Authentication Guide for Louis Vuitton!

Ok everyone--here are some general tips to make sure you have the real thing!

Make
Please make sure that the style you are looking at was actually made by Louis Vuitton! A lot of the time, fake bags will just have a general shape and sometimes will resemble an actual structure of a real bag..either way, compare the model of the bag with an image of the actual bag from louisvuitton.com.

Along with this, make sure that the bag was actually made in the color you are proposing to buy. If you are looking to buy a Vernis Houston in black, well Louis Vuitton never made this bag in black, so that alone should tell you that the bag you are looking at is not real, it is FAKE!

Pieces and Parts
Be advised that Louis Vuitton handbags are not lined in suede for the majority of the line. Some are though! Usually, the lining is a brown stiff material. Also, compare the bag you are looking at with pictures of a real bag to notice if the bag should have feet, to look at the base, and to see what kind of details it should have inside (a d-ring, cell phone pocket, zipper pocket, etc)

The Date Code
ALL LV items have a date code! The date code is a combination of letters and numbers that tell you what year it was made and what the model is! Date codes are located in the same position for the same bag--for example, in normal sized handbags, the code is located in the corner of the zippered pocket.


Monogram
Louis Vuitton has a very popular monogram line! Please make sure to look carefully at the placement of the monogram! The monogram should be symetrical from side to side.

Here is an even monogram!




Stiching
As with other designer bags, stitching is very key to being able to tell that your bag is real or not! The stitching should be even and of equal lengths. If there are 5 stitches across the top of the base of the handle, there should be 5 stitches on the other side of the base of the handle, etc.

Notice the even stitching in this image





Sellers
Please be advised that Louis Vuitton does NOT ever go on SALE! Louis Vuitton does not ever wholesale to sellers. You should not expect to buy a Louis Vuitton from anyone (eBay) for much less than the retail cost.

Comparison of real v. fake (image courtesy of googleimages)