How to Spot a Fake Designer Handbag
If you take a stroll through cities like New
York, Los Angeles, Chicago, or Miami, you are bound to run into someone
selling fake handbags sooner or later. It's one thing to knowingly buy
a fake handbag in order to save your money. The problem occurs when you
purchase the newest Balenciaga Motorcycle bag for $150 thinking that
you've just found the bargain of the century, and then later realize
that you have been ripped off.
The Truth About Knock-Off Designer Handbags
Let
me begin by stating that not all handbags sold from street vendors are
fakes. Sometimes the merchandise is authentic, but stolen. You can be
the judge of what's worse. I personally would rather purchase something
that I know is genuine because there is no worse feeling in this world
than being scammed out of your hard-earned money.
The art of
spotting a fake designer handbag can be a little bit tricky because the
manufacturers of the replicas are getting better and better. Also, the
business of selling replicas has infiltrated the internet as well, so
attention to detail is everything. There are essentially three
fool-proof ways to discern a knock-off from the real thing:
1.) Fabric quality. Genuine designer bags are expensive partly because they
are made from the finest leathers and fabrics available. Therefore, if
your new handbag is made out of really stiff or uneven leather, it's
fake. If it isn't a leather bag, you can still tell that it is a
knock-off if the fabric is discolored or flimsy.
2.) The Label.
An authentic purse will have its label stitched into the interior. A
common practice of counterfeiters is to attach the label so that it
either hangs from the interior or the handle. Fake labels are also made
in a low quality fashion so be on the lookout for misspellings and
other inconsistencies in the print.
3.) Details, details,
details. Fashion houses pride themselves on paying attention to even
the most minute detail in order to ensure premium quality.
Counterfeiters on the other hand cannot afford this type of dedication.
Therefore, scan any handbag you purchase for errors in intricacy. For
example, are the handles even? Is the logo straight? Does each zipper
function properly? Is the stitching complex and consistent?
Real or Fake?