How to Identify an Authentic Jimmy Choo Handbag

In the world of fashion designers and high end accesories, there have been a proliferation of fake items that are gradually making it to our households. For an avid purse lover, it is important to learn how to identify these fake items and to be able to purchase any of these beautiful handbags without worrying about authenticity issues.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• You will need to know that if you do not purchase your handbag from an authorized retailer or boutique, you are running a chance of ending up with a fake bag.
• You will need to be aware that you have rights to inspect the item and to ask as many authenticity questions as you wish.

1. One of the biggest giveaways on Jimmy Choo knockoffs is the inside lining. The interior of two of the famous and most counterfeited models: Ramona & Riki is made with genuine moleskin.
   
   Authentic: Moleskin, a very easy to identify, durable woven cotton material.
   
   Fake: Anything that looks like suede, canvas, satin or any other fabric that does not look like the famous mole skin
2. Authentic Jimmy Choo Ramona Pay attention to the lettering on the inside tag (see image).
   
   Authentic: Tags are metal and the word JIMMY CHOO is made of clean cut letters. The "M" from Made in Italy, should always be placed under the first "M" in JIMMY CHOO.
   
   Fakes: The lettering do not show a clean cut, they are rather thick and odd looking.
   
   The gold JIMMY CHOO engraving on the fake bags seem to be about 1/2 inch lower than on the authentic Ramonas & Rikis.
3. If the bag has a metal closure, pay careful attention to the lettering "JIMMY CHOO"
   
   Authentic: The lettering JIMMY CHOO should always be centered between the screw heads. The fonts should look finished and centered. The locking mechanism must feel sturdy and rather heavy.
   
   Fake: Would have a hollow sound when it closes. Would feel too light and cheap made. The mechanism should not easily move upwards toward the top of the bag.
4. Please check for quality of the leather. Make sure you feel your bag and smell it. A giveaway on fakes is the smell.
   
   Authentic: Your bag should feel, smell and look like a soft, cashmere quality treasure.
   
   Fake: Smell could vary from plastic and chemicals and feel may be leathery but not quite. It may be tougher and harder than your soft leather authentic.
5. If the bag has some screws, please check for the shape of the screws.
   
   Authentic: The screws on the strap closure have a flat head.
   
   Fake: The screws on the strap closure have a Phillips head
   The length of the closure strap on the fake bags is about 1 inch longer.
6. When is it about the dust bags and other miscellaneous items:
   
   Authentic: Most authentic dust bags are purple and Made in Italy.
   Jimmy Choos are leather items, they would not try to convince you of such a thing by hanging the "Genuine Leather" tag that some fakes come with.
   
   They would not wrap the handles or any piece of hardware in plastic.
   
   Fake: Their dust bags are known to be white, tan or brown and Made in China
   If the handles came wrapped in plastic, that would be a giveaway for a fake.

Tips & Warnings

• As with any purchase, you may want (and are entitled to) quality for your money. It is always recommended that you chose a reputable Seller and if you choose to purchase your item from an online auction or site, please make sure that:
• The Seller has a good reputation with other buyers
• That the items for sale do not seem to be from a wholesale purchase
• That the items come with dust bags, receipts or authenticity warranties
• That the Seller provides an acceptable refund policy
• That you see as many pictures as you like, of the item, to make you feel sure of your purchase
• That if it is too good to be true, your are probably right
• That your gut feeling should always be listened
• That selling counterfeits is illegal and you have the right to report it and expect a refund if you fall for this scam.