How to spot a fake handbag

How to spot a fake handbag
It usually doesn’t take all that close of a look to spot a counterfeit handbag. The material feels cheap and usually looks cheap,
too. Here are some specifics to look for, though, especially on a Louis Vuitton counterfeit — one of the most high-end bags that
is regularly knocked off. This bag was sold for $95 at a purse party by representatives of Catherine Demeio. The design is based
on the Luco tote bag by Louis Vuitton, which sold for $1,300.
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The body of the classic monogram Louis Vuitton is made of coated canvas,
which features the well-known LV and fleur-de-lis pattern. Note the tag, at
bottom, attached with plastic — a dead giveaway that it’s a fake. Notice how
stiff the vinyl handles are.
Bright red glue can be seen all around the area where the
handles are attached.
cleveland.com/pdgraphics
for this and other Plain Dealer graphics
SOURCE: PICA Inc.
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The real Louis Vuitton has leather straps that are sewn on.
Despite the stitching, these vinyl straps are glued on.
Some Louis Vuitton bags have brass studs, or “feet,” on the
bottom, which protect the bag when it is put down. This bag
doesn’t have them, and will quickly show wear.
TEXT BY EVELYN THEISS, GRAPHIC BY GREGORY BURNETT, PHOTOGRAPHS BY BILL KENNEDY | THE PLAIN DEALER