Honestly, the whole fake bag market is a minefield. It’s like, you think you’re getting a steal, and BAM! You’re stuck with something that looks like it was made in someone’s basement. No offense to basement crafters, but a YSL Loulou ain’t supposed to look *basement-y*.
First thing’s first: the logo. Ah, the iconic YSL logo. It’s like the heart of the bag, right? Now, from what I’ve read, since like 2012-ish, they dropped the “Yves” part. So, if you see “Yves Saint Laurent” plastered all over it, alarm bells should be ringing, my friend. But even if it just says “Saint Laurent,” don’t relax just yet! You gotta *really* look at it. Are the letters spaced correctly? Are they crisp? Is the “S” snaking around like it’s supposed to, or is it kinda…wonky? Sometimes, the fakes get the font totally wrong, and it’s like, seriously, guys, just look at a real one!
And then there’s the stitching. Oh my gosh, the stitching. A real YSL is gonna have impeccable stitching. Like, *flawless*. If you see loose threads, uneven lines, or anything that just looks kinda sloppy, that’s a huge red flag. Think of it this way: you’re paying a lot for that bag, the stitching should be perfect. Period. I mean, I’ve seen some *horrendous* stitching on fake bags. Like, someone just went crazy with a sewing machine after a few too many espressos. Yikes.
Okay, material! Feel the leather. Does it feel like butter? Supple? Or does it feel like…well, plastic? Real leather is gonna have a certain *feel* to it, ya know? That luxurious, expensive feel. The fakes often use cheaper materials, and it shows. It just feels…off. I once saw a “leather” bag that felt like it was made of recycled tires. No kidding.
Hardware is another biggie. The chain, the clasps, all that jazz. Is it heavy? Does it feel solid? Or is it lightweight and flimsy? The hardware on a real YSL is gonna be substantial. It’s gonna feel like it’s worth something. Plus, check the color! Is it the right shade of gold or silver? Sometimes the fakes use cheap plating that chips or looks dull.
And, honestly? Trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. If you’re buying pre-loved, only shop from reputable consignment shops. They usually have people who know how to spot a fake.
Oh! and download the Legit Check App. Apparently, that’s a thing. I haven’t personally used it, but hey, can’t hurt, right?
