My friend, when you think about real and fake MK bags, it’s important to know the tell-tale signs that you’ve got your hands on a genuine item. Picking up a genuine bag, that will stand the test of time, isn’t only a question of snobbery, but really an investment in a quality item of clothing. But how can you really tell real from fake?
Well, firstly, when it comes to the quality of the material, there is a big difference between the real McCoy and pilot run knockups. Knock-off bags tend to be made of cheaper materials such as vinyl, which ages quickly, and looks artificial even when new. On the other hand, real Michael Kors bags are made with genuine leather or suede, and the workmanship offered by the signature label is second to none. Not only do genuine bags look better in the short-term, but the materials used, coupled with the way the bag is put together, means that your investment will pay off in the long-term too.
Zippers provide another way to differentiate between the two. Real MK bags use YKK zippers, and if ever you feel any resistance when opening and closing the zipper, it’s a sure sign that you’ve got a genuine item on your hands. Knock-off bags are more likely to use cheap, poor quality zipper, which can get jammed pretty quickly, reducing their longevity.
Another drawback of cheap knock-offs is the less than ideal stitching. The stitches are usually made of a cheaper thread, meaning that they are more likely to fray and come undone with heavy usage. Real MK bags, on the other hand, will have neat, even stitches that will remain that way for months or even years.
Finally, branding is a huge giveaway when it comes to distinguishing real from fake. A real MK bag will have the brand logo proudly displayed and embossed in the leather. Knock-offs, unfortunately, are rarely diligent when it comes to these details and often feature hand-drawn logos, or worse still, no logo at all!
The first thing you should do when presented with a bag is to check the serial number or other item identification number. All real Michael Kors bags have unique serial numbers that will be included in the inner pouch of the bag. In addition, the item identification number should be provided on the HMRC receipt or original sales document. Another way you can check the authenticity of the bag is to compare it to an image of a real Michael Kors bag available online.
A furtive glance at the material will give you a good clue as to whether it is the genuine article. Real MK bags feature premium quality leather or suede and will feel luxurious and soft to the touch. Any cheaper materials such as vinyl or canvas should ring alarm bells in your head that it’s a fake.
Interior lining is yet another aspect to take into consideration when buying a bag. Fake MK bags will have an exposed interior lining made of cheaper fabrics that will start to show signs of wear and tear sooner rather than later. On the other hand, real Michael Kors bags will have an appealing leather coating throughout the interior and it’s a good rule of thumb to compare it with another genuine bag to check that it is of the same quality.
Last, but not least, when you are buying a real bag, always make sure it comes with a dust cover that has Michael Kors printed on it; this is only provided with real bags and it should also be made with the same materials as the bag itself.
So, what’s the bottom line when it comes to real and fake MK bags? Don’t cut corners- make sure you are getting the genuine article for your money. Only then will you get quality material, flawless workmanship and a bag that you won’t have to replace anytime soon.
Now, another important aspect to consider when talking about handmade bags is the craftsmanship. For a fine handmade bag, the craftsmanship would be second to none – from the cut of the leather, the shape of the seams, to the way the pieces are stitched together. A real MK bag will exude sophistication and precision; it won’t be perfect, but should be flaw free with no visible signs of inconsistencies or misalignments.
The bag handles are also an essential component to take into account. Real MK bags will usually feature premium quality handles, with firm stitching and a substantial feel; these are components that cheap imitators are unlikely to replicate.
Furthermore, it’s important to look at the details of the handles to make sure they have been put together perfectly. Real MK bags have detachable handles that when unscrewed will have the imprint of the Michael Kors logo, something which is nearly impossible to duplicate on a fake.
Hardware used to attach buckles, locks and zippers also varies in quality. Genuine MK bags will feature metals that are polished to a smooth finish, with hardly any imperfections; whereas the hardware used on fake replicas will be dull or unfinished in comparison.
Finally, the markings on the Michael Kors bag are a surefire way to tell if it is authentic or a counterfeit. The MK logo will be prominently displayed on bags, and it will be consistent throughout each item. On the contrary, fake MK bags will either have the logo missing, or in some cases, have a blurred or misaligned copy.
Obviously, cost is a huge factor and one of the first outward signs of authenticity. Real MK bags are usually expensive, and for good reason. The quality of the material, the craftsmanship and the brand reputation will be reflected in the price. Knock-off bags are substantially cheaper, usually made of cheaper material, with a less meticulous attention to detail.
But, if you’re set on getting the real deal without breaking the bank, there are a couple of things you can do. Firstly, most luxury bag brands have an array of outlets that offer reduced prices on last season’s designs. Or, you can shop around online – some online portals offer considerable discounts on certain items, and dimming the cost of even their latest designs.
Another option is to shop at local flea markets. These marketplaces often offer genuine pieces of merchandise at a fraction of the price. Always make sure you do a thorough inspection of the bag before purchasing it; you want to know exactly what you’re being offered and the value of the item as well.
In addition, auction websites are a great source for deals on real Michael Kors bags. This is because most of the time these items are second hand, so they are discounted in comparison to buying them new.
To sum it up, it’s easier to tell a real Michael Kors bag from a fake one if you know what to look for. First look at the quality of the materials, the stitching, the zippers, and the logos. Additionally, you can ask for the item identification number or serial number to make sure it’s legitimate. Last, but not least, always research ahead of time to get the best price on real MK bags.