Decoding Dirty Dupes & Baggage Bloops

How to differentiate between high-end designs and black-market finds

With the constant changes in the Fashion Industry, it can be expensive to keep up with new and ever changing trends. Whether you're deciding on a gift for someone special or something for yourself, it can be hard to find a bargain that is authentic. Here's how to decode a dirty dupe and find the perfect luxury piece at an affordable price. 

1. Consistency

An indicator that a “luxury” good is not authentic is by checking the consistency of a pattern, does the brand even carry this pattern? What are the parallels of this item and another? Or was this an original unoriginal? There are many aspects that show an item is fake based off the pattern. Key components to check are in the font. The font size, type and colour can make or break the authenticity of a luxury good. Brands often secure their exclusivity by using a custom font. If a necklaces says “Tiffany & Co.” but is engraved in Times New Roman, that is a significant indicator of a knockoff.

2. The dealer

Buying an item from anywhere but the official store can be very risky if authenticity is a concern. Websites like eBay, Kijiji and Etsy can be dangerous especially if they use an official picture from the Tiffany & Co. website. Not seeing the product before purchasing is a major red flag. Be sure to ask for a picture of the specific item or purchase it in person. Another question to ask yourself, “does the dealer offer a warranty or a serial sticker to verify the realness?”.  A lot of luxury brands offer serial numbers to track each item a customer purchases for a sense of security and a way to differentiate between replicas.

3. Quality Control

The item’s quality is the primary indicator of identifying if a “high-end” good is highly prized knockoff. Using Tiffany & Co. as an example, a fake Tiffany piece may have a different technique, possibly not even engraved. The clasps may not be closed or even symmetrical in a fake; lack of detail in the design will show through.  Specifically in luxury jewelry, clasps are usually uniform and do not change. As for bags, or apparel; the seams may not be intact. Loose, broken or crooked threads often indicate poor quality. As well, unfinished hems and flimsy material can make or break the authenticity – which then defeats the purpose in purchasing the item in the first place. Again, most luxury brands take quality into consideration when choosing a price point. A $3,000 Louis Vuitton bag is likely to last longer than a gaudy fake from a local flea market. You really do get what you pay for.

Not all luxury items possess high-end quality, but familiarizing with a brand’s qualities and trademarks are imperative for uncovering the origin of a “luxury” item. It is important to remember that purchasing an item from anywhere but the original brand does contribute to the black-market and discredits the original brand. Which can further take a loved brand out of business. So when purchasing a present for yourself or someone else, it is better to be safe than exploit your favourite designer.