Pictured: From left to right: LV Beaubourg tote in Damier Ebene, LV Speedy in Damier Azur, and the LV Tadao tote in Damier Graphite. You can also find it in other colors like graphite. Hermes uses a letter within a shape to determine the year the bag was made. Locate the “made in” stamp imprinted in the leather on the bag. Inspecting the hardware is the easiest way to figure out if a product is fake because you will know if the zipper, etc., are made of plastic or other fiber materials and coated with gold color. Verifying the LV bag’s date code is real and matches the “made in” stamp is a major authentication checkbox. If you want to double-check your results use the information below or our Louis Vuitton Date Code Bible. e, ©2020 CODO, Inc. LV bags are rumored to be made of vinyl, but they are not, it has to be pure leather. We've put together a simple step-by-step guide to be sure. In general, most fake Louis Vuitton bags will have very poor quality hardware. They are slid into little pockets inside the bag. The quickest way to spot fake Louis Vuitton Alma bags is to analyze the label which says “LOUIS VUITTON / PARIS / MADE IN FRANCE” on the braces of the LV bag. The answer is simple: the qualities that made LV’s travel trunks so amazing are still present in today’s LV handbags. I don’t have my receipts anymore and I don’t see any stitch code of authenticity inside my bags. Inside the handbag you will find a leather label with a “Louis Vuitton Paris” stamp. In other words, Louis Vuitton is unique from other designer labels in that their handbags are extremely durable and will retain their shape and rigid posture even after decades. Look for the stamp pressed directly into the leather of your bag. Damier Ebene Canvas bags have a red lining made of microfiber whereas monogram canvas bag has a brown cotton lining. Knowing your materials is a great way of telling authentic LV from the counterfeits. For a quick and easy authenticity check on an LV stamp, examine the relationship between the L and O in Louis, as well as the ® symbol. Caution: Perfectly straight stitches on a Louis Vuitton bag were likely machine-made, which means it may be a counterfeit. 5. Also, Louis Vuitton uses hardware of the highest quality, which is invariably strong, heavy, and sturdy. But this is a handbag guide; why are we talking about Louis Vuitton trunks, you may ask? So whether you’re buying online or from a pre-loved store, here are the things you need to know in order to tell a fake Louis Vuitton Pochette Metis from the real one. The authentic bag uses a font that is smaller and has finesse engraving. Year manufactured: 2021 - present Features: As of March 1st 2021, all Louis Vuitton bags or small leather goods manufactured no longer include the LVMH tried and true, physical date codes.In lieu of their hot stamped or debased date codes, microchips have been introduced by the brand primarily to stop counterfeits and help with repairs. Note the golden patina color that the leather took on over time, as well as the honey mustard color of the stitching. Louis Vuitton is the most counterfeited designer brand on the market today.. The following authentication steps apply to LV handbags ranging from 20-30 years vintage to LV bags made for the 2020 and 2021 collections. I know it might sound like too much work, but hey, if you are investing on these, and not walking into an LV store or dealer, you gotta do what you gotta do. We have to give it to brands like Louis Vuitton – one, for creating legendary pieces, and two, for the efforts they put in to uniquely ratify their merchandise. 55 Lewis St, Showroom 1 Before 2007, it used to be two letters followed by the month of manufacturing and year. What if my Louis Vuitton bag does not have a date code? Louis Vuitton’s Empreinte Monogram is very similar to Gucci’s Guccissima leather, whereby soft, supple and luxurious calf leather is imprinted with the brand’s logo. Established in 1999 as the world’s largest and oldest designer authentication company, My Poupette has a list of online eBay sites that sell fake designer Louis Vuitton handbags. The quality of the date code is one of the most important things to take note of when you’re buying a Louis Vuitton product. It appears that your cart is currently empty! Louis Vuitton uses the best materials of the finest quality, which is quite apparent. l Ensure that the stitching looks even and symmetrical, and that there is no fraying or otherwise any unsightliness. For example, FL2079 – where FL stands for the factory it was manufactured at in the United States; the first and 3rd numbers represent the week (25th week) it was manufactured, while the second and fourth numbers represent the year, which is 2009. Greenwich, CT, 06830 USA, G There have been many lines of these designer products produced over the years. Caution: If a brand new or a pre-owned Louis Vuitton bag slouches, chances are it's not real. Do all LV bags […] Read on to find out all about it. This bag was made in March 2005. Probably not everyone knows that in the Louis Vuitton stores you can check the authenticity of the bag. Louis Vuitton uses a combination of letters and numbers to determine the location and the precise time the bag was made - down to the week of the year! When you purchase a luxury bag like a Louis Vuitton, you are paying for top-notch quality. Ask for more pictures. MyPoupette.com has a list of fake bag sellers on eBay that you should avoid if you want a real Louis Vuitton purse and not a fake one.. So, FA1102 would mean it was made in a factory in Switzerland, in October 2012. Pictured: Monogram Empreinte is a classy way to make a statement. The Louis Vuitton Pochette Metis is one of the most in-demand luxury handbags today. The fake Damier bags have the squares looking too wide and too big, and the Monogram bags have the “LOUIS VUITTON” text inside the squares looking less visible and defined. Thank you for your question Donald, You probably meant that you purchased the luggage from a Louis Vuitton store. https://blog.theluxurycloset.com/2017/07/17/spot-fake-neverfull SP0053 = Made in France, year 03, month 05. o However, there are some pieces that are made of a separate canvas, and they have the upside down symbols. Real LV bags never use tan or brown suede linings. When you think designer copies, Louis Vuitton handbags are probably one of the first to come to mind. The bags are increasingly rare and can only be bought through the resale designer handbag market, with their price only increasing over time, making this an excellent collector’s item and asset.. Pictured: The multicolor monogram LV Speedy designed by Takashi Murakami. How to tell if Louis Vuitton bag is real or fake??? The stitching around the stamp should also be clean and consistent: loose threads, uneven stitches or an asymmetrical stamp are all red flags of a fake handbag. If the finish of the stitches looks sloppy, count them on either side, and that will give you a clear picture. Limited edition and now discontinued, the multicolor monogram was originally offered in 2003. Be sure to take a very close look at the font shape, spacing and the quality of the stamp itself, because this is one thing counterfeiters very often get wrong. This bag was made in the 38th week of 2007. The early 1980s – numbers preceded the letters – anywhere between three to four numbers followed by two letters. There are tons out there. One of Louis Vuitton’s more youthful and fun offerings, monogram vernis or “varnish” is made from calfskin leather coated in a shiny patent layer. Pre-owned Louis Vuitton handbags should still retain the same qualities as they had when brand new, albeit they may have some patina depending on the age (many Louis Vuitton lovers actually prefer the golden honey patina color.). The newest of its collection goes like this – two letters, followed by four digits. Identify fake Louis Vuitton bags by studying the shade of the trim. I meet with Closet Revival Resale Shop owner, Cynthia Riley, to discuss how to tell if a Louis Vuitton bag is real or fake. If you are not very familiar with them, it will be difficult for you to know for sure which one is real and which one is a replica Louis Vuitton.. Enter Louis Vuitton Date Code. The first thing you should notice is the style of the letters. We only authenticate the handbags that we sell and do not offer authentication services otherwise. Just like everything else on a Louis Vuitton bag, the stitching should be flawless. If you know how to read Louis Vuitton date codes, you know that the bag was made in Spain in 2018. Louis Vuitton products are no exception. If your bag is missing this stamp, then it is likely a fake. After working in Marketing and Business Development for a few years, Pratima Ati jumped ship to pursue two things she loved – fashion and writing. For more information on how to tell the authenticity of your Louis Vuitton bag, visit an authorized Louis Vuitton retailer (a boutique at your local high-end mall), or call the Louis Vuitton headquarters at (212) 758-8877. The exception to this general rule are specially made-to-order bags, which use code AAS, and some vintage Louis Vuitton handbags. A new and real Louis Vuitton Bag will showcase pale beige handles, which gradually turns darker with age due to oxidization. How can I authenticate a Louis Vuitton bag if I’m buying it online? Artsy is one of Louis Vuitton's most popular bags. In fact, some are colored plastic! VI0998 = Made in France, year 98, month 09. LV bags do not have serial numbers, and that is what puts them apart from a lot of brands, plus it is easy to identify a fake. It was a special collaboration between Louis Vuitton and artist Takashi Murakami, inspired by bright summer tropical colors. Caution: If the material of Monogram Canvas feels like leather, it’s a fake. Authentic Louis Vuitton bags are hand-stitched. There should be a slight angle to each stitch - be wary of any bag that has perfectly straight stitches, as this is a sign it was machine-made and counterfeit. Louis Vuitton Pochette Main parts. At 1960$+tax retail price you do not wanna risk, right? It’s totally unique among other LV bags not only in appearance but also in its durability. I brought a set of luggage 20 years ago, I want to sale 3 pieces. The body of an authentic LV pochette is made of monogram canvas marked with a gold shade. The French fashion house gained immense popularity from its luxury trunks, which featured the brand’s signature treated canvas. So, if you are buying from a retailer and want to know if it is legit merchandise, ask these questions. Across Louis Vuitton’s wide array of handbags, the materials, hardware and build quality are very similar. This material is relatively durable compared to leathers of other designers, but it will not stand up to the elements as well as the monogram canvas. You should always be mindful that some counterfeiters - especially the crafty ones behind the very convincing replicas known as super fakes - know of Louis Vuitton’s date code system and can copy it on their fake bags. The piping and handles of authentic LV bags are constructed from vachette leather, a natural colored cowhide that deepens to a rich honey color with time. Louis Vuitton is also known to burn all rejected merchandise, so be wary of that too. The four numbers are also very important, because they encode the date your handbag was made - Louis Vuitton gets it down to the exact week of any given year on newer bags and down to the month on older ones. Yulia Omelich  Updated on    Jan 11, 2021. You’d have your answer. If it appears shifted too far from the center line between the V and U, this is likely a fake. However, a lot of knockoffs might try and randomly replicate this information, so doubly check if the condition of the bag, the design, model, series, and hardware are all in sync. You don’t have to be an authenticating agency to understand any of this. Visit MyPoupette.com. Moreover, the date code is in line with this collection cause this Grace Coddington Catogram collection was released in 2018. She’s now a full-time Fashion & Lifestyle writer and has never looked back ever since. Louis Vuitton bags, suitcases or any other merchandise do not come with tags like other brand products. ), the two “T’s” are very close together - almost to the point where they appear to touch (TT) but not quite, and the font style is thin and sharp. The signature materials are Monogram canvas, Damier Ebene, and Damier Azur, which are all perfect canvases for handbags because they are waterproof, durable, and can be cleaned easily. Distant “T’s” and oval-shaped “O’s” are an instant red flag of a fake. LV luggage is very collectible and also is quite practical and durable. Below are the most common materials Louis Vuitton makes its handbags from: The most recognizable Louis Vuitton aesthetic, the LV monogram canvas, has been a classic for over 100 years. Louis Vuitton original merchandise never goes on sale. This is a … https://realstyle.therealreal.com/real-louis-vuitton-lv-speedy-bag Observing how clean and precise the imprinting is on hardware will also be a giveaway for many fakes. That, and her training in Indian classical music and playing (learning) the veena keep her sane, civil, and bearable. There are some brand basics we need to know to save ourselves from embarrassment, if anything. Resale and Refashion: How to Address the Fashion Industry’s Dirtiest Secret. So, if the code goes 8211CA – it means that it was manufactured in November 1982 in a factory in Spain. A Great Video Showing How Louis Vuitton Bags are Made Compare the wallet to the same model on Louis Vuitton’s website. The date codes are a rather new invention, and thus you won’t find date codes on vintage bags made before 1980. Monogram canvas is supposed to feel rigid and durable, not soft and supple. They have date codes, which follow a nomenclature that cannot be messed with. There’s this and a lot more to know about ensuring you get an authentic Louis Vuitton. o On the left is a vintage example, so some patina and wear on the stamped leather label is normal. Brand new Louis Vuittons should be perfect: the handles should be sturdy and symmetrical and the bag shouldn’t slouch. Hence, this article provides a short guide on how to spot some types of authentic LV bags from fake ones. We are also oblivious to the fact that LVs never go on sale and other little details (like stolen or damaged products are not resold locally) that are supposed to make a product a Louis Vuitton (*cringes, and regrets all the shopping from Chinatown). That is why we always recommend enlisting the help of a professional authenticator when possible. Stitches on LV bags are even, regular, and consistent. g Some obvious, and some, well, a little trickier to catch. So, how can you tell if the Louis Vuitton Speedy bag that you are about to buy online is the real deal? You should also note that the bag’s posture and shape has a lot to do with the material it’s made from. In fact, the treated canvas used on those vintage trunks is the same as is used on LV’s signature handbags, like the Speedy or Neverfull. The authentic ones will run closer to burgundy (but not quite) while counterfeits will usually be a brighter shade of red. Also, you can check the ® symbol for its placement. Check the print on your bag. You can easily tell a fake Louis Vuitton bag from an original one from the shade of the trim. Copyright © 2011 - 2021 Incnut Digital. e, Liquid error: Could not find asset snippets/pagination-custom.liquid. How the bag looks is an incredibly important first step when authenticating a Louis Vuitton, because you should immediately know that slouching, creasing, strange proportions and an otherwise imperfect appearance is a huge red flag. You will likely come across this style in Damier Ebene (brown/black canvas) or Damier Azur (white/blue canvas). Finally, stitch count is important when conducting a Louis Vuitton authenticity check. Telling the fake Louis Vuitton from the real McCoy takes a good eye, some patience and a little product knowledge. Look to see if your Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas purse comes with a yellow authenticity card, a tag or canvas sample swatch attached anywhere to the item. How to Authenticate a Christian Dior Bag? While Louis Vuitton monogram canvas is known to be near-indestructible, the vernis is much more fragile and susceptible to scratches and scuffs. 15 Best Soft-Sided Cooler Bags For All Seasons, 8 Best Longline Strapless Bras For Comfort And Fit In 2021, Walk Confidently With The 11 Best Bras For Low-Cut Dresses In 2021, 11 Best Post-Mastectomy Bras For Breast Cancer Survivors. g MI3087 = Made in France, year 07, week 38. How, though? - YouTube. It is easily one of Louis Vuitton's most eye-catching designs of all time. This is the same for Louis Vuittons made in 2021: i.e. Authentic zipper is on the left, while the counterfeit zipper is on the right. Another feature Louis Vuitton keeps consistent among all of its handbags is the stamping. Note: This calculator is in beta as we work to upload all the data for Louis Vuitton date code sequences. Louis Vuitton bags are made with a single big canvas without seams anywhere, not even at the bottom of the bags. So, if the date code says SA (Italy), the tag cannot say Made in France or Spain. Counterfeiting is also so rampant because most of us (read #louisvuittonlovers and #louisvuittondreamers) cannot distinguish between a fake and an original. The date code should be aligned with the ‘Made In (country)” tag. Founded in 1854, Louis Vuitton is one of the oldest luxury fashion retailers in the world. Louis Vuitton has made so many different types of handbags over the years that it would require a book to detail authentication steps for each bag. Thank you! The best way to determine if a Louis Vuitton is real or fake is to have the bag professional authenticated. Discover everything you need to know about the new microchips including who can scan the chips, if they’re tracking you, and what this means for the pre-loved market here . This incredible quality and durability is what makes Louis Vuitton handbags so desirable and expensive; however, with this demand and exclusivity comes the desire of counterfeiters to sell cheaply made fakes. Another important characteristic of authentic Louis Vuitton handbags is the color of the stitching. When you think of a Louis Vuitton, what probably comes to mind is either a Speedy, Alma or Neverfull in the trademark LV monogram brown canvas. Since the 1980s Louis Vuitton began using a proprietary date code system to detail where and when its handbags were made. The L and O are very close together on authentic LV stamps. Sometimes, they pass off as poetry too! Use these pictures as a reference point: all authentic LV stamps, should look like this. Pictured: Two examples of authentic Louis Vuitton interior stamping. I have read many blogs, but your style is so impressive to me. The interior Louis Vuitton logo is embossed inside your handbag – it is clear, concise and nearly perfect. You should be able to see and smell the luxury and quality exuded by this lovely material. If you are purchasing from an online retailer, it’s quite a tricky situation, so do not pay in full unless you get hold of the bag. Louis Vuitton coats its threads in a special type of resin to add extra durability and weather-resistance; this resin also gives authentic LV stitching a distinct mustard-yellow color. Please see your email for a welcome message. Certain areas, like the point where the handles attach to the handbag, should have 3 or 5 stitches going along the top of the tab attaching the handles to the handbag, depending on the model. I bookmarked your page to reference your guides in the future. DU2037 = Made in France, year 07, week 23. Try and get some of your basics right and do not fall for a fake. Real; Fake; A fake Louis Vuitton bag usually doesn’t get this right, with the date code embossed deeply in bigger font size. I recently purchased a pre-owned Louis Vuitton purse and wanted help to find out of it is authentic or not. Ask your seller to share pictures, and a lot of them. All of Louis Vuitton’s products are listed on their website. No, they have date codes. 1. For, an LV addict knows a fake when she sees one. G Handles. Two examples of authentic Louis Vuitton interior stamping. It lasts only few days. Never trust a seller promising to sell the latest collection that has not been released. Louis Vuitton coats its threads in a special type of resin to add extra durability and weather-resistance; this resin also gives authentic LV stitching a distinct mustard-yellow color. While this guide is a great way to educate yourself on many key factors in authenticating Louis Vuitton, there is no replacement for a trained authenticator who can literally determine an authentic bag from a fake one while blindfolded based on the smell of the bag. 3 Check if the monogram on the bag is in a … Caution: Style of letters are an easy give away when it comes to counterfeiting. Note the mustard yellow color of the stitching, as well as the slight angle of each stitch. And, when your gut tells you that something is not right, it probably isn’t. StyleCraze provides content of general nature that is designed for informational purposes only. The Alma has exactly 5 stitches on top of each tab (pictured) where the handles attach to the body of the bag. Bags made from 1990-2006 work in a similar way, except the first and third numbers represent the month of the year the bag was made, not the week. * Please note: codes FL and SD are used in bags made in both USA and France, and code SA is used in bags made in both Italy and France. As of March 2021, all Louis Vuitton bags will now NOT feature a date code, but instead will have a microchip featured in the lining of the bag / small leather good (SLG). codes FL and SD are used in bags made in both USA and France, and code SA is used in bags made in both Italy and France. That’s a big red flag. DU0211 would be an example of an LV date code for a bag made in France in the 1st week (first and third digits 0 & 1) in the year 2021 (second and fourth digits 2 & 1). If there is an obvious, noticeable gap between the L and O, this is a red flag. Monogram Vernis Leather, Electric Leather, Damier Carbon are all additions to the classics. Yes, I had no clue either and lived with that regret for a long time. This bag was made in the 23rd week of 2007. 20 Bestselling Handbags You Need To Get Your Hands On Right Now! https://www.lollipuff.com/easy-louis-vuitton-bag-authentication-guide If you do not have the possibility to buy bag in the official store and planing to buy neverfull through the Internet, I invite you to read my article: how to spot a fake Louis Vuitton Neverfull bag… Next is another signature Louis Vuitton style: the Damier or “checkerboard” canvas. Even at the crevices of the handle tabs, the number of stitches on the bag are exact on both the sides of the handles. Do not confuse it for leather: while the monogram canvas is incredibly luxurious to the touch, it should not have any leather grains. Contrary to popular belief, LV bags have upside down symbols in some of their models – like Papillons, Speedy styles, etc. Thank you Rachel for your message. On the right you will see a modern example, but what stands out the most is that even on the vintage example, the stamped letters are just as clear and crisp as on the modern one - a testament to authentic Louis Vuitton stamp quality. All rights reserved. Authentic Louis Vuitton Bags always include a stamp that says “Louis Vuitton” and “made in France” (or another country if it was made elsewhere) underneath it. On authentic Louis Vuitton stamps, the font is as follows: the “L” has a short base, the “O’s” are big and round (not oval! So, unless they are pre-owned or from an older series being sold by a seller, do not trust the reduced prices. Chanel uses a sequence of numbers for date code, and this works as a serial number and can be used in the authentication process. Louis Vuitton bags are made in France, USA, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and Spain. Let us know by dropping in a text in the comment section below. Louis Vuitton Empreinte leather was introduced in 2010, and was an instant hit. Date codes are unique manufacturing codes about products of brands. Most of the time, on the fake LV Alma bags, you will see that the interior tag has the text looking different than the … They are quite telling if you look closely. Other interesting trivia – if you look closely, you can easily spot a fake. Is the Bag’s Patina Right For It’s Age If you have any doubts about what a wallet is supposed to look … Like the Vachetta leather trim often found on LV monogram canvas handbags, the resin on authentic LV handbags will also develop a patina with age, but this will only act to darken the hue. Below are the top 11 indicators that can help you determine if you have a fake Louis Vuitton Keepall bag or the real deal. A new real Louise Vuitton bag showcases a couple of handles in a pale beige shade that gradually turns darker. Getting to know the qualities that most, if not all LV handbags share is a great way to weed out the fakes that you are likely to come across when shopping for your next Louis. Hats off for your engaging and informative writing. There are many different techniques to tell if a Louis Vuitton is real but unless you are an expert collector these four main ones should be able to steer you in the right direction of purchase of a pre-owned Louis Vuitton bag. Other details like the cut of the D-rings to fit the specific hardware that sits perfectly on the leather interlocks without allowing too much space for movement are unique characteristics of the brand and its bags.