How to spot a FAKE Louis Vuitton Bag

When shopping for a LV bag and you see a cheap looking tag, then it is an obvious fake. They do not tag their bags with a strand of string with a circular piece of plastic marked in brown LV, nor do they tag their items with a cut out portion of the logo (see photo)

Most dust bags just have the standard "LV" or "Louis Vuitton" logo. Also the dust bags are not made out of cheap material and most do not have rounded edges.

Depending on the collection, Louis Vuitton uses a variety of textiles to line their bags: canvas lining in red or honey, fine micro monogram textile, cross-grain leather, tone on tone polyester, or microfiber suede. Con-artists pay little to no attention on the interior. Most commonly they would line the interior with plastic or cheap tan or brown suede.

Louis Vuitton uses oxidizing natural cowhide leather that turns a dark golden honey color over time. Plastic is not used! 

If the look of the bag is something that appears to not look like anything that Louis Vuitton has ever designed, chances are it is a fake. Louis Vuitton is well-known for their high quality luxury goods. If the piece is of horrible quality or a nonexisting style then it is a replica. Remember, just because it has "LV" logo doesn't mean that it is.

Pay attention to detail. Louis Vuitton uses brass and gold metal hardware, not gold painted plastic. The zippers should also have the letters "LV" neatly imprinted. If you are given pictures from a seller, then go onto a trusted Louis Vuitton website and compare the styles. Minor details such as this could save from buying a knockoff.

The LV on Louis Vuitton bags are always lined up. The pattern should never be tilted or not proportionate to the other side.

Other minor flaws
Easy way to determine authenticity could be done visually. Make sure that the LV's are lined up and the material is not tilted. Monograms should be clearly printed gold letters with brown lines though the LV's, not cutout, solid colored, smudged, or have a greenish tint. The threading should look neat, thin and done with accuracy. If the LV's are upright on both sides, it may be a fake. Many Louis Vuitton handbags have the logo's upside down on the other side.

There is no such thing as a Louis Vuitton "wholesale list" or "closeout liquidation". That's just another way for scam artists to get your money in return for a list of disconnected/ out of service numbers.

Ann Mare Elia of  shares her insights on fashion, shopping and organization. Her businesses are located on River Road in and Broadway in West Long Branch.