My best friend recently splurged on a Balenciaga City Bag – and fell head-over-heels for it. She beamed each time she opened her closet and saw her new accessory glimmering at her in all its grandeur. She felt so luxe with the statement piece, but I was a bit skeptical – was it original or fake?
It’s always hard to tell the difference between the two; one of the main indicators being price. You know the saying, ‘if it’s too good to be true, it probably is’. To guarantee an authentic Balenciaga bag, you have to be willing to shell of the bucks required to buy genuine.
My friend soon realized that her bag wasn’t ‘too good to be true’, but it did seem a lot cheaper than what the original sold for. After some extensive research and asking around, we concluded that her Balenciaga was in fact a replica. To some, this is a huge red flag, but after learning the whole story – it didn’t bother me.
You see, my friend’s sister was traveling abroad and stumbled upon the perfect Balenciaga dupe in one of the local markets. Upon seeing the resemblance and price – she knew it was what her sister was looking for. The price was so low, so she bought it without giving it much thought – thinking it was a super deal.
The replica was very convincing with its weight, texture, and even the styled engraved hardware – no one knew the difference. Whenever someone complimented my friend on the bag, she would simply thank them – without stating where it was from. My friend knows the ethics and risks associated with shopping for replicas, but that doesn’t mean she can’t appreciate the craftsmanship of the piece.
It goes to show, you have to have an eye for details and be able to spot subtle differences between an original designer item and a fake. If you’re not sure whether the item is authentic or not, ask a professional – it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
If the deal isn’t too good to be true, then it’s better to check up on the product and response to the seller. Try and find reviews on the product and the brand itself and weigh out the pros and cons. Check the quality and craftsmanship of the product and if at all possible, compare it to an original piece and see for yourself.
My friend’s bag was definitely a good buy – as already mentioned, it was very convincing. But if you’re looking to invest in a designer bag, it’s best to save up the amount required and purchase the real deal.
The experience of shopping for Balenciaga bags can also be quite intimidating. When you look through the various shelves at authentic stores, you’ll find yourself feeling a bit anxious – for fear of choosing something that isn’t suited to your taste. It doesn’t matter how luxurious the item is, if you don’t like it – it’s a waste of money.
When it comes to looking for replicas, make sure to ask a lot of questions. Does the product come with a guarantee? Are there any seller reviews available? Has the product been used or is it brand new? Checking on these minor details can save you from receiving a faulty item in the mail.
On the other hand, researching the product itself can give you tips to help you identify a fake product – like if it’s too lightweight or has a different serial number than from the original.
In the end, it all boils down to budget and personal preference – as long as you feel good splurging on a replica of a luxury bag, then I’m all for it. Having a Balenciaga City Bag is an experience on its own, and having one that is a replica can still make for a great statement piece.