I’ve been remiss darlings, I promised you an authenticity guide featuring some of the most notable labels and it’s been woefully long since I last posted some tried and true tips for authenticating your next designer bag. When turning to the pre-loved market, its important to be informed not just about the seller you’re purchasing from, but about the brand as well. LOVEthatBAG is my trusted source for pre-loved and vintage designer bags having purchased from them on multiple occasions, as well as having the privilege of collaborating with them. Exacting in their standards for quality and authenticity, they’re known as one of the best sellers in the pre-loved market because of their knowledge and passion for only supplying the best bags.
For this instalment of the guide, I’ve teamed up with them to share their top tips for authenticating a Christian Dior bag. These beautifully crafted handbags are known for their feminine and elegant aesthetic. Everyone from fashionistas to royals have been spotted with one of their iconic pieces. The most popular and sought-after bag from Dior’s collection is the Lady Dior. Done in an array of leathers and other materials, each season brings new colours and even embellishments to this iconic bag. Styles like the Diorama, Diorever, and the recently re-released Dior Saddle bag are also on many a fashionista’s lust list (this one included!). A true luxury item, these bags are frequently sold out and also are retailed at a price point that makes a little fashion math for price per wear sometimes necessary. However, as I mentioned, the pre-loved market is a wonderful way to scoop up a gorgeous bag that might be otherwise be unattainable. Make sure to follow these authenticity tips when looking for a pre-owned purse fit for a princess!
You can check out LOVEthatBAGs Dior selection {here}.
Leather label tag
All Dior purses include a leather tag inside the bag on which the heat stamp is placed. These tags should have rounded corners, not square. Bags produced before 1990 are finished with one line of stitching at the top of the tag only, whereas the tag on contemporary bags is stitched all the way around. The top stitch on contemporary bags should be a different colour from the rest of the stitches around the border of the tag.
Heat stamp
The heat stamp can be found on a leather tag inside the bag. It has the Christian Dior logo on one side and the date code on the reverse side. The logo stamp includes the words “Christian Dior PARIS” with either “Made in Italy” or “Made in Spain” beneath it. The lettering should be clean and even with no colour running outside the letters. A sloppy logo stamp is indicative of a fake. The stamp should be perfectly centered in the middle of the leather tag. The stamp should be in silver or gold. If it is simply embossed into the leather with no colour, it is a replica.
Stitching
One sign of a replica Dior bag is stitching that is crooked, different lengths, or at strange angles. Dior’s iconic Cannage quilting is made up of small and even stitches in a relatively thin thread. The colour of the thread should be the exact same colour as the leather. Replicators often have a hard time getting the colour of the stitching just right. Cannage quilting is intricate and beautiful. It is one of the most difficult patterns for amateurs to replicate. Compare any photo of an authentic Dior handbag with your prospective purchase to compare the pattern of the quilting and look out for any irregularities.
Authenticity cards
Dior handbags come with a grey authenticity card. On the reverse side authentic cards have two small and one large rectangular spaces for store details and the date to be stamped. A common feature of many replica authenticity cards is the use of two large rectangular slots.
Handles
The beautiful arched handles of the iconic Lady Dior handbag are sturdy and stay in place when not being held. Replica handles easily move from side to side and tend to squeak. Fake Lady Dior handles may also have some warping and be misaligned. Dior wraps their handles in paper, while replica handles are often wrapped in plastic.
Charms and logo tag
Christian Dior handbags often feature the brand’s letter bag charm with a leather backing. On the reserve side of the leather it should simply say “Christian Dior.” Some replicas may have “Christian Dior PARIS” and “Made in Italy” on the reverse side of this leather piece.
