How to identify a fake Louis Vuitton handbag
Every year, the fashion industry loses massive amounts of profit because of the production and distribution of fake merchandise. While it is legal and completely ethical to knock-off a fashion product, producing an identical match is illegal, and in some countries you can be arrested for even purchasing a fake.
Louis Vuitton is a symbol of status and wealth, and their top of the line leather goods have been in production since 1854. Unfortunately, this brand is the most famous for being knocked off, or worse - faked. While many can't afford the retail price of the bags, consumers have taken to resale or auction sites to get their dose of Louis Vuitton. There are real and vintage handbags available for sale on the net, but there's also numerous rip-off sites. Here's a list of things to check before buying that LV bag, if even one thing seems amiss - don't buy it! It is most likely a fake.
Check the monogram
Monogram placement should be symmetrical from side to side and top to bottom. Check the symbols in relations to straps, zippers, seams, etc. Most authentic bags will have the LV logo upside down on one side, caused from the continuous use of leather used througout the design. However, this is not imperative for all styles.
Examine the stitching
Louis Vuitton is very careful about the construction of their bags, and stitching will always be even and regular on all parts of the bag. The same number of stitches should be present on similar locations on the bag. For example, the seam where the strap attaches to the bag.
Country of Origin
Authentic handbags have only ever been made in France, the USA, Spain and Italy. If your bag claims to be made anywhere else, it is definitely a fake.
Labels
Vuitton bags have a very specific label, sewn into the inner of the bag. The specific font used is difficult to fake, but not impossible. See the above picture for a picture of a real Louis Vuitton tag. All inner tags should look like this.
Date Codes
Louis Vuitton only began using date codes in the 1980's to discourage counterfeiters. If your bag has a date code printed, you can look it up and check its authenticity. However, it is not a guarantee that the bag is real, as fakes have been known to carry these codes as well.
Tags
LV has never and will never use a plastic, threaded, or cut out portion of the bag as a tag. If it looks cheap, then it's not real Bags Factory Outlet. Basic rule of thumb.
Know your seller
You can't buy a real LV from someone shouting at you from an alley. You also cannot buy a real LV from a kiosk in the mall. Trust me, this just isn't real. Louis Vuitton also has never sold irregulars, closeouts, clearance bags, or anything of the like. The only other company registered to sell Louis Vuitton besides Louis Vuitton themselves, is anyone else claiming to have wholesale rights is lying. You can, however, find vintage and pre-used Louis Vuitton through Ebay or similar avenues, but be sure to do your research. Ask for additional pictures. Get a guarantee Hermes Bags Outlet. Do your research on the particular bag you are considering. Know what should and shouldn't be present on that model or style, and if it is missing any details, then don't buy it!
Some other great resources for spotting fake Louis Vuitton bags are and
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