One of the most common Valentine’s Day gifts is the Valentino Rockstud bag, and unfortunately, it often comes with a high price tag. This makes it a prime target for counterfeiters, so it’s important for potential buyers to be able to identify an authentic Valentino Rockstud as opposed to a fake. Here are some tips on how to tell if your bag is the real deal or just a convincing imitation.
First of all, check the quality of the leather. A real Valentino Rockstud bag will feel luxurious and high quality when touched, and it will be very consistent in its texture and color. If the leather feels too rigid or sticky, it’s a sign that it’s not the genuine article. Also make sure to check the stitching. If it’s sloppy, uneven, or the threads are fraying, it’s a sign of a fake.
Second, look at the hardware. If the hardware passes the touch test—meaning it’s not too light or too heavy, it has the official Valentino logo, and there are no discrepancies in the finish—you can feel more confident in the bag’s authenticity. The reliability of the hardware is also a good indication of the craftsmanship behind the product. On a real Valentino Rockstud bag, all the hardware components should be placed and sized perfectly.
Third, look for any markings on the bag. A real Valentino Rockstud bag should bear the official logo, a serial number, and the Valentino name imprinted on the interior or exterior of the bag. If the bag does not show any of these things, it’s probably a fake.
Fourth, scrutinize the tags and labels attached to the bag. Real Valentino Rockstud bags come with an official care booklet, as well as a manufacturer’s tag with the official words “Valentino Garavani.”These tags should be printed accurately in the corresponding colors.
Finally, examine the dust bag that came with the bag. A real Valentino Rockstud bag will have a dust bag with the official Valentino Garavani logo on it. The inside of the dust bag should also display the manufacturer’s tag.
Trust your instincts, too. If you have any doubts about the authenticity of a Valentino Rockstud bag, don’t buy it. It’s better to be wise up front than to pay for a fake later on.
Once you have the real deal in your hands, it’s important that you care for it properly so you get the most use out of it. As previously mentioned, real Valentino bags come with a care booklet, so make sure to follow the instructions to a T. The leather needs to be treated with a special leather cleaner or conditioner every month, and the hardware needs to be routinely polished with a special cleaning cloth. In addition, make sure to store the bag correctly. This includes hanging it up or laying it flat to ensure that the shape isn’t distorted or that the leather isn’t stained.
When it comes to identifying counterfeit products, it’s important to take extra precaution. Make sure to double-check the quality of the leather, the hardware components, the markings, the tags and labels, and the dust bag. Go to a trusted source, if possible, and always remember to trust your instincts too. With a little bit of caution and effort, you can make sure you get the real Valentino Rockstud bag and not a convincing rip-off.