The art of counterfeiting dates back over 2,000 years. Where there is something valuable, such as money, there are always those who look to profit. Whether this is through legal means (such as legitimate business) or illegal means (such as counterfeiting the money itself) is up to the individuals themselves. What is a given, however, is that something of value attracts criminal activity. Authentic designer handbags, such as the Prada BR2375 or BR0830 as displayed on the Fashion Link, are valuable and thus attract criminals who seek to profit from this. Consumer demand ensures profit and thus a breeding ground for counterfeiting is created. The IACC states that counterfeiting robs the U.S. of more than $200 billion dollars a year. This article aims not to deal with the broad topic of how to spot a fake, which in its entirety must be dealt with by looking at individual designers, but rather looks to provide general information and tips regarding fake designer handbags.

Firstly, handbags sold in a market or on a street corner are almost certainly not authentic. New Yorks famous Canal Street is a hotbed for selling fake designer goods. It doesnt take much to realize that a Marc Jacobs baseball cap bought from this street is a fake, as Marc Jacobs doesnt make such apparel. A similar thing can occur when examining many fake handbags. We often see models that dont exist, colors that dont exit on the model, re-designed handbag interiors, wrong stamp logos, fake authenticity cards, and fake tags. What we also often see are letters changed, such as LV to VV, or names slightly changed. Fake handbags such as these, however, are not only confined to the streets. They are present in store fronts, such as a store in Miami which was recently raided by the police. This particular store was even in a mall. Similarly, a legitimate business on Canal Street was found to have a hidden door whereby smuggled counterfeit goods were found. Fines of only $250,000 and five years in jail await such smugglers. The rapid expansion of the internet in the mid-1990s also saw the birth of a new counterfeit market. E-businesses and auction sites such as Ebay have proven to be a breeding ground for counterfeit goods.

With the huge industry that is counterfeiting, then, how can one spot a fake and what precautions can be taken? Firstly, be realistic! An authentic Louis Vuitton handbag that retails for well over $500.00 is not going to be sold on Ebay for $70.00. Similar things can be said of many other handbag designers such as Gucci, Prada and Fendi (although older models and defective handbags may be an exception).

As companies implement stricter control mechanisms for verifying authenticity, the counterfeiter gets better. They are now creating handbags that store professionals often struggle to identify as fakes. Every last detail is copied, from the stamp and logo to the authenticity card. However, often these bags display inferior leather to their authentic counterpart.

Whilst maintaining a grip on realism, it is often worth looking for the detail of the handbag. Ask yourself the following of a bag: How is the stitching, fabric, and leather? What are the zips, handles, and buckles like? Does it come with extras? When paying high prices you expect high quality workmanship, high quality material, and high quality presentation. Zips, handles, and buckles often let down fakes. Be sure to check the weight of the metal and the solidity of the leather. Also, celebrities often carry authentic handbags with them and are displayed in the countless tabloids. We advise you to closely compare and contrast their bag and your bag or potential bag. This can also be done by visiting the company website, such as www. Gucci . com.

Some bags that may have defects, however, may come from outlets and these are usually authentic. So whilst certain things may be true of some bags (e.g. Hermes handmade bags being flawless), what has been said must be taken with a pinch of salt. Authorized dealers are the best bet for authenticity, but brands such as Gucci, Prada, and Fendi arent exclusive to these types of stores. The best things to do when looking to purchase an authentic designer handbag is maintain a degree of realism, compare and contrast, ask for actual item pictures, and shop around. Whilst this aims to be an introduction into the topic of handbag counterfeiting, it is by no means absolute. Articles tackling specifics, such as design, hardware, and where to purchase will follow this introduction.

Corleone Couture 2005. http://www.thefashionlink.com/