With the prices of handbags increasing exponentially on a yearly basis, the counterfeit market has upped their game, cranking out replica designer handbags at too-good-to-be-true prices. If you are a handbag lover, you already know that the counterfeit handbag market supports some pretty shady dealings, from human trafficking to drugs and beyond.
As a consumer, the best defence against unwittingly purchasing a fake designer bag is to educate yourself on the finer features of the real deal. The following list is comprised of features that are specific to Italian design house--Prada's handbag line. Hopefully, knowing some of these finer points of their design aesthetic will keep you on the right side of the knockoff handbag controversy.
The Logo Plaques
The logo plaque on the interior of a Prada bag will match the color of the inside lining, and will have “Prada, Made in Italy” written in two lines of text. Note: with some vintage bags, they used only one line of text.
The Hardware
All Prada hardware is engraved with “Prada” - all of it. No exceptions. If you spot a single piece of hardware on the bag that does not have “Prada” engraved on it, the bag is a fake.
The Zippers
Prada uses the following brands of zippers exclusively: YKK, Riri, Opti, Ipi, and Lampo. You can find the brand marking on the underside of the zipper (remember, “Prada” will be engraved on the top). If the zipper brand is not one of those listed, it's a fake.
