Closet Chat: How to Spot Knock-off Handbags
The following is a guest column by Kara Forrest. Do you want to write an article? Email info@klahaniecommunity.com
Q: How can you tell if a handbag is fake or real?
A: This is one of the most frequent questions I receive as owner of a designer consignment boutique. The quick answer is that, unfortunately, there is no quick answer. It depends upon dozens of factors and each specimen must be examined individually on its merits. Through process of elimination, though, you can spot most fakes. Some general things to look for include:
1. Lining: A quick peek inside the bag will expose many a fake bag. Quality designers give as much attention to the craftsmanship of their insides as their outsides. Beware of plain black polyester lining. There are some design quirks for each manufacturer. For example, Coach will never use a “C” pattern both inside and outside of its bags.
2. Hardware: Tap any exposed metal such as O Rings and buckles with your fingernail. Give the surface a scratch. Often, knockoffs use cheap coated plastic, rather than good quality metal. Coach, for example, will not use any O Rings which have breaks or gaps in them — they will be one seamless “O”.
3. Stitching: Examine the construction very closely. You will not find a crooked seam on a Dior bag, for example.
4. Date or Serial Stamp: A contemporary designer bag will almost always have one of these. Vintage styles, from a time when knock-offs weren’t as much of a problem, may not. Keep in mind that the mere presence of a stamp does not mean it is authentic.
Detecting a knock-off can be complex, but examining a bag closely with even just the above four pointers in mind can help you.
Yours in High Fashion,
Kara Forrest
Fashion Stylist
Kara Forrest offers complimentary fashion consultations for Klahanie Residents. Feel free to visit her if you’d like assistance creating a whole new look, or even if you simply have a certain blouse you need help pairing up. E-mail your style questions to: info@closetaddiction.ca, and Kara may answer your question in an upcoming edition of “Closet Chat”.
Closet Addiction Designer Consignment Boutique
2231 Clarke Street, Port Moody
#604.931.4442 // www.ClosetAddiction.ca
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