Here is a guide on how to differentiate a
fake and genuine Prada bag or wallet.
#1
Authenticity Card: New Prada bags come with an
authenticity card. There are 2 types of cards which may come together or just
one without the other. These cards usually come in a small black envelope with
PRADA stamped on the front. One is a small plastic card with a magnetic strip –
it has the Prada logo on the front and product details imprinted on the back.
The other is a cardboard card with a decal on the back showing product details,
and one or two barcodes. Check that the article number, material name & colour
on the card(s) match the bag.
·
Article number: The first 1-2 letters indicate the type of item. Commonly seen article
numbers are “B” – handbag, “V” – briefcase, portfolio, messenger bag or waist
pouch, “1M” – small accessory such as wallet, cosmetic pouch, “1N” or “MV” –
small bag commonly called pouchette.
·
Material name: Bufalo – Buffalo
Leather, Camoscio
- Chamois
(suede), Canapa - Canvas (hemp), Cinghiale - Wild Boarskin, Coccodrillo – Crocodile, Daino – Deerskin, Feltro - Felt
(wool), Lucertola – Lizard, Nappa – Lambskin, Neoprene - Cloth Vinyl, Paglia – Straw, Pelliccia – Fur, Raso - Silk/Satin, Saffiano - Textured Leather, Scamosciato – Suede,
Spazzolato - Polished Leather, Struzzo – Ostrich, Tessuto
- Woven Nylon/Microfiber, Vela Sport – Nylon, Vernice - Patent
Leather, Vitello - Calf Leather.
·
Colour
name: Some of the colour
names include Arancio – Orange, Bianco – White, Bluette – Cornflower
Blue, Cobalto – Cobalt Blue, Sabbia
– Beige/Tan, Cameo – Blush, Camello/Cuoio/Rame/Sughero – Camel/Medium
Brown, Oro – Dark brown, Nero – Black, Fuoco – Bright Red,
Rosso – Deep Red, Rosa/Geranio – Pink, Pervinca – Light
Blue, Bordeaux – Burgundy or Wine, Viola – Violet Purple, Ibisco
– Hibiscus (A Deeper Pink), Militaire – Dark Olive Green with
Brownish Undertones, Fumo – Grey with Brownish Undertones, Ottanio –
Teal.
#2 Stitching: Stiching is small,
even and straight. No hanging threads or fraying in the corners.
#3 Exterior Logo: The Prada logo
should be displayed on the inside and outside of the bag. The logo plates
should be mounted perfectly straight. On the outside, there is usually a
triangle plate firmly attached at each of the 3 points, with the words PRADA
MILANO DAL 1913 and all letters slightly raised. Some bags have the Prada logo
or name embossed on the outside instead of a metal plate.
#4 Interior logo: There should be a
rectangular plate on the inner pocket of the bag that reads PRADA MADE IN ITALY
or PRADA MILANO MADE IN ITALY. This plate is usually metal or leather. The
plate should have a background colour matching the interior fabric of the bag
and border/lettering matching the colour of the hardware.
#5 The R curve: The letter R in a
Prada plaque commonly has a distinct slightly curved leg, not a straight leg.
#6 Lining: Authentic Prada bags are also usually
lined with the Prada signature fabric which has the brand's monogram woven
throughout – one line the right side up and the next upside down. Some bags
have plain smooth calf leather or satin lining in a matching or contrasting
colour to the exterior of the bag. Prada wallets are always lined with either
textured leather (Saffiano) or smooth calf leather (Vitello).
#7 Numbered tag: Prada bags typically
have a white numerical tag sewn into the inner pocket.
#8 Hardware: All hardware on Prada
bags should have ‘Prada’ engraved onto it. They usually come in silver-toned,
gold-toned or rose-toned. A bag with a combination of these colours or a
different colour may not be genuine.
#9 Zippers: Prada bags usually
use zippers from Lampo, YKK, riri, Opti or IPI. Check the back of the
zippers for the brand. Zipper pulls should be either brass/polished steel metal
pull with ‘Prada’ engraved on it or a leather pull that matches the colour of
the bag exactly.
*Disclaimer: Please note that the above are based on our own experience in identifying genuine bags. During your purchase of a prada bag with an individual seller, we recommend that you bring the bag for authentication before purchasing as there are too many Grade A fake prada bags in the market.
