One of my close friends recently gifted me a Louis Vuitton overnight bag for my birthday. At first I was ecstatic, I mean c’mon, a Louis Vuitton, so awesome! But then I started to think, is it real or a fake?
I’d heard about fakes before but never thought I’d be in the position where I’d be given one. So I started to do some research and really try and find out if it was genuine or not. After all, I didn’t want to be caught out with my new bag.
I stopped by my local Louis Vuitton store to see what the staff said. I showed them the bag and said I wasn’t sure if it was real or not. Instantly one of the staff members pointed something out that I hadn’t seen before. It turns out, my friends bag was actually a replica, it had a slightly different logo, and the stitching around the base wasn’t a perfect match to the authentic bags.
I felt so deflated, how could I have been so naïve and mistake a replica for the real thing? I just couldn’t believe it. Still, I couldn’t be too angry or upset with my friend, it was a classic case of ‘buyer beware’. I thanked the staff for their help and went on my way.
I decided to take a closer look into how to spot an LV overnight bag fake. It’s a good thing to know, given Ulta and Ebay are full of knock-offs that can easily be mistaken for the real thing.
Firstly, it’s important to know what the original bag looks like. Take a good look at the handles, zipper, pockets, lining, and logo – these are all details that will help you tell the difference between a real and fake bag.
Secondly, I’d recommend checking the quality of the leather and the hardware used. Real bags have high quality finishes, even if they may be slightly worn with time. The stitches should be precise, and any plastic pieces should have a spongy, flexible feel. Anything that looks too shiny or has hard edges likely means it’s a fake.
Thirdly, check the bag’s serial number and other authenticity markings. Real Louis Vuitton bags that are sold in stores should have a date code and serial number inside the bag.
Lastly, make sure that the bag you’re buying comes with the dustbag, receipt, and all acessories. All of these are protective measures that come with the product and are specific to Louis Vuitton.
I hope my experience has helped you spot a fake overnight bag. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so try and do your research before buying anything. With these tips, you can ensure you don’t get stuck with a replica.