Forget those picture-perfect guides. I’m gonna give you the real, down-and-dirty lowdown on spotting a fake Louis Vuitton, based on what I’ve picked up poking around (and occasionally getting burned myself, *cough*).
First off, Don’t Trust the Price (Too Much)
Yeah, a screaming deal on a “vintage” Speedy might be a red flag, but honestly, sometimes people just wanna get rid of stuff. Especially if it’s something they got as a gift and it’s just not their style. I mean, I once scored a (probably real) Gucci scarf at a garage sale for like, five bucks. So, don’t automatically assume it’s fake just ’cause it’s cheap. Use your gut, people!
The Monogram Madness (and Pattern Problems)
Okay, this is the bread and butter. You gotta *really* look at that monogram. Is it consistent? Are the LV’s and the flowers in the right spots? I saw one fake Neverfull where the flowers were, like, *squished*. Hilarious, but also, painfully obvious. And those Onthego bags, they are popular target for the counterfeiters. What I always do is find a pic of the real deal online (the official LV site is your best bet) and just compare, compare, compare. Honestly, sometimes it’s subtle—a slightly off color, a weird spacing—but those little details can be huge tells.
Date Codes: Think of Them as Like, Bag Birth Certificates
This is where it gets a bit like detective work. Look for that little date code stamp inside the bag. It’s usually hidden somewhere, like in a seam or under a pocket. Then, you gotta find a decoder online. They’re all over the place. The thing is, even if the code matches the bag’s age and location (based on the code’s format), it STILL might be fake. Counterfeiters are getting better at faking those too. But if there’s *no* date code? Big red flag, my friend. HUGE.
Leather, Leather Everywhere (But Not All is Real)
Ugh, the leather smell. That’s a tough one to fake perfectly. Real Louis Vuitton leather (especially that vachetta leather, which is that untreated leather that darkens over time) has a very distinct smell. But unless you’re a leather sniffer extraordinaire (and I am not), it’s hard to tell just by smell alone. What I *do* look for is the feel. Real leather feels, well, real. Supple. Not plasticky or cardboard-y. It’s hard to explain, but you kinda know it when you feel it. The leather used in the Ontegogo bag is typically genuine, but it’s still worth a look to make sure it is.
Stitching and Hardware: The Devil’s in the Details (Seriously!)
Okay, pay attention here. Real Louis Vuitton stitching is usually super even, neat, and the thread color is typically on point (not some glaringly different shade). The hardware (zippers, clasps, etc.) should feel solid, not cheap and flimsy. Look for the LV logo on the hardware, and make sure it’s crisp and clear, not blurry or poorly etched. This is where those superfakes often fall down.
The “It” Factor (aka, Your Gut Feeling)
Honestly, sometimes you just get a feeling. If something feels off, it probably is. If the seller is being super shady or evasive, walk away. Trust your instincts.
Final Thoughts (and a Disclaimer!)
