Want To Know If Your Luxury Pre-Owned Prada Handbag Is the Real Deal?
With a combination of timeless styles and trendy pieces, as well as its reputation for quality, it’s no surprise that Prada is a highly sought-after brand. However, with the recent rise in popularity of luxury pre-owned designer handbags, it’s important to be cautious and do your research to ensure you’re not buying or selling a fake.
Whether you want to check the value of your used Prada bag before you sell luxury pre-owned designer handbags or purchase a secondhand Prada bag to give it new life, look out for these four factors when determining if your pre-owned Prada handbag is the real deal.
Inspect the Prada Logo
The first thing you should pay attention to when examining a Prada handbag is the logo. Prada’s logo is present on all authentic Prada bags, clothes, and accessories. Make sure that your bag has an upside-down triangle ceramic plaque that is centered on the leather. This is the signature Prada logo and is the design you will find on almost all authentic Prada bags.
Next, inspect the lettering on the plaque. All of the plaques will read “PRADA,” and some may have the addition of “MILANO” or “Made in Italy” underneath them. When inspecting the word “PRADA,” verify that the lettering is exactly like the real thing. The ‘R’ in the Prada logo is unique, with a noticeable indentation on the right leg of the letter. The right leg also has a distinct outward angle, so if your Prada logo lacks this indentation or has the right leg going straight down, it is likely counterfeit.
Verify the Serial Number and Date Code
Each Prada handbag comes with a unique date code, which can be found on a leather tag inside the bag. The location of the tag is often subtle and somewhat hidden, most frequently appearing inside the bag’s interior pocket. Once you locate the date code, make sure to cross-reference it with codes on Prada’s website or other reputable sources to ensure they match up.
Prada bags also come with an authenticity card that, when scanned, includes information about the purchase, including the purchase date, boutique location, model name, and serial number. Not all luxury pre-owned designer handbags will come with an authenticity card, depending on whether the original buyer kept it, but if you do have access to this card, bring it to a Prada boutique or contact Prada online to have them verify the serial number.
Ensure It’s Prada Material and Quality
Prada is known for its high-quality materials, so it’s crucial to make sure your handbag is made from authentic Prada leather. For example, their iconic Saffiano leather has a crosshatch pattern that is texturally unique and easily recognizable.
Prada uses a range of signature leathers, including Saffiano, Vitello, Vernice, Cervo, and Nappa Gaufre. They also have an incredibly popular nylon range, with nylon being Prada’s signature fabric. While it can be difficult to tell whether the material itself is authentic, Prada bags are always handmade to be incredibly durable and resistant to wear and tear. The bag should feel well-made and luxurious, and a bag that feels cheap, stiff, or overly shiny may be a sign that the bag is counterfeit.
Check the Stitching
One consistent sign of an authentic luxury pre-owned designer handbag is neat and precise stitching. This is often an area that counterfeiters overlook, leaving loose, popped, or uneven stitches that they think buyers won’t notice or care about.
All Prada handbags will have impeccable stitching that is neat and evenly spaced. There will be no overlapping, unevenness, or loose threads. The stitching should also typically match the color of the bag and blend seamlessly with the material. If you notice a subpart stitching job, this is typically an indication of a fake bag.
Counterfeit handbags are becoming more and more realistic, giving rise to the “superfake” industry. If you’re not confident in your ability to determine the authenticity of a pre-owned designer handbag — or even if you are — it’s always best to bring it to a trained handbag authentication professional. At Watch & Wares, our team of experts authenticates all luxury pre-owned designer handbags that we purchase so you can shop with peace of mind. All of the bags that we have available are guaranteed to be authentic and have been personally verified in-house. We also offer handbag spa services so you can rejuvenate your secondhand Prada bag and restore it to its full glory before bringing it home.
Whether you’re searching for a Prada Re-Edition 2005 or an Hermès Birkin, we have some of the most sought-after luxury pre-owned designer handbags on the market. Give Watch & Wares Couture a call at 714-633-2030 or fill out our online contact form to inquire about a specific bag or schedule a free appraisal appointment today.
