How to Tell if a Chanel Bag is Real or Fake?
Coco Chanel, an iconic figure in the fashion world, created the famous design label that bears her name. With its simple, aggressive and adamant style, Chanel is one of high fashion's most respected and coveted labels. After her death in 1971, Carl Lagerfeld has carried on her tradition and increased the label's popularity. Besides clothing, Chanel makes accessories, including handbags. There are many counterfeit Chanel bags on the market. You can easily tell the difference if you know what to look for. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Check the Chanel logo on your bag. The Chanel logo is two overlapping "Cs" facing away from each other. The top of the right-facing C should be on top of the left-facing C. If your logo isn't centered on the bag, or if the overlap isn't correct, it's a fake.
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Check for an authenticity card. Every authentic Chanel bag has one. Some counterfeiters will fake them too, so be aware. A real card has an embossed, or raised, serial number. If the printing isn't embossed, or the number isn't centered, the bag is counterfeit.
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Look inside the bag for the serial number. The serial number is printed on a sticker, with two gold Chanel logos above the number. Anything different is a fake. Double check the number on the authenticity card and the serial number. If they don't match, the bag isn't a real Chanel.
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Check the hardware on the bag's strap. The Chanel name or logo will be engraved on it.
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Check the zipper pull. One side of the zipper will have "Chanel" engraved on it, the other side will have the Chanel logo. The zipper pull should also match the rest of the bag's hardware in tone and color.
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Look at the pattern on the bag. The logos and/or quilting must line up perfectly at the seams. On a real Chanel bag, there aren't any loose strings at the edges. All logos and quilting on both sides of the seam are symmetrical. If there are any inconsistencies in pattern and/or quilting on the bag, it isn't an authentic Chanel.
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Tips & Warnings
If you aren't sure whether or not the bag is fake (some fakes are convincing), take the bag to a Chanel boutique or retailer. The sales staff will be able to tell you if the bag is real or fake.
Don't buy a bag from a street vendor who insists it's a real Chanel. Many times it isn't. If someone is selling it at a deep discount, it mostly likely is stolen property or a cheap knockoff made in a low-wage overseas factory.
References
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Comments
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allieb23
Sep 01, 2010
Depending on when the bag was manufactured the sticker with the serial number can be different from the 2 gold CC's. This design for stickers was not used until the 90's. Also, a majority of sales staff will not tell you if a bag is real or fake. As a way to preserve the integrity of the brand. Depending on if you have an established relationship with the salesperson, they may give you an opinion.
