Spotting a Fake Prada Handbag

A handbag is often an extension of a person’s personality. It can also be a fashion statement. Sometimes, a purse even serves as a status symbol. Prada handbags certainly fit into all of the above categories. Prada was started by fashion designer Miuccia Prada in Italy. If you are considering buying a real Prada purse, then you better have…or save… lots of cash! The real Prada purses are top-selling designer bags around the world. Many companies try to copy the authentic Prada handbags. Some admit openly that they are fakes, whereas others try to pass off their products as real Pradas. If you are in the market for a real Prada handbag, purchasing one at a department store is your best bet. However, if you choose to purchase through another venue, these tips may help to ensure that you purchase a real Prada purse, not a fake.

Check Them Out
Prada.com online literally shows a parade of their latest handbags. You can check out the styles; however, online buying is only available to 17 countries. The UK is included, but the U.S. is not. You need to become familiar with how the real Prada purses actually look and feel. They have a distinguishable quality. You can get an up-close look at Prada bags at high-end department stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue or Neiman Marcus. Don’t buy a Prada purse until you’ve come face to face with them several times!

How a Real Prada Handbag Should Look
(These tips apply to most real Prada handbags.)

1. Stitching: The stitching in a real Prada purse is always small, neat, and aligned. It is not oversized, but rather is hardly noticeable to the naked eye.
2. Metal Tags: There is a small tag on the Prada purse’s lining. It is made of silver, gold, bronze, or blackened metal. This tag is never made of plastic or fabric. The tag always says the exact words “Prada Made in Italy”.
3. Lining: A real Prada handbag has a black lining with the Prada logo printed in a contrasting black color. Beware! Sometimes the word printed on it is misspelled in order to deceive. Maybe it’s even a word other than Prada. Fake Prada dealers try to fool buyers who are not particularly discerning.
4. Dustbag: Each real Prada handbag comes with a dustbag. This bag is always constructed of the same white material. It is decorated with a simple black Prada logo. If there is no bag, it’s either a fake Prada, or perhaps it’s been used and the owner has thrown away the dustbag.
5. Authenticity Cards: Each new Prada purse will come with authenticity cards that are sealed in a small black envelope. Each card contains a serial number and the name of the Prada purse style. If the cards are missing, either a previous owner doesn’t still have them…or you might be looking at a fake Prada.
6. Prada Emblem: When looking at the Prada emblem, take a good look at the letter “R” in the word Prada. If the right leg of the “R” is straight, it’s a fake. A real Prada has a curved right leg on the letter “R”.
7. Fabric Quality: Leather in real Prada handbags smells pleasing! If the scent of the leather is overbearing or unpleasant, it’s probably a fake Prada. The fabric will be luxurious in a real Prada purse. Also tune in to the weight of the handbag. Good fabric and leather will weigh more than fake Prada fabrics.

Purchasing a Real Prada Handbag
If you have made the decision to buy an authentic Prada purse, be sure you’ve done the research (and saved the cash!). You can buy one at Saks Fifth Avenue or Neiman for approximately $800-$2200. They even have a mink Prada, the Visone Hobo, which sells for $4950! If you come across a “Prada” bag that is especially cheap, it is more than likely a fake Prada. Websites such as Eurohandbags.com might have you thinking, at first glance, that their Prada handbags are real. Take a closer look. It says “Best Inspired Handbags” at the top of the page. You will find Prada knock-offs here in the $200-$300 range. Notorious for selling Prada replicas are sites such as EBay, flea markets, and garage sales. Be careful, however, if that is your choice. The handbags may be passed off as real, but you may end up with a knock-off instead of the real Prada. Ask for detailed pictures of the actual bag. Many sellers on these sites use stock photos and not pictures of the real thing. On the other hand, styledrops.com does sell authentic Pradas. The price is one giveaway. Most Prada bags on this site will cost anywhere from $800 to $2000.

A real Prada handbag is an investment. Is it worth it? You be the judge.