How to Spot Fake Fendis

Certain products never go out of style. In the case of fashion house Fendi, which began in the fur business in 1918, and transformed into a handbag shop in 1925, quality craftsmanship took precedence over hastily designed and sewn products. Edoardo and Adele Fendi won immediate acclaim in Rome, where the upper class made a trip to Fendi's a prestigious shopping spree.

Over the years, trendy lines of accessories were added and ready-to-wear-clothing created an even bigger splash for the Fendi brand. One of the waves of fashion made by Fendi occurred when up-and-coming designer Karl Lagerfeld added his touch to the products. More transformations continued under the keen sense of style of Edoardo and Adele's five daughters.

In 1997, after years of creating must-have items, Silvia Venturini Fendi turned the family business into a cult phenomenon with the baguette, a small purse carried under the arm in the same style as the bread of the same name. More than 600 versions with different and unusual looks were snapped up globally by buyers wanting to own one of the stylish purses -- expensive, yes, but with the craftsmanship and care Fendi was known for.

The appeal of Fendi began to appeal to another audience, as well -- counterfeiters. Less-than-reputable manufacturers began copying the accessories of the fashion house, offering similar-looking purses at affordable prices. Some companies call their knockoffs for what they are -- replicas. But what if you truly want to own the real thing; a classic accessory that won't wear out because of attention to detail? How can you tell if your Fendi is authentic, especially if you didn't purchase it from an authorized dealer?

Experts agree on several ways to examine our purse to determine if it's genuine. One of the easiest tips is one you might overlook -- smell the purse's interior, even if for a moment. A fake Fendi puts off a lingering odor of chemicals; real Fendi has the unmistakable aroma of softened calfskin.

Other ways to check if your Fendi is the real deal:
--Fendi only uses quality materials, so anything that looks cheap probably is.
--Check for a serial number and an authenticity card. The card describes the product, states that it was made in Italy ad will carry the Fendi logo.
--Examine the hardware on the purse -- Fendi buckles are perfectly square. Buckles, zippers and other metal parts are all engraved with the company logo.
--The lining will be be stitched perfectly; it's not glued on. True Fendis have precisely stitched linings made of leather or satin. Another giveaway? If the color, design or texture of the lining is even slightly off, it's not a Fendi.
--The lining is also marked in several places -- the word "Fendi" can be spotted in tiny stitchings.
--Don't forget to take a hard look at the strap. Most Fendis have genuine, leather-cored straps that feel pliable, and in true Fendi style, the stitching will be straight and even. No exceptions.
--If the handbag is leather, the logo will be engraved, not just printed on leather. Obviously, you need to examine a Fendi carefully when you purchase it.

Dealers selling authentic handbags will be happy to let you take your time checking out the stitching or lining. They know you're willing to pay for one of the world's most-coveted names in handbags; a purchase that isn't made just for the name, but for nearly a century of elegance backed by quality demanded by the founders nearly a century ago.