Myth vs Fact
Information, whether its truthful or not, spreads fast so we’ve rounded up the biggest myths in resale authentication and debunked them with facts!
Myth
If you shine a blacklight on a Hermes orange box, the logo will show up.Fact
On newer handbag boxes this is true. Though UV ink is fickle and can wear off easily.
Myth
The new Chanel plate has a NFC chip inside which Chanel employees can scan.Fact
No. There is no technology behind the new Chanel serial plates.
Myth
If an RFID chip is detected in a Louis Vuitton bag, it’s authentic.Fact
No. Just because a chip is detected, it does not mean that the bag is authentic.
Myth
Burberry bags are made in Italy.Fact
Some Burberry bags, mainly the more expensive ones, are made in Italy. However Burberry manufactures in other European countries as well as South America and Asia
Myth
Louis Vuitton is only made in France.Fact
Louis Vuitton manufactures their goods throughout Europe and the United States.
Myth
Made in Paris is seen on luxury goods.Fact
Never. Country of origin is required, never city.
Myth
Louis Vuitton monogram bags are made of canvas.Fact
True – despite misinformation, monogram canvas has always been advertised as such.
Myth
Quilted Chanel bags have 10 stitches per side of each diamond.Fact
The 10 stitch count only applies to contemporary Classic Flap bags. Not other styles.
Myth
My Hermes sunglasses are authentic.Fact
Hermes has never produced any eyewear.
Myth
My item is authentic because it came with an authenticity card and receipt.Fact
Even authenticity cards and receipts can be replicated.
Myth
My Neverfull Pouch and Neverfull Tote have two different date codes, it must be fake!Fact
Many authentic LV items that have two parts such as a companion pouch or strap may have different date codes due to where and when the items were produced.
Myth
If there is plastic on the handles, the bag is fake.Fact
Goyard and Faure Le Page are the two brands that still keep the plastic on the handles when you purchase. Most other brands will remove the plastic before you see it.
Myth
You can scan the QR code inside a Gucci bag to tell if it’s authentic.Fact
No. The Data Matrix code is not scannable and is only for internal employees.
Myth
Louis Vuitton is going to stop selling canvas items online.Fact
Until the brand starts making changes, False.
Myth
The exterior Prada plaque will have rivets in the corners and will not be hollow.Fact
False. In older styles, the corners had hollow fasteners.
Myth
The RegisteredThe trademark symbol on a Louis Vuitton Heat Stamp should be larger than the O in Louis.Fact
False. It should be the same or smaller size.
Myth
The hardware on a Gucci bag should all be the same color.Fact
False. There are several bags like the Marmont where the metal color changes over time so it can be a mix of gold and silver colors.
Myth
My sales associate says my bag is fake.Fact
While retail employees are well versed in the training they receive regarding current offerings, they are not trained or authorized to authenticate products.
Myth
Louis Vuitton handbags that are made in the US are fake! They should be made in Italy or France.Fact
False. Louis Vuitton produces in the US, Italy, France, Spain and a few select countries depending on the specialty item.
Myth
Loro Piana sells their materials to other brandsFact
It’s true. You may see Loro Piana materials used on various luxury goods.