How to Determine the Authenticity of a Louis Vuitton Hangbag

Since everyone and their moms seem to have a Louis Vuitton handbag (replica or not), I wanted to provide an informative entry on the how-to's of distinguishing between an authentic and replica Louis Vuitton handbag. I am by no means an "industry expert". All information provided here are derived from my observations to and fro around New York, as well as from my own experiences/consumption of the product.

Ok, let's get started.

The most commonly replicated LV canvas is the "Monogram" canvas (light/dark brown pattern with the repeating "LV" logo). So, let's limit this discussion to the monogram canvas and break it down into refuting and affirming traits of authenticity.

Refuting Traits

- cracking or discolored leather: real leather grows deeper in color over time due to contact with the oils on our hands, but should arrive looking even and in LV's case, the handles should come in a light beige.
- unaligned/crooked/overlapping/threading stitching. designers charge a premium for the extra work they put in perfecting their stitching; on a replica, sloppiness is often the result of churning out as-many-as-possible.
- a cut-off "LV" logo. the LV logo should never be cut off.
- blurry or overly sharp contrast between light/dark brown monogram design
- a crookedly laid canvas (usually most obvious at the hem). LV takes extra care in aligning their canvas and a "matching point" is often observed.
- overly shiny leather. it's probably plastic.

Affirming Traits

- solid straight bright yellow stitching (unless old, then its brightness may be dulled by dirt).
- indented embossed line along the yellow stitching.
- deep maroon seal between leathers, seen on handles and straps.
- continuous/continuity of canvas. the next piece of canvas lined up with the pervious at the hems or the "matching point".
- matte but smooth leather look.
- packaging: dark brown/black dust bag; dark brown box.

Caution

Louis Vuitton protects its brand by never going on sale. Never ever. Unlike Gucci, Prada and Nike, LV does not have outlet stores. If you find a LV retailing for cheap, it's most likely a fake. Unwanted or overstocked merchandise are "destroyed" (what a waste!) by LV to protect their brand. Every now and then, there will be one product that breaks this rule: a product that's being discontinued. The discontinued product may go on "sale" at a slighter discount, but it happens far and few in between.

Recognized Vendors

Real brick-and-mortar Louis Vuitton vendors are the LV store itself or an LV "station" within a department store, Saks, Neiman Marcus, etc. Therefore, you would never see a handbag floating around on the floor in the "Handbag section" of a store, and every bag has an official LV representative babysitting it.

If there isn't an Louis Vuitton store near you, you can go online and purchase through eluxury.com. Eluxury is the one and only official online carrier for LV, so beware when shopping on any other sites. The official LV homepage does not offer online shopping and all purchases are directed to eluxury.

Ebay

Most Ebay Louis Vuitton merchandises are fraudulent! Yet, people still offer high bids for these products because 1. it's a strategy to fool others into thinking someone else validated the product, or 2. the sellers misrepresent their products. Many replicas are produced in France or other parts of Europe in order to claim their products as being "Made in France", but it's just another method for them to mislead you.

It has been recognized that over 90% of all LV products listed on Ebay are fake; the LV Company has sought a lawsuit against Ebay for them to cease this offering. The lawsuit is currently pending, but if successful, it will eliminate all replicas (not only limited to LV) from being listed on Ebay.

However, if you become really skilled, once in a while you'll spot a used LV going on Ebay for cheap, or at least cheaper. But, bid at your own risk!

After You Buy

Applicable for real authentic Louis owners is a guarantee that should any defects occur with your handle, clasp, leather, etc. you may bring it back for complimentary repair for... *drumroll*.. the rest of the handbag's life. They used to allow you to return any old defect bag for a brand new one, but obviously this policy was abused and unfortunately no longer in effect.