How does one distinguish the authentic louis vuitton bag from a replica?
I'm what my sister considers a "bag whore." For as many bags that I own, one would think that I would have a LV bag in that collection. Faced with the recent economic crisis, I would like to own an affordable (even if second-hand) LV messenger bag, but how can I tell the real from the fake?
Just wanted to say thanks for taking the time to answer. Muchly appreciated!
1. Almost all LV handbags contain an alcantara lining, which is almost like a suede, but a lot softer and appears more velvety looking. The basic colors are taupe/beige (comonly found in the monogram canvas [brown] models), raspberry/red (white multicolor, cherise models), and a gray colroing in the black multicolor. Some models also contain a saffron lining (Flat Shopper Denim series), micro monogram (the solid color leather models), and/or some canvas lining, which keep in mind are in the canvas exterior models. NOTE: There is never a canvas lining in any LV handbag!
2.On many models that contain an outter gussed poscket(s), such as the Manhattan PM/GM and Speedy 30, there should be an LV symbol directly above the closure or lock of the pocket as well as one directly underneath.
3. If you are looking at a bag that contains a main compartment zipper closure, either side of the zipper should contain a pattern that coincides with the pattern on the opposing side of the zipper
These are ones I know for a fact.
but here's a website that I had found earlier to answer the same question you had .... It helped me a lot
http://www.angelfire.com/vt2/vuitton-fakes/
if you can’t tell, why would it matter?
References :
check the tag..
References :
http://reviews.ebay.com/Louis-Vuitton-Is-This-Authentic-Part-1_W0QQugidZ10000000000021258
References :
I think this website should help you:
http://reviews.ebay.com/Louis-Vuitton-Is-This-Authentic-Part-1_W0QQugidZ10000000000021258
There are many parts to it, so make sure you scroll down the bottom and click on the other portions of the text.
I hope I helped!
References :
http://reviews.ebay.com/Louis-Vuitton-Is-This-Authentic-Part-1_W0QQugidZ10000000000021258
1. Almost all LV handbags contain an alcantara lining, which is almost like a suede, but a lot softer and appears more velvety looking. The basic colors are taupe/beige (comonly found in the monogram canvas [brown] models), raspberry/red (white multicolor, cherise models), and a gray colroing in the black multicolor. Some models also contain a saffron lining (Flat Shopper Denim series), micro monogram (the solid color leather models), and/or some canvas lining, which keep in mind are in the canvas exterior models. NOTE: There is never a canvas lining in any LV handbag!
2.On many models that contain an outter gussed poscket(s), such as the Manhattan PM/GM and Speedy 30, there should be an LV symbol directly above the closure or lock of the pocket as well as one directly underneath.
3. If you are looking at a bag that contains a main compartment zipper closure, either side of the zipper should contain a pattern that coincides with the pattern on the opposing side of the zipper
These are ones I know for a fact.
but here’s a website that I had found earlier to answer the same question you had …. It helped me a lot
http://www.angelfire.com/vt2/vuitton-fakes/
References :
http://www.angelfire.com/vt2/vuitton-fakes/
Here are some really amazing guides: http://search.reviews.ebay.com/members/fashionphile_W0QQuqtZg
Your best bet would to go to a reliable resale store to get one.I have a few favorites in the New York City, Boston, and Pittsburgh areas and could give them to you if you want (just email me). If it sounds too good to be true, it most likely is.
Good luck at finding a LV. I have two (one is vintage) and I love them!! And I’m glad you want to buy a real one and aren’t supporting the illegal business of fake bags.
References :
How to distinguish a fake Louis Vuitton bag
Many unsuspecting budget fashionistas spend up to $1000 on “authentic” LV bags that turn out to be fakes. Before purchasing your bag, read these basic rules to determine whether or not it is fake.
1.If it claims to be “brand new” and costs less than $300, most likely it is fake.
2.If the “LV” logo is upright on both sides, it might be a fake.
3.If it’s “brand new” and being sold on eBay or Yahoo! Auctions, there is a good chance it’s fake.
If the piping is not leather, it is fake
5.If the seams are uneven, frayed, the monogram is off or the bag is poorly sewn, it is definitely fake.
6.If there is no date code (a.k.a date number) provided or if the seller is reluctant to provide a date code or receipt, it could be fake.
7.If it’s a new bag and the bag’s handle is a different color leather than that of the piping, it’s fake.
8.If the seller doesn’t allow returns, most likely it’s fake.
9.If you bought it in your local Chinatown or from a street vendor, it’s fake.
10.If the dust cover has rounded edges and/or it doesn’t come with a dust cover, it’s fake.
11.If the bag has a hanging tag (of any type) or a bright yellow tag or envelope, it’s definitely a fake.
12.If you bought the bag on an ecommerce site other than eluxury.com (be careful of eBay), it’s fake.
A real Louis Vuitton is NOT SUEDE on the inside, the authentic one’s have a colored cloth material inside.
You can also tell when the gold on the lock and other parts start to tarnish.
The handles on authentic LV’s start to turn a dark brown from the oil in your skin after a while. The fake one’s remain that orange like color on the handles.
The fake ones always keep their shape. The authentic LV’s start to sag as the leather is worn.
The serial number does not matter. The fake ones have serial numbers too.
he position of the word LV.
Real: The word LV would be centralised, the number of monogram would be the same and spaced out evenly. If there is 2 “LV” word near each handle of the bag, every other real bag would be the same too.
Fake: This wouldn’t be the cast. The LV word wouldn’t be centralised.
Continuity of monogram.
Real: At areas with buttons or a flap, the monogram would still be continuous. When the flap is down, the monogram continues.
Fake: The lazy imitators wouldn’t bother about ensuring the monogram on the flap joins that of the bag.
Zip.
Real: The zip has the word LV on it.
Fake: Wouldn’t have.
Hope this will help you!
References :
http://louisvuitton.blog.co.in/2008/09/04/how-to-distinguish-a-fake-louis-vuitton-bag/