First things first, forget about instantly believing anything you read online. I mean, sure, use this guide (hehe), but don’t take it as gospel. Everyone’s got their own opinion, and sometimes even “experts” get fooled. Okay? Okay.
Now, the tag inside the bag. This is a BIG one. Apparently, after 2005, when MCM got bought by Sungjoo Group, they started stickin’ a tag *inside* the bags. One side’s got the MCM logo, obvi, and the other side should say “Made in Korea” or “Made in Italy.” If it says, like, “Made in China” (no offense China, but…you get it), or, worse, if there *isn’t* a tag at all? Big red flag, my friend. Big red flag.
But don’t get *too* hung up on that tag! I’ve seen some pretty convincing fakes with halfway decent tags. They’re getting smarter, these counterfeiters! It’s like a constant cat-and-mouse game!
Next up, just… LOOK at the thing. I mean, *really* look at it. MCM is supposed to be “entry-level luxury,” which is a fancy way of saying “kinda expensive, but not CRAZY expensive.” But that *still* means quality. So, check the leather. Does it feel like plastic-y garbage? Are the seams all wonky and uneven? Are there loose threads hanging everywhere? A real MCM bag should feel good in your hand, and the stitching should be on POINT. No excuses!
And speaking of stitching, look at the logo placement. Is it crooked? Faded? Does the hardware feel cheap and flimsy? Real MCM hardware usually has a nice weight to it, and the logo should be crisp and clear. Trust your gut, people! If something feels off, it probably IS.
Now, personal rant: people get SO hung up on tiny details, like, “Oh, the serial number is *slightly* off, it’s definitely fake!” Relax! Sometimes even authentic bags have minor imperfections. It’s mass-produced, not handcrafted by unicorn tears! A few small differences doesn’t automatically scream “FAKE!” Look at the *overall* picture.
One last little tip: where are you buying it from? If you’re buying from some random dude on Craigslist for, like, 80% off retail price, well, you’re probably gonna get a fake. Common sense, people! Stick to reputable sellers, authorized retailers, or even consignment shops that specialize in luxury goods. They usually have authentication processes in place.
