First off, forget everything you think you know about “perfect” stitching. Yeah, legit Balenciaga *should* have good quality, but sometimes even they slip up. Don’t get hung up on one stray thread, okay? It’s the overall feel. Does it *feel* lux? Does it smell like quality leather or cheap plastic? Big difference, duh.
Now, the branding… this is where it gets tricky. The font! The spacing! It’s like a freakin’ Where’s Waldo for fashionistas. Look at the examples online, and really squint. Is the “Balenciaga” logo too bold? Too thin? Is it crooked? And don’t just trust the outside, check the *inside* tags too. Sometimes those are a dead giveaway. I mean, who fakes the inside tag badly, right? Actually, they do. Sigh.
Speaking of tags, authenticity cards. Don’t rely on those alone, people! They’re easily faked. A card is like… a bonus, not the main event. Think of it as the sprinkles on your ice cream, not the actual ice cream. Get me?
Okay, shoes specifically. The Balenciaga Track and Triple S sneakers are notorious for being copied. For the Track, pay attention to the size number on the toe. Apparently, on the real deal, it shouldn’t be screaming at you. On the fakes, it’s often super visible. Like, hello, wanna buy a fake shoe? Subtle, NOT. And for the Triple S, the overall shape and weight are key. They’re supposed to be chunky and kinda heavy, but not ridiculously so. And, like, the sole. The sole is usually where the fakes really fall apart.
And the Hourglass bag? That handle, man. The handle’s gotta be THICK. Not like, “I’m insecure, let me overcompensate” thick, but definitely substantial. A flimsy, skinny handle? Red flag city.
Honestly, if you’re still not sure, get it authenticated. There are services that specialize in this stuff. It costs money, yeah, but it’s better than dropping a ton of cash on a fake, right? Or, like, ask a friend who knows their stuff. A second opinion is always a good idea.
And seriously, be careful where you’re buying from. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. A Balenciaga for 80% off? C’mon. Use your head.
