The counterfeiting industry has been on the rise in recent years. Less well known for the handbag market, it still exists and it's well worth talking about to reduce its impact.
With their timeless design, designer items never go out of style. Luxury handbags are made to last a lifetime and for this reason they have more than one owner.
In this article, we will give you 9 tips to help you identify a genuine vintage luxury bag.
Examine the leather
Top brand designers avoid artificial materials and usually opt for high quality natural leathers like calf or lamb leather. Some may also use artificial alternatives to leather in their products.
A silky texture that reflects light, but isn't shiny, is a sign of quality. This does not necessarily mean that the leather is smooth. This natural grain and irregular texture ensures that you are dealing with good leather, rather than a synthetic material.
The different components
The components of different designers have their own unique characteristics. For example, on a Louis Vuitton bag, an embossing is placed on the rivets and zipper of the bag in question.
In addition, you should also pay special attention to the weight of the bag. If it is too light, it is doubtful that its components are of quality. Another aspect to pay attention to is the logo and the writing on the bag, making sure that the format is the right one and that the letters are not thinner than usual.
Serial numbers
Serial numbers are a key to the authenticity of an accessory. A real luxury bag usually has a serial number, which is reliable evidence of its originality and proof that it is unique. This information can be found on the packaging (not on a sticker!) or on a card that comes with the bag, according to codes specific to each workshop - color and positioning of the logo, number of digits in the serial code, etc. Some brands do not list any serial numbers on their accessories, but most do.
Know the brand
Keeping up to date with different brands and knowing their features is essential before buying a luxury bag.
For example, you should know that prior to the 2000s, Chanel did not list serial numbers on their bags. One could then have doubts about the authenticity of the bag, even though it's real. It is therefore worthwhile to get informed and ask experts in case of uncertainty.
The second part of the article covering the next five guidelines will be available next month. Stay tuned! In the meantime, feel free to browse through our platform where all bags and accessories are thoroughly inspected to guarantee their authenticity.
-The Canada Luxury team
