How to Identify an Authentic Louis Vuitton Bag in South Africa
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Vogue has referred to the brand as an “It” bag. The Birkin and other Haute Vogue-types have placed it on their list of the top 100 must-have bags. You’ll find an LV bag that suits your style and taste. When you shop for a Louis Vuitton bag, you will be spoilt for choice with all the different models, colors, and sizes available. However, if you intend to buy a genuine article—and not a knockoff—some telltale signs help you identify it as such. Here’s what to look for when purchasing your own Louis Vuitton bag:
The LV Monogram is Authentic and Prominent
The Louis Vuitton monogram is the brand’s signature and has had many variations over the years. If a monogram is printed on the outside of the bag, it should be large and clear. However, if it’s written inside the bag, it’s a definite red flag. If you’re buying a pre-owned bag and want to check for authenticity, you can use this website to identify the bag’s monogram: https://bagmarks.net/. You can either enter the bag’s model name or enter the serial number from the bag. Some websites will also allow you to enter the bag’s serial number, so you can check to see if it’s authentic.
No Visible Signs of Wear and Tear
One of the telltale signs that a bag is a knockoff is visible signs of wear and tear, such as faded or peeling colors. It’s unlikely that a bag less than a year old will have these types of wear and tear. If there’s no visible fading or peeling, it’s safe to assume that the bag is genuine. Additionally, a knockoff bag may have the wrong tags, or the stitching might be uneven. If you’re buying from an authorized reseller, they should offer some warranty or guarantee. You can also ask them to write up a receipt for the bag, which will help you prove it’s genuine if you need to.
Brand New Condition With no Dents or Scratches
If a bag has apparent signs of being used and handled, it’s a knockoff. You should be able to see scratches on the handles, dents on the hardware, and a worn look on the leather. If a bag is authentic, it’s safe to assume it was handled and used with care. That being said, there may be a few minor scratches or signs of wear and tear, such as signs of being rubbed against something. If the bag is new, there should be no signs of wear and tear, no dents or scratches on the hardware, and no signs of fading on the leather. The bag should also have the original dust bag and care instructions.
The Serial number is Unblemished.
Authentic Louis Vuitton bags have serial numbers printed on the outside or inside of the bag. If you can’t find a serial number, it’s a red flag that the bag could be a knockoff. The serial number is like a tracking number for the bag so Louis Vuitton can track its movements from the factory to the store. If a bag doesn’t have a serial number, it may have been manufactured at an unauthorized plant and maybe a knockoff. This is one way to know if the bag is authentic, but it’s not foolproof. Some knockoff bags have the serial numbers ironed or sewn over. Others have the serial numbers printed over the wrong numbers, or the numbers are in a different location than where they should be.
Solid Brass Hardware
Authentic Louis Vuitton bags have brass hardware instead of silver or brass-plated hardware. However, some bags were manufactured with silver hardware, including the Keepall, Keepall 50, and Keepall Bandouliere. If the bag you’re looking at has silver hardware, it’s not a red flag that it’s a knockoff. It simply means that it’s not a real Louis Vuitton. Fake bags often have gold or brass-plated hardware, so it’s best to check the bag’s hardware against the above list to see if it’s authentic. If you’re buying a pre-owned bag and unsure of its authenticity, you may want to consider replacing the hardware to avoid any issues in the future. This can be done through Louis Vuitton, but you will have to pay a fee.
The Stitching Should be Even
The stitching on authentic bags should be even and consistent, with no loose threads. If the stitching is wobbly or uneven, it’s likely not genuine. Some knockoff bags have bag stitching (the stitching on the outside of the bag) that’s uneven, but the inside stitching can be even. If the stitching on the inside bag’s inside doesn’t match the side, it’s likely a knockoff. Authentic bags have zigzag stitching on the outside that’s the same on the inside. In addition, the stitches are normally two inches long, but longer stitches aren’t a telltale sign of a knockoff.
Summary
If you’re buying a pre-owned bag and want to know if it’s authentic, you’ll want to check for the above signs. If you’re buying a new suitcase, always ensure it’s authentic. You may want to buy a bag that’s been recently released; then, you can be sure it’s authentic because it’s unlikely that knockoff bags would be available so soon after it’s made available to the public.
