So, how do you, a discerning fashionista, navigate this minefield? Well, lemme tell you, it ain’t always easy. I mean, these counterfeiters are getting *good*. Like, scary good. But fear not! We’re gonna arm you with some knowledge, albeit slightly haphazardly.
First off, let’s talk spacing. I saw some thing somewhere, some article, I think, that mentioned the YSL logo spacing. Supposedly, a real YSL bag has around 23-25 millimeters between the letters in the logo, whereas a fake might be a little tighter, like 22-23 mm. Honestly? Get out your ruler, I guess? Sounds kinda extra, even for me. I mean, who walks around with a ruler for bag authentication? (Okay, maybe some people do… I don’t judge… much.) But yeah, that’s a thing to look for. I personally think you need to see the real thing side by side to really notice.
But okay, honestly, obsessing over millimeters? Probably not the best use of your time. There’s other, more obvious stuff to look for, you know? Like, the *feel* of the leather. A real YSL bag is gonna feel luxurious, supple, like butta. A fake? It might feel stiff, plasticky, even kinda rough. Run your hands over it. Does it feel like you’re touching a piece of art, or a deflated basketball? (Not that I’ve ever touched a deflated basketball… okay, maybe once.)
Then there’s the stitching. Are the stitches straight? Even? Secure? Or are they all wonky and loose, like a toddler tried to sew it after a sugar rush? Remember, these luxury bags are made by skilled artisans. Sloppy stitching is a HUGE red flag.
And then, the hardware! Oh, the hardware. Is it shiny and substantial, or cheap and easily scratched? Does it feel like it could withstand the apocalypse, or like it’ll break if you look at it wrong? The weight of the hardware is a big tell.
Look, here’s the thing: buying a designer bag online is always a risk. Even if the seller has a gazillion positive reviews. I mean, those reviews could be fake too, right? You just never know. If you can, try to buy from an authorized retailer. Yeah, it’s gonna cost more, but at least you know you’re getting the real deal. And if the price seems too good to be true? It probably IS. Seriously. Use your common sense.
And honestly? Even if you do all this research, you still might get duped. The fakes are getting that good. So, maybe, just maybe, consider buying pre-loved from a reputable reseller. At least then, you might have some recourse if you get stuck with a dud.
