Fake or Fendi? The difference between designer bags and knockoffs

By Noa Glouberman

      If you, like many women, want either the real thing or nothing at all, listen up; we're about to reveal the subtle differences between real and replica purses.

Ever heard the saying: "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery?" Most designers would disagree, especially when it comes to premium purses. You see, most consumers can't really tell a good fake from the real thing.

According to the International Chamber of Commerce, counterfeiting makes up five to seven percent of global trade, or $450 to $500 billion. While any name brand is at risk for counterfeiting, the most commonly ripped-off labels include Louis Vuitton, Kate Spade, Christian Dior, Prada, Gucci and Burberry.

So, how can you tell the difference? Experts say it's the small details that are often overlooked by manufacturers of designer knockoffs. All you need to do is take the time to pick apart the fakes to reveal their many flaws.

Watch for lining that isn't stitched in, but glued on. The same goes for labels.

The material used can also be a dead giveaway; if the signature plaid of a Burberry bag is even slightly askew, it's a fake.

Some knockoffs do take the time to stitch the lining into place; in these, look for threading that is pulling in spots. A real designer bag would have near-perfect threading.

Ask where the bag was made or look for a label. If you see "Made in China," you can pretty much pass up that purse. Do some research before you go shopping, so you know where the real thing is manufactured.

Real Bag for Your Buck

Arguably, the dominant force in designer purses is Louis Vuitton. If genuine Vuitton is what you're after, refer to our list of guidelines before you buy a "bona fide" bag.

The classic Louis Vuitton monogram bags run from $400 to more than $1,000. If you're paying any less, you're not getting the real deal. Fakes range in price from $20 to $80.

Real Louis Vuitton purse snaps are monogrammed. Manufacturers of replica Vuittons often skip that specific.

Legit Louis bags usually start out with light leather. Over time, the leather will wear and darken.

Take a close look at the handles, which should be made of an entire strip of natural leather. When first purchased, the handle is light tan in color; over the course of a few weeks, it should oxidize and turn into a darker, cognac color. Fake bags don't change color like this because the handles are usually painted.

The stitching on the handles should be clean and consistent, and should use yellow thread. The sides of the handles should be a shiny, glazed red.

The zipper pull should be brass hardware, heavy to the touch. Look for a neatly imprinted "LV" symbol on it.

The canvas of the bag shouldn't be too soft or stiff, or "oily" or shiny.

The LV monogram should have irregular brown lines through the gold-colored letters, and flower pattern. Fake monograms may be a solid color or look too green or orange.

Ask for ID. There should be a card with the style number and name inside the bag.

Know what styles of the bags are genuine and look at the lining. Fake bags often come in styles and colors not available in the real thing and the lining will be different.

It Just Makes Sense

So, what do you do if you don't possess an expert eye for detail? Well, common sense is the simplest way to increase your odds of getting the real deal.

Buying a bag out of a car trunk or elsewhere on the street pretty much guarantees you a fake.

Common places to find counterfeits in North America include the Chinatown and garment districts of bigger cities, kiosks in shopping malls, flea markets and, most recently, online, at a variety of Web sites and, perhaps most predominantly, at online auction sites like eBay.

Travelers will find a plethora of phony merchandise in countries like China, Mexico and Thailand, where mass manufacturing is a big industry. Since those countries don't have a big enough police force to enforce trademark laws, counterfeiting runs rampant.

Beware of "purse parties," where a seller brings a selection of fake handbags, wallets and accessories to a private gathering to show and sell (the modern version of the Tupperware party). A good hostess will inform her friends ahead of time that the merchandise they'll be looking at is not the real thing.

Remember: there are only a handful of Web sites authorized to sell the genuine items. Your best bet for buying online is to go straight to the source: the actual designer's site.

Did You Know?

Selling counterfeits is definitely illegal, but so is buying them. While you can't be prosecuted for buying counterfeit items, they could be confiscated from you when you pass through, say, an airport.

Buying counterfeit merchandise helps keep sweatshops and child labor in third world countries in business.

If you want the real thing but can't afford to buy it, look for department and chain store items that closely resemble designer bags in look. Brands like Guess imitate the Coach signature print, replacing the "C" with a "G," and emulate the distinct triangular, metal Prada label by printing "Guess" in the middle instead of "Prada." These aren't considered counterfeits because they imitate the fashion style, not the actual logo, which is considered "artistic license."