How to Tell a Knock Off Prada Bag
Shoppers in the market for a new Prada handbag probably don't worry about authenticity when shopping at a well-known or higher-end department store. But how do you tell the difference between a find and a fraud when you're shopping online or run across a deal---or what looks like a deal---at an estate sale? Prada bags are famous for their elegance, flair and workmanship. These same qualities will help you discern whether that bag with the too-good-to-be-true price tag is an "inspired by" impostor or the find of a fashion lifetime. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
-
-
1
Check the workmanship. Prada makes high-end, carefully crafted products. Does the bag you are considering have uneven or ragged stitching? Fraying edges or poorly sewn seams should be a red flag indicating possible fraud to potential buyers. Carefully examine the handles. A genuine Prada bag's handles will seem sturdy and be free of defect.
-
2
Inspect the materials used to make the bag. According to I Love My Prada, Prada uses antique brass hardware. A bag with rusted, blemished or plated metal hardware is likely not authentic. Look closely at the lining of the bag. The lining's seams should be tight and unobtrusive or invisible.Whether made of leather, velvet, satin or fine cotton, the lining of an authentic Prada bag bears the embroidered or embossed Prada logo.
-
-
3
Verify that the bag's hardware is stamped with the distinctive Prada logo. Look closely at the logos. Misspelling Prada anywhere on the bag is a clear indicator that you are looking at a fake, but other distinctions can be more subtle. Note the tag or lack of a tag inside the bag. All authentic bags will have a small tag that reads "PRADA MADE IN ITALY." The right leg of the "R" in Prada should be slightly curved near the bottom. If the leg is straight, the bag is probably an impostor.
-
4
Consider the retailer offering the bag and the price tag. Prices for Prada bags sold through higher-end department stores regularly start at $1,000 and go up from there. If the bag you are considering has a price of $25, $50 or even $100 dollars, this is a good indication that the bag is a knock-off. And while it may be obvious that a $20 purse sold by a street-side vendor should be suspect, it can be harder to detect potential fraud when dealing with an online seller. In these cases, it's a good idea to look for reviews from satisfied customers.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
When in doubt, walk away from a potential purchase. There is something to be said for trusting your instincts. If the dealer is reputable, you can almost always return and complete the purchase at a later time when you are armed with more information.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Bag image by Antonio Oquias from Fotolia.com
