A sad reality of the times, fake fashion items are everywhere. As bad for the environment as they are for the industry, it’s important to ensure that when you’re buying something big, it’s the real deal. Here’s how to spot the difference…
 

1. The logo

Most experts agree that the logo is usually the first thing that is ‘off’ with a fake. The logo should not be skewed or misspelled (LW instead of LV, for example), the spacing should be consistent and it should not look out of focus. 

2. The craftmanship

Designer items are meticulously created and produced. Anything with unfinished trims (threads hanging loose), skew labels, buttons that don’t line up, bad stitching and the like is a no-go.  

3. The fabric

Designer items are pricey for a good reason: their materials are the real deal. A faux leather clutch sporting the iconic Chanel ‘Cs’ or a polyester shirt that claims to be Calvin Klein is a dead giveaway. Always touch, feel, and smell your items before purchasing – you’ll be able to tell the difference. 

4. The details

Zips, buttons, bag straps, clasps – all the finer details are also a good clue. If you know your Bottega from your budget-buy, you’ll be able to identify a cheap zip versus an expensive one, for example.

5. The seller

It should go without saying, but all designer, real-deal items should be purchased from reputable retailers. However, it’s tricky to tell what’s genuine when repurchasing from sellers on the internet or picking up items from vintage stores. Always do your homework, Google the seller’s or outlet’s name, see if any bad reviews exist and trust your gut.  

6. The price

This should be an obvious one, right? But if you’re getting a Louis Vuitton Speedy for R2 000, something is off. It’s not a bargain, darling – you’re being punked. Having said that, some fakesters can also up their prices to seem legit. In this case, insist on the product coming in its original casing/packaging/dust cover/glasses case and so on – big spenders do not toss out the ‘add-ons’ that come with their purchases. 

Words: Lynette Botha 

Photography: Pexels