I have always been a big fan of anything that screams luxury. I remember asking my parents for a classic mini bag or a clutch bag for my birthday as a gift. I never really understood brands by then, but I love a few mixed vintage and modern styles.

When I went to college, I pursued my love for the fashion industry. I remember spotting a few magazines and checking out designer bags and clothes worn by famous people. I watch Asian awards and review what they wear! I was obsessed with fashion galas and have always admired the craftsmanship in every show I see.

I graduated college, and I saved up for my first official branded mini bag. I was so excited! It was a reward I wanted to give myself for all my hard work. After browsing a few branded sites, I chose five-star brands like Louis Vuitton.

Buying my first mini bag but ended up with a fake version

What I was excited about when I ordered from a local online store was that I was finally getting my hands on the famous monogram. I paid half the original price because they told me it was an older version.

The monogram version has been Louis Vuitton's staple design ever since it launched in Paris, France. Any bag, either a shoulder, top handle, clutch, or crossbody bag, often comes in monograms. It was only then that the monogram design became even more aesthetically pleasing when they collaborated with famous people like Takashi Murakami.

However, one of the few things you should know as a buyer is that fakes are everywhere. You’d see them in the streets, online and physical stores.

When mine arrived, I was shocked to notice that my Louis Vuitton mini bag was fake. I even ordered additional shoulder straps for bags if I'd like to change it to a different style. I contacted the seller I met online but to no avail!

How you can tell the fake from the original version

You might have seen a shoulder bag, clutch bag, crossbody bag, or a top handle bag that comes in the classic brown monogram version. However, the demand and craftsmanship come with the urge of forgers to offer low-quality imitations.

As a buyer who does not wish to receive fake items, knowing the characteristics shared by most bags is a helpful method to filter out counterfeits.

Avoid stamp-looking monograms.

When checking out any bag from any brand, make sure to observe the material. A genuine mini bag or shoulder bag is delicate and comfortable to the touch.

Forgers often use fake material and stamp the monogram on it. Printing should have the correct hue and shapes, as replicas often have pattern features that appear too small or huge.

Since the monogram has evolved from canvas to multicolour, Damier print, Vernis Leather, and Empreinte. The difference in authenticity may depend on the materials they use. I suggest asking Louis Vuitton customer service for help.

Make sure the stitches are flawless.

You’ll know your clutch bag or crossbody bag is genuine if the thread is in an angular position. It is because straight lines indicate that the product was machine-made. You may also check the colour of the threads they use.

My mini bag had a pint of brighter and synthetic yellow which should have been in the scheme of mustard-yellow tint. This way, you will know which one used a fake thread to create the bag.

Observe the stamps

It’s essential to pay special attention to the stamp's typeface, spacing, and overall quality, as counterfeiters frequently make mistakes here. 

Another telltale sign of a fake clutch or crossbody bag is a label that is not proportional or has loose ends or inconsistent stitching surrounding it. Check the gap between the L and O, the T should be touching, and the letters should be thin.

Check the overall quality.

In spotting original and fake, make sure to do a test run on the zipper, dust bag, date code, vintage handles, and authenticity certificate.

Buying from the legitimate seller

Counterfeits on a mini bag, shoulder bag, clutch bag, crossbody bag, or a top handle bag are more likely to happen to you if you keep buying from secondhand resellers.

As for me, who learned from the situation, I suggest buying from the actual branches of Louis Vuitton. I highly recommend visiting their legitimate website. They were able to help me find the original version of the mini bag I have always wanted.

Since I was also ordering online, they assure you that your order and card is safe. SSL encryption is used on the Louis Vuitton website to safeguard customer information and credit card numbers.

If you are looking for a quality and durable mini bag, clutch bag, or crossbody bag, I suggest you buy from a trusted brand. Louis Vuitton is known for its meticulous attention to detail and dedication to using only the highest-quality fabrics, hardware, and craftsmanship for manufacturing their bags.