and some have felt-like material that has jagged cut edges.
Louis Vuitton Pre-Owned Special Order Monogram Amfar II Trunk Case, $20,578 at Farfetch
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This brown leather trunk case from Louis Vuitton features a round top handle, a push-lock fastening, an all-over logo print, gold-tone hardware, a hanging key fob, an internal mirror, internal drawers, two removable logo-print bags, and two detachable shoulder straps
From 2004 to 2016, the beige dust bag is made out of flannel or linen. A perfectly symmetrical and centered LV logo is printed in brown on it. A small white tag saying where the bag was made can be found inside.
In 2016, Louis Vuitton revamped their packaging. All their boxes are orange with navy blue text. The dust bags followed suit, turning into a cream color with navy blue writing.
8. Use your sense of smell
This one takes some time to practice. It's good to know what authentic leather smells like so you can easily set it apart from synthetic ones.
Also, if the bag reeks of chemicals, you might want to reconsider your purchase.
9. Common sense, really
If you have a bag that retails for $1,000 and is being sold to you at $100, there is much reason to be wary. Research the original retail price online before considering a purchase.
Louis Vuitton Pre-Owned x Comme Des Garçons Burned Holes Monogram Tote, $8,696 at Farfetch
This dark brown and beige leather tote from Louis Vuitton features a monogram pattern, gold-tone hardware, round top handles, an internal logo patch, a hanging luggage tag, a drawstring closure, and a removable lining
Louis Vuitton also lists the retailers where their bags can be purchased. The brand also limits online resellers, so be careful of purchasing bags over the internet.
Louis Vuitton Questions and Answers
Why are LV bags so expensive?
One reason is the high manufacturing cost. The luxury brand produces its handbags in workshops located in France, Spain, and the United States, and does not outsource manufacturing to cheaper locations like India and China.
Cynthia Bailey carries a large Louis Vuitton tote at LAX on March 5, 2020
In addition, the company spends billions of dollars every year on marketing. According to Reuters, in 2018 Louis Vuitton spent 5.6 billion euros ($6.3 billion) on marketing, reaching 12% of group revenues.
Does Louis Vuitton have a sale?
No, Louis Vuitton doesn't have sales that are open to the public. Instead of discounting, the company will burn or destroy unsold stock. In some countries, the company organizes secret sales for its employees.
Why does Louis Vuitton burn unsold bags?
While burning handbags helps maintain the exclusivity of their goods and stops them from falling into the hands of illegal counterfeiters, environmentalists have criticized the company for this wasteful strategy.
Some myths:
1. 'The leather will never cut off at the LV logo.'
Some have claimed that pieces of leather will usually not cut off at the LV logo, but that is not necessarily true. For smaller bags, the logos are cut off at the edge.
One thing that you can check for, however, is if all the logos cut off at the same point. This means that the pattern is symmetrical.
2. 'Louis Vuitton does not invert their logo.'
Again, this is not true. For models that use a single continuous leather piece such as the Keepall, one side will have inverted logos on it.
Louis Vuitton is continuously coming up with designs outside of the classic ones, so it's good to know their bags well. A great way to familiarize yourself is to study their photos online.
If you're in doubt about a purchase you made, you can call Louis Vuitton for help in authenticating your product.
Celebrity Fans of Louis Vuitton Bags
Some of the celebrities who go gaga over Louis Vuitton include Selena Gomez, the Kardashians, Taylor Swift, Rihanna, and Miranda Kerr. Check out more celebrities who love their LV's below.
Miranda Kerr, Selena Gomez, and Rihanna love their Louis Vuitton purses
Hilary Duff gleefully strolls through the Los Angeles Airport (LAX) with her two-piece Louis Vuitton luggage
Cherries, pinks, and furry things: Kim Kardashian, Reese Witherspoon, and Kelly Osbourne prefer their Louis Vuitton with a dash of cuteness
Taylor Swift dresses up her casual outfit with a Louis Vuitton x Christian Louboutin 'Shopping Bag'
Alicia Vikander, Dita Von Teese, and Christina Milian pick out variations of the infamous LV monogram
For more tips on busting the fake LV's, watch the video below to see how a fake $169 bag compares to a real $1,850 handbag:
Prada bags, known for their classic aesthetics that never go out of style, are unsurprisingly some of the most popular designer bags in the world.
While they come with hefty price tags, these purses are well worth the investment. Prada clutches usually start at around $300 while regular handbags usually cost more than $1,000.
Cahier Leather Shoulder Bag, $2,950 at Farfetch
Unfortunately, counterfeiters make a lot of money by creating fake Prada bags. In November 2019, Prada handbags and other luxury purses worth over $2.2 million were seized at Washington Dulles International Airport.
If you're thinking of ordering a bag from a third-party site, make sure you know you're getting the real thing.
Where to buy Prada bags
If you have been wanting to get your hands on an authentic bag from the Italian luxury fashion house, the websites below are the most popular stores to buy them online.
1. Farfetch
2. Amazon
3. Nordstrom
4. Saks Fifth Avenue
5. Bergdorf Goodman
1. Check the dust bag and authenticity card
Most Prada bags come in a soft flannel or silky dust bag with the Prada logo printed on the front, though there are very few exceptions.
The font used on the dustbag print should be consistent with the Prada fonts used all throughout the bag.
How To Tell If A Vintage Prada Bag Is Real
Lily Allen exiting a Prada store in London on December 19, 2008
Your bag should also come with care booklets and a sealed authenticity card showing the bag's serial number and style information.
Some counterfeiters can also replicate the dust bag and authenticity card, but fake replicas will typically have low-quality prints with uneven spacing and discoloration.
2. Logo kerning and spacing should be even
Prada's logo, which includes the inverted triangle, is one of the most distinguishable designer logos. Genuine Prada bags should have logo plaques that are clearly readable, evenly placed, and secured on the leather.
Prada's logo includes an inverted triangle Fifa 16 key.
The color of the plaque should match the color of the bag's leather. Some styles do not have the inverted triangle logo but instead have the words Prada Milano displayed.
The logo plaque should be easy to read
Check that the kerning or spacing is consistent and the font used is the same in all the other brand markings all over the bag.
3. The inside should have an interior plaque
Aside from the exterior logo plaque, Prada bags also have an interior plaque, which design may differ depending on the bag's style.
Newer bags display Prada Made In Italy
Older styles display 'Prada Milano Made in Italy' done in three lines. Newer styles, however, will have only two lines that read 'Prada Made in Italy.'
Some non-leather styles feature the leather patch on the interior instead of the ceramic plaque.
4. Hardware and zippers are of high quality
The hardware is critical in determining the authenticity of a Prada bag. Some counterfeited purses use cheap zippers and hardware that are prone to discoloration.
The hardware is critical in determining the authenticity of a Prada bag
Genuine bags will display high-quality hardware that can be gold-plated or stainless steel. These should have brand name engravings that are properly spaced and readable.
The engraved brand name, always in bold and capitalized letters, is placed on hardware like buckles, zippers, metal feet, locks, and buttons. Authentic Prada bags use zippers from Lampo, Ykk, Riri, Opti, and Ipi. These brands should be engraved somewhere on the back of the hardware.
5. The lining is embossed fabric or genuine leather
The interior of a genuine Prada bag typically has as much detail as its exterior. Also, the bag's lining showcases a pattern that displays the Prada name horizontally.
Check the interior details and lining
The color of the printed lining should match or complement the bag's exterior color. However, not all styles have this printed lining.
Some bags feature Nappa leather lining, which exhibits a more modern finish.
The printed lining should match or complement the bag's exterior color
6. The leather should feel luxurious
Authentic Pradas are made from the highest quality calf leather, which should feel soft to the touch. Fake leather may look real from afar but it feels rigid and stiff to the touch.
Prada purses are made from the highest quality calf leather
Regardless of the style — classic, ruched, printed, or studded — the leather used on these purses is distinctly rich and supple.
Prada clutches will not display excessively bright and shiny hues
Pay close attention to the colors in printed styles. Fake Prada bags will display excessively bright and shiny hues while original ones would have smooth and even coloration.
Because of the cheap materials used, counterfeit designer bags also tend to feel heavier than originals. Be mindful of the texture and weight of the bags you purchase.
How To Tell If A Vintage Prada Bag Is Real
7. The stitching should be neat and even
One of the telltale signs of a counterfeit Prada bag is messy, uneven stitching. Original Prada purses showcase perfect, even stitches done with a sturdy thread which should be the same color as the bag's leather.
The topstitching on most Prada bags is slightly angled
Notice that the topstitching on most of Prada's bag styles is slightly angled. This is hard to replicate, and most counterfeiters just use a normal straight stitch.
Prada's topstitching is hard to replicate
Be on the lookout for uneven stitching that looks like it's about to come off – a clear sign of poorly made counterfeit Pradas.
Prada Questions and Answers
Where are authentic Prada handbags made?
According to The Wall Street Journal, 'about 20% of Prada's collections—which range from bags and shoes to clothes for men and women—are made in China.'
'Sooner or later, it will happen to everyone because [Chinese manufacturing] is so good,' Italian billionaire fashion designer Miuccia Prada said in an interview.
Prada also manufactures products outside Italy in other cheaper countries such as Vietnam, Turkey, and Romania.
A prime example of traditional Milanese craftsmanship is this black Saffiano leather logo suitcase from Prada featuring top handles, a two-way zip fastening, a front logo plaque, gold-tone hardware, multiple interior compartments, a hanging leather tag, and a sleep mask with pouch
Prada's Arezzo factory in Tuscany, which is responsible for producing much of the leather goods, apparel, and footwear, also employs a lot of Chinese workers.
The New Yorker writes that Italian luxury labels are 'using inexpensive immigrant labor to manufacture handbags that bear the coveted 'Made in Italy' label.'
What does Prada mean?
The Italian luxury fashion house was founded in 1913 by Mario Prada and his brother Martino as Fratelli Prada (English: Prada Brothers). Prada is a habitational name, meaning that the name derives from the inhabited location associated with the person given that name.
Most likely the surname originally derives from Prada de Conflent, the Catalan name for Prades, a commune and a sub-prefecture of the Pyrénées-Orientales department in southern France. Its inhabitants are called Pradéens/Pradéennes in French, and Pradencs/Pradenques in Catalan.
Do Prada bags ever go on sale?
Classic handbags like the Saffiano tote hardly ever go on sale. However, some seasonal bags and discontinued purses can be purchased at Nordstrom Rack and Saks OFF 5TH.
Is Prada an expensive luxury brand?
Yes, Prada bags are expensive. However, bags from Gucci and Chanel usually cost even more.
Celebrity Fans of Prada Handbags
The Milan-based brand is well-loved by many fashionistas and celebrities including the Kardashians, Taylor Swift, and Lily Collins. It's a normal sight to see A-listers using Prada totes to complete their outfits.
Rihanna, Taylor Swift, and Selena Gomez are only some of Hollywood A-listers who love their Prada bags
Sisters Kourtney Kardashian and Kendall Jenner are fans of vintage Prada
Emily Ratajkowski enjoys her an afternoon out with her Prada 'Cahier' bag
Fashion icon Alexa Chung and model Miranda Kerr go for the top handle Prada totes
Even Hollywood youngins Lily Collins and Emma Roberts love Prada
For more tips on spotting a fake from an original Prada bag, you can watch the video below:
