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- A vintage specialist with two decades of expertise identifies five key indicators of counterfeit designer bags.
- She notes that luxury handbags from brands like Gucci, Hermes, and Louis Vuitton possess distinct characteristics.
- From scent to hardware quality, here’s what to examine before your next high-end purchase.
This narrative is based on insights shared by Koyaana Redstar, the head of luxury acquisitions at Luxe Du Jour, an online boutique specializing in vintage designer handbags. The content has been edited for brevity and clarity.
I began my journey in the resale market at just 13 years old by selling my mother’s old Kate Spade bags on eBay. After completing my first transaction, I was instantly captivated. The rapid turnover and quick sales were exhilarating.
That initial experience sparked a curiosity within me: “What else can I sell?” Over the years, I’ve worked with Rebag, The RealReal, and various vintage consignment shops. With 20 years in this industry under my belt, I’ve developed techniques to discern specific details about luxury bags simply by examining them closely.
For those less familiar with designer handbags but eager to spot authenticity when browsing through vintage stores, here are some essential tips:
Symmetry Matters
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Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images
The first aspect to consider is symmetry. Luxury brands meticulously design their products; for instance, a Chanel bag’s quilting should be perfectly centered. Check the back pocket—its quilting must align seamlessly with the rest of the bag it’s attached to.
Next up is the front flap; its quilting should also match perfectly. If everything aligns correctly, it’s a strong sign of authenticity. Brands like Gucci ensure their patterns are consistently centered as well as Louis Vuitton’s designs—so always look for that alignment; if it appears off-center at all, it’s best to walk away.
Assessing Hardware Quality
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
Next question: does the hardware feel substantial? Does it produce a satisfying sound when you open or close it or use zippers?
The inferior replicas often lack this auditory quality; instead they sound cheap and hollow due to thin metal construction.< / p >
An authentic piece will exude quality—you’ll handle it and think “This feels luxurious! This is an investment that will last.”< / p >
Scent Checks
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< fig caption > A dark brown Hermes Birkin.< / fig caption >
< p class =" copyright "> Edward Berthelot/Getty Images.< / p >
This may seem unusual but smelling a bag can be quite revealing when verifying its authenticity.< / p >
You want to detect whether there’s an authentic leather scent present—sometimes you can tell just by sniffing! However too strong of a leather smell might indicate something amiss.< / P >
The brand plays into this too—for example Hermes Birkins have such finely treated leather they emit almost perfumed aromas reminiscent of high-end car interiors.< / P >
If instead you catch whiffs akin to being inside a boot store—that’s not ideal! For older Louis Vuitton pieces specifically if there’s any hint resembling Crayola crayons—I’m serious—it likely indicates genuine craftsmanship since aged LV tends towards that nostalgic scent!
Finishing Details Matter
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< fig caption > A Fendi baguette bag.
Jeremy Moeller
< br />Diving deeper into assessing legitimacy involves scrutinizing finishing touches closely:< br />
Does fabric feel lightweight or luxurious? Are seams tidy without fraying edges?< br />
If you’re holding onto something like Fendi baguette—is its texture rich rather than flimsy?< br />
The finer points truly make all difference!
Identifying Screw Types Matters Too!
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Does fabric feel lightweight or luxurious? Are seams tidy without fraying edges?< br />
If you’re holding onto something like Fendi baguette—is its texture rich rather than flimsy?< br />
The finer points truly make all difference!
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