How do I know if my Mario Valentino bag is real?

How do I know if my Mario Valentino bag is real?

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images Entertainment/GettyImages

Sometimes it's fine to buy a replica designer handbag if you simply want the look without the high price. But if you're shopping for an authentic bag, it's vital to check the product \ if you're not buying it through an authorized dealer. Valentino handbags are known for feminine touches, vibrant colors and expert workmanship...and are also a favorite mark for knock off artists. Before you buy, use the following tips to spot a fake Valentino bag.

Study authentic Valentino handbags before purchasing one online. Head to a retailer like Neiman Marcus or Saks Fifth Avenue, for example, to study the bag that you're interested in. Whether you're looking for something dressy like a Petale handbag or tote or something for everyday use like the Valentino Catch Signature Bag, memorize the details from the type of metal studs and hardware used to the type of clasp or zipper pull. Having a baseline comparison will help you spot a fake Valentino bag.

Note the type of fabric inside the authentic Valentino purse. While some models like the Histoire Patent Tote feature a cotton canvas lining, scam artists may use a silkier fabric inside, thinking that it gives their bag a richer look. Spot a fake Valentino bag in other ways like checking the number and size of the interior pockets.

Memorize the style of the metal Valentino V or nameplate on the front of the authentic handbag. Fake Valentino bags may feature the V in a different font or with elaborate adornments, while a nameplate may include too much or too little detail or even smudged engraving.

Inspect the stitching to spot a fake Valentino bag. Designer handbags feature meticulous stitching, while knock offs may have long and uneven stitches, rows of double stitching that aren't completely parallel or even have visible loose threads. If you're buying a Valentino evening bag, ensure the embroidery and embellishments are precise, without any loose or missing sequins.

Familiarize with the current and past styles of Valentino handbags, along with the look of authenticity cards and dust bags. Knowing the type of totes, evening bags and purses created and what they should come with will help you spot a fake Valentino bag that a reseller is trying to pass off as a discontinued style.

Tips

  • If you're buying a Valentino handbag online, ask for a current photo (including close ups of the stitching, logo, closure and label, for example) if the image shown is taken from another store or is simply a catalog image.

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Like every luxury brand, Valentino is the victim of counterfeiting. The best way to guarantee that you’re receiving a genuine product is to purchase directly from the brand or one of their licensed stockists.

Buying Valentino pre-loved can save you a pretty penny, but it is best to do it when you know what to look for to guarantee its authenticity.

How do I know if my Mario Valentino bag is real?
Rockstud shoes for women designed by Valentino Garavani

1. Compare prices

You want to pay particular attention if you are purchasing sneakers, belts, or anything from the ‘Rockstud’ collection.

The best way to determine whether something is fake or genuine is usually the price. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

How do I know if my Mario Valentino bag is real?
This green sequin-embellished sleeveless cape from Valentino retails for $9,500

Any luxury product will retain at least a percentage of its original value, if not sell for a mark-up.

If you see a bag for 10% of the retail price, you can sure it’s a counterfeit. No one forgets how much they spent on a Valentino piece, and they won’t let it go for pennies.

2. Check the rivets

How do I know if my Mario Valentino bag is real?
A screenshot from a Closer Look YouTube channel shows that the pyramid studs on the real Valentino shoes (bottom) are sharper and not as yellow as the studs on the fake Valentino shoes (top)

If you are purchasing a Rockstud item, you want to pay attention to the rivets. Each one should have a pyramidal shape and be uniform across the item, as well as being evenly distributed.

If you spot a rivet that looks out of place or asymmetrical, alarm bells should be ringing.

Luxury fashion brands are famous for their craftsmanship, and an Italian brand like Valentino will never have a stitch out of place.

The rivet should be attached to the leather, without any gapping.

How do I know if my Mario Valentino bag is real?
Inspect the logo and make sure it has the signature Valentino font as shown in the photo above

Like any luxury item, always check the logo. You want to make sure it uses the brand’s signature font and has the correct placement. If your bag has silver hardware, they will print the logo in silver.

How do I know if my Mario Valentino bag is real?
A screenshot from Luxury Talk YouTube channel showing uneven stitches on the fake Valentino sandals (left) and clean, aligned stitches on the real Valentino sandals (right)

You want to check that the interior logo is sewn correctly without any missed stitches. The products are all made in Italy, so any other country should be a red flag.

4. Check the serial number

On newer Valentino products, particular bags, you can find a serial number that should correspond with the paperwork you’ve received.

5. Check the store or dealer

You can never be too careful when purchasing Valentino products online. Super fakes from websites like DHgate even reproduce lookalike receipts and certificates of authenticity to fool you into thinking they’re genuine.

If you want ultimate peace of mind, buy directly from Valentino or an official stockist like Farfetch or Nordstrom. It might take you a little longer to buy the item, but you can be sure of its authenticity.

How do I know if my Mario Valentino bag is real?
This Valentino Garavani allover crystal-embellished leather shoulder bag retails for $5,200

If you decide you want to go down the pre-loved route, it’s always best to look for websites that offer an authentication service.

These companies hired trained professionals who know everything about the brand and can spot even a super fake.

Make sure to purchase with a credit card offering fraud protection so that you can put in a claim if your item turns out to be a counterfeit.

Is Valentino by Mario Valentino the same as Valentino?

In accordance with the global co-existence agreement that they signed in 1979, when Valentino Garavani's brand was better far known with couture than handbags, Valentino and Mario Valentino agreed that Mario Valentino was permitted to “use and register the full name Mario Valentino or M.

Are Mario Valentino bags real leather?

Mario Valentino bags and products are famous for their leather heritage but also come in a variety of different materials, including polyurethane. Mario Valentino bags materials are of the highest build and design quality. Designer bags without the price tag of couture brands.

Where are Mario Valentino bags made?

Valentino Bags® has put together a luxury line of handbags and accessories made in Italy of the highest quality at an attainable luxury price point. This line is manufactured and produced in top Italian factories that also support a variety of other luxury brands.

Is Valentino by Mario Valentino a luxury brand?

What is this? Valentino Garavani is a luxury, coveted label with prices starting around $1000 and rising up to as much as $30K for exclusive couture pieces. Its designs are unique and signature and can be easily spotted across the room.