When it comes to iconic designer bags, the Chanel Classic Flap is a never-ending favorite. For Christmas 2023, this timeless beauty remains a top choice. Consider the limited-edition holiday variations in classic red or soft beige, exuding festive vibes while maintaining its iconic allure.
2. Gucci Marmont Matelassé Mini Bag:
Gucci is renowned for its luxurious and trendy designs. The Marmont Matelassé Mini Bag is a must-have for the Christmas season. Its compact size and distinctive Double G logo make it a perfect accessory for holiday parties or dinners. Choose a rich, jewel-toned version to complement the festive spirit.
3. Louis Vuitton Neverfull Tote:
For those who appreciate the fusion of style and practicality, the Louis Vuitton Neverfull Tote is a top choice. With its timeless monogram canvas and ample space, it's ideal for shopping trips, family gatherings, or as a versatile carry-on for your holiday travels.
4. Fendi Baguette Bag:
Fendi's Baguette Bag continues to be a fashion-forward choice. Its sleek silhouette and choice of materials, including luxurious fur and velvet, make it an excellent addition to your winter wardrobe. A Baguette Bag adorned with intricate holiday-themed embroidery adds a touch of festive charm.
Photo: Pinterest
5. Dior Lady D-Lite Bag:
The Dior Lady D-Lite Bag is a statement piece that exudes elegance and sophistication. This Christmas, explore limited-edition versions with stunning holiday embellishments and rich, seasonal colors. It's a versatile choice for holiday soirées and Christmas morning brunch.
6. Prada Cahier Bag:
For a touch of vintage charm mixed with modern aesthetics, the Prada Cahier Bag is a unique and stylish choice. Its structured design and metallic accents add a touch of festive sparkle to your ensemble, making it perfect for holiday gatherings.
7. Burberry Monogram Belt Bag:
The Burberry Monogram Belt Bag is a chic and hands-free option for the Christmas season. Wear it across your chest or waist to stay on-trend and keep your essentials close at hand. Burberry's iconic monogram design gives it a classic, holiday-worthy edge.
Christmas is the season of giving, and what better way to celebrate than by indulging in the luxury of designer bags? These timeless accessories are not just fashion statements; they're investments in style and elegance. The ultimate designer bags for Christmas Season 2023 offer a variety of choices, from classic elegance to modern sophistication, ensuring you're perfectly styled for every festive occasion. Whether you're looking for the ideal gift or the finishing touch to your holiday outfits, these designer bags are sure to make your Christmas season truly special. So, unwrap luxury, embrace style, and let your holiday spirit shine through the accessory you carry with pride.
Do you have any questions or are you looking for a specific designer item? We are more than happy to help you on our online platforms or welcome you in one of our stores in the center of Amsterdam. Do you want to be kept informed about everything about (vintage) designer? Sign up for our newsletter and we'll be the first to update you on the latest news.
Lots of love,
Millie
Welcome to the world of vintage luxury bag collecting, where each piece tells a story of craftsmanship and style that transcends time. Whether you're a budding enthusiast or a seasoned collector, embarking on the journey of curating a vintage luxury bag wardrobe is both a thrilling adventure and a sophisticated pursuit. In this guide, we'll provide you with specific and actionable tips to help you craft a collection that is not only a reflection of your personal taste but also a testament to the allure of timeless fashion.
The foundation of any great collection is knowledge. Begin by immersing yourself in the history of luxury fashion houses and their iconic bag designs. Familiarize yourself with the evolution of brands like Chanel's quilted patterns, the exquisite leatherwork of Hermès, and the monogram canvas of Louis Vuitton. This knowledge will empower you to identify authentic pieces and understand the nuances of each brand's aesthetic.
Photo: Pinterest.com
Just as every outfit needs its essentials, a vintage luxury bag collection should begin with staple pieces. Invest in classics like a versatile tote, an elegant clutch, and a functional crossbody. These timeless designs not only complement a variety of outfits but also serve as a solid foundation for your collection, allowing you to build around them.
While classic pieces are essential, don't shy away from embracing rarity and uniqueness. Hunt for limited-edition releases, discontinued styles, and collaborations that have left their mark on fashion history. These exceptional finds not only add depth to your collection but also become conversational pieces that showcase your discerning taste.
In the world of vintage luxury bags, building relationships with trusted sellers is invaluable. Attend luxury consignment events, connect with reputable vintage stores, and engage with online platforms that specialize in authentic vintage pieces. Developing a rapport with sellers can grant you access to insider information about upcoming collections and exclusive pieces.
Once you've started acquiring vintage bags, proper care and preservation become paramount. Store your bags in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Stuff them with acid-free tissue paper to maintain their shape, and consider using protective dust bags. Regularly clean and condition the leather to ensure its longevity and keep hardware polished.
Photo: Pinterest.com
In the end, curating a vintage luxury bag collection is a personal journey that celebrates both the artistry of fashion and the stories woven into each piece. By following these specific tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a collection that encapsulates the essence of luxury, individuality, and enduring style. Happy collecting!
Do you have any questions or are you looking for a specific designer item? We are more than happy to help you on our online platforms or welcome you in one of our stores in the center of Amsterdam. Do you want to be kept informed about everything about (vintage) designer? Sign up for our newsletter and we'll be the first to update you on the latest news.
Lots of love,
Aina
Sources:
]]>Some of the most popular patterns that Burberry has made are the ”Classic Check" and the "Nova Check”. On the Classic Check you can spot a blurred knight where the red lines meet, that’s a good sign, if you see variation you may be seeing a fake one. The Classic Check has a tan background, with black, white and red stripes of both perfectly straight horizontal and vertical. Unlike the Classic Check, the Nova Check pattern doesn’t have the blurred knight on it. The colours of this print are navy blue, red, and black over a cream background. The stripes are vertical and horizontal. An imitation will have unequal lines with bad quality colours.
Sources
The Chanel Classic Flap bags are currently one of the most sought bags. Not surprising when the value of this bag increases every year. This makes it very to invest in such a beautiful bag as the Chanel Classic Flap bag. But the more popular the bag, the more copies of the bag appear (unfortunately). For this reason, we want to give you some tips to check a Chanel Classic Flap bag for authenticity.
You can separate a real Chanel bag from a fake one with the following steps. So let's get started, woohoo!
The Chanel bags made in 1980, and after, have a sticker with a serial number in the bag and a authenticity card. The numbers on the serial number in the bag and the card match. From about 2000, the serial number inside the bag is adorned with Chanel logos and protected by a clear tape with hologram security features. The sticker, Chanel logo and hologram design depend on the production date.
Serial number stickers may peel off handbags. This is because the serial number was on a real sticker in vintage bags. Authentication cards are also often lost. Hence, Chanel handbags lacking these items can still be authentic.
A genuine Chanel Classic Flap bag has up to eleven stitches per panel (that's the distance from one side of the diamond shape). However, a fake bag will generally have a lower stitch count. Lining is another feature that varies between real bags and fake ones. The lining of a real bag lies flat against the material with no visible lumps or bumps.
The width of the Chanel logo should be 3.3 centimeters. With fake bags they often use a thinner font style and have a poor finish. The logo of a real Chanel Classic Flap bag is engraved in the bag instead of incorporated into the leather. The embossed Chanel logo position should be 1.5 centimeters lower than the filled C. The width of the C's and the gap between them remains constant 0.9 centimeters.
Chanel bags have different types of zippers they use, we put them together for clarity.
- No marker zipper: usually found on vintage bags
- Lampo zipper: used on metal teeth
- EP zipper: a pull tag made of leather
- 3 C's in a circle zipper
- OPTI DCM zipper
- Eclair zipper
- DMC zipper
- YKK zipper
The vintage Chanel Classic Flap bags are provided with a link without the leather having been threaded through. Fake straps do not have a link without the leather threaded through it. The leather strap is folded over and stitched through every link. Another way to find out is to feel how heavy the chain is. Real Classic Flap bags often have a heavy chain and are quite flexible. With a fake Chanel Classic Flap bag, the chains are often lighter and a bit stiffer.
Ready to find the perfect Chanel Classic Flap bag? Check out our amazing Chanel Classic Flap Bag collection to find the bag of your dreams.
Sources:
Yoogicloset
Lovethebag
Lovetoknow
Codogirl
Luxity
Pinterest
Currently, one of the most exclusive and sought-after designer bags, the Hermès Birkin is a bag that every designer bag lover wants to have in their collection. But the million-dollar question is: How can I get one? Well, we're about to tell you.
The story of the bag begins with its namesake: Jane Birkin. On a flight from Paris to London, the English actress happened to be seated next to the chief executive of Hermès, Jean-Louis Dumas.
Jane Brikin was known for carrying a wicker basket wherever she went and used it for everything, from groceries to diapers. When she tried to fit her famous basket in the overhead compartment, the lid came off, spilling the contents everywhere. Jane complained to her seatmate that it was impossible to find a weekend bag she liked. Dumas introduced himself as the head of Hermès, and the pair spent the flight sketching possible handbag designs on the back of an airplane.
Photo: Pinterest
A year later, Dumas presented Jane with the Birkin bag, a spacious yet sophisticated leather design perfect for everyday use. The Birkin’s pockets made it highly functional, and the bag was sealed to prevent anything from spilling. Hermès makes the bags in France using premium materials like calf or alligator skin, and even ostrich skin. Each bag is made entirely by hand.
The Birkin sizes go from the Birkin 25, perfect to fit daily necessities, with five other sizes in between, until the Birkin 50, ideal for a weekend trip.
As for the colors, over the years the bags have been made in all kinds of different shades. From soft pastels to bright eye-catching tones to neutrals such as gray and black.
Photo: Rebag
Although Birkins are one of the most exclusive and sought-after bags today, they weren’t all that popular when they were first launched. It wasn’t until the 90s that the Birkin became one of the “It” bags of the era.
Now they’re the ultimate status symbol. Victoria Beckham reportedly has a collection of over 100 Birkins, estimated to be worth over US $2 million, and Singaporean socialite and entrepreneur Jamie Chua is considered to have the world’s largest Birkin collection with over 200 bags! Imagine having so many Birkins, what a dream.
You might be asking yourself: Can I just go to a Hermès store and buy a Birkin Bag?
The short answer is, yes, you can buy a Birkin from a Hermès store, but it is not that easy. Also, whereas you can order many Hermès products from its website, Birkins and are never sold online. So if you're looking to purchase a brand new Birkin, you must make a trip to the Hermès store or to its authorized dealers.
However, traveling all the way to an official Hermès store doesn't guarantee that you'll be able to buy one. Hermès implement strict rules as to who is able to acquire one of their iconic bags. There are also long waiting lists that can stretch up to six years.
It's actually the sales associates who choose who is worth buying a Birkin bag, and it's based on different factors, such as previous purchases and reputation with the company. The main one that can tip the balance to your favor is if you already have a purchase history from Hermès. However, sometimes the bags are offered to clients who haven't purchased anything from the luxury brand.
You can give the sales associate a list of your preferences, such as color, material, and size. However, it'll be the sales associate the one to make the final decision on which back to offer you.
Photo: Pinterest
Nowadays, it seems like phones are getting bigger and purses are getting smaller. You guessed it, we're talking about the Pochette bag. The popularity of this bag isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. It's on many must-have lists and is often styled in new ways by your favorite influencer(s). It’s the bag of the moment! Are you also a Pochette lover but don't know how to style it? Look no further, because we're about to give you some tips.
The Louis Vuitton Pochette is perfect for a sporty-chic look. You can easily store all your essentials in this bag, making it easier to run errands. Influencer Anna Cay made the bag stand out because she styled it with an all-white outfit. Along with some gold details and accessories, it created an elegant and trendy look.
So as you can see, the Pochette is one of the trendiest and more versatile bags of the moment. How do you like to style this “Hot” item?
Photo: Pinterest
Looking for a vintage Dior bag? We are more than happy to help you on our online platforms or welcome you in one of our stores in the center of Amsterdam. Do you want to be kept informed about everything about (vintage) designer? Sign up for our newsletter and we'll be the first to update you on the latest news.
Believe it or not, Christmas is just around the corner and that means; time to buy presents! The hardest thing about Christmas shopping isn’t really the shopping but brainstorming of gifts to buy for people. After all, you want to gift them the ultimate, most perfect gift available, right? But how can you possibly know what’s the exact right choice when there are so many things to choose from? This year, we made a guide of the best designer bags (and most giftable) options for the holiday season.
The Louis Vuitton Speedy Mini is a unique and classy bag, to be worn crossbody or in the hand. We know, the bag looks small, but it will fit all your essentials. Wear it on a night out or a Christmas dinner with your family or friends. Available in the classic Louis Vuitton Monogram print and in Multicolor, to make your outfit colorful.
The Lady Dior is a perfect elegant, one-colored bag, to pair with a colorful dress or even with a glittery one. The bag is calm and chic and exudes elegance. For sure, this bag will make you look like a lady. The bag can be worn crossbody and in the hand. Also, the bag has a lot of space to carry all your belongings.
The Louis Vuitton bucket bag, also known as the Louis Vuitton Noé is perfect to gift this Christmas season. This stylish bag has been around for a long time and it's a classic from the luxury brand. The bag has a timeless design and it was created to carry five champagne bottles: four bottles can fit right set up and one in the middle upside down. The perfect bag to take with you on New Year’s Eve, right?
Of course, the Chanel Classic Flap Bag couldn’t be missing in this gift guide. It's the perfect classy, timeless bag, that will match every outfit and will make you stand out. The bag can be worn in the hand, crossbody or over the shoulder. The bag has several pockets and lots of space.
We know, it is hard to choose from all the designer bags we have available. If you can't decide on one in particular, let the other person choose! Our L’Étoile Gift Card is the perfect solution. You decide the amount and let them choose the perfect bag all by themselves. A win-win situation as far as we are concerned.
Dear vintage lovers, It's Cyber Monday! Today is the last day of our biggest sales, with a 20% discount on almost all our items. We introduce some of our favorite pieces from the sale collection and give you a little inspiration to style them. Maybe we can inspire you to find a Cyber Monday Deal that's just right for you! Also, we have an extra surprise, so make sure you keep reading…
The Dior 2 Ways Handbag in Bordeaux in classic Dior Jacquard Oblique-Canvas is a must have for the Christmas season. This bag is perfect for everyday use, a dinner, or a cocktail night with your friends. Style it with a classic white dress and high boots to make it more extra. When it’s cold you can wear a white furry coat with it. It will make you look very chic and stylish for the cold winter days.
The Gucci Pochette in Canvas with the classic Gucci print. This handbag is perfect to hold all your essentials and will go with every outfit. Army green will be the best color combination with this beige Gucci print. And to make it stand out more, pair it with a sparkly and colorful top to make your outfit complete.
This vintage Prada Crossbody & Fanny pack is ideal for everyday use because, it's very light and easy to combine with. It’s a cool black nylon bag for men and women. With a chic black blazer, you make this bag very feminine. You can style it with neutral colors and some black details to match the bag.
Last but not least, one of our favorite bags, the Louis Vuitton Looping PM in Monogram Canvas. We love the classic Louis Vuitton Monogram print, especially when you style it with denim. Of course, The denim-on-denim and the Uggs trend couldn't be missing in this styling guide. All these trends put together make this the perfect outfit.
To celebrate Cyber Monday, we've planned an extra surprise! When you purchase an item online with the code: GET20 you'll immediately enter a giveaway for a 200€ voucher for our store. How amazing is that?
Whether it's Christmas shopping, or a little treat for yourself, this is the time to do it!
The Neverfull is one of the most iconic and famous bags from Louis Vuitton. Women couldn’t be happier with this bag. Lip gloss, hairbrush, laptop, phone, wallet, nail polish… Every woman knows the problem: her bag is too small. Well, you will never have that problem with the Louis Vuitton Neverfull. A lot of people will know this bag, but how do you style it for different occasions?
The Louis Vuitton Neverfull bag comes in its classic Monogram, Damier Ebene, Damier Azur, and Epi leather. It is made in three different sizes, making it suitable for every occasion. Do you want to read more information about the bag? We wrote a blog about the history of the Louis Vuitton Neverfull!
In today’s blog, we will show you how you can combine an outfit with the Louis Vuitton Neverfull. Since there are a lot of variants of this bag, we can give you a lot of inspiration! For which occasions can you use this bag? And how do you combine this bag with your outfit? These questions will be answered in this blog!
Let’s begin with casual outfits and heels, who doesn’t love this fashion trend? It not only looks amazing; it is also very fashionable. This trend never gets old. Everyone has a pair of heels and nice jeans in there closet. When it's summer, it's nice to wear it with a lovely summer top, maybe off the shoulder? When it's winter, you can combine it with your favorite warm sweater. Our suggestion: top it off with a long and elegant coat.
Traveling? Yes, please! A lot of people use their Louis Vuitton Neverfull GM as a carry-on while they are traveling. Since you have a lot to bring when you are going on vacation, the Neverfull is one of the best solutions. Suitcase, Neverfull, cap, a shirt, and your favorite (sweat) pants. You don’t always have to look on fleek and definitely not when there's a very long flight ahead of you. The Louis Vuitton Neverfull has very long shoulder straps, which ensures that your bag will stay on your suitcase and won't fall off.
As Michelle Obama said: “There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish”. Our opinion: there is no limit to fashion, and the Neverfull shows confidence. The bag is very wide, which is why a lot of business women use this bag. You can easily fit your laptop in your Neverfull. Also, the straps are of good quality, therefore you can put heavy products in the bag. The GM model, which is the biggest model of the Neverfull collection, can carry up to 90 KG without the leather handles breaking! However, the Louis Vuitton Neverfull PM and Neverfull MM have a perfect quality. You can make the bags smaller with the laces attached to the sides. This way, the Neverfull is more tightened and this creates a more compact and chicer city bag.
The girls in the pictures carry the bag in an elegant outfit. Our favorite is the right picture. The girl wears over the knee boots with a white dress and her Louis Vuitton Neverfull Damier Ebene.
Like Nicki Minaj loves to sing, "let go to the beach, let's go get a wave". When you are going to the beach, you probably have a lot of stuff to bring. The Neverfull was first introduced by Louis Vuitton as a seasonal bag to use at the beach, but with the timeless design, you can use the bag for everything. If you buy the bag in a official Louis Vuitton store, there will be a removable pouch included with the Neverfull bag. This is a tiny removable bag that can be used as a clutch or an extra pocket. When you are going to the beach you can use this pouch to store tiny belongings, like keys or a wallet.
Casual outfit, traveling, business meeting, the beach, or a different occasion? You can actually always use this bag. Since the Louis Vuitton Neverfull comes in different sizes and materials, there will probably be a Louis Vuitton Neverfull that will suit you! Are you also in love with this bag after reading this blog? Take a look in our online store to find out which ones are available at the moment!
With love,
Chiara
Sources:
Louis Vuitton
Pinterest
How do you recognize a real Balenciaga bag?
]]>Balenciaga, one of our favorite brands. Always with fantastic new designs, but we can't get enough of the Balenciaga vintage bags. Especially the Classic City Bag, a bag that is still produced in many sizes. But the vintage versions are even better and much more affordable - we love it and our wallets even more!
With its incredible popularity, Balenciaga has become one of the most copied brands in the world and one of the most complicated to authenticate. Always check for authenticity before purchasing a used Balenciaga bag or purchase your Balenciaga bag from a trusted source.
How do you recognize a real Balenciaga bag? How do you know for sure whether the bag you purchase is authentic? We will tell you so that you can quickly hit the street with your (authentic) Balenciaga bag!
The inner label is printed on a metal nameplate or a leather tab. From 2001-2008, metal tags were made of sterling silver, although today they are made of nickel. The style number of the handbag is listed on the front or back of the tab; sometimes it will be on both sides.
With the exception of the City, First, Work (since 2005) and Weekender, all Balenciaga motorcycle bags have leather labels only. These four styles have silver tags only if they have classic hardware. The silver tags were made from real silver until F / W 2008, with the silver “925” stamp in the lower right corner.
Sterling Silver Label (left) and Leather Label (right)
Not only is the number(s) in a designer bag a small part of proper authentication, it often reveals the time of manufacture or the season of the bag.
Balenciaga is engraved in the leather tag, with numbers on the back. Some Balenciaga bags have a metal plate with serial number. This indicator shows the year in which the bag was produced. With Balenciaga bags with a metal tag, it is quite easy to find out in what season a Balenciaga bag was made. Newer bags without a metal plate have the letter stamped on the back of the label, along with the serial number or also called the Balenciaga authenticity code.
S/S = Spring/Summer
F/W = Fall/Winter
The zipper on the inside of the Balenciaga bag has the Lampo logo on the back. In 2010, Balenciaga bags with rose gold hardware were fitted with a zipper without the Lampo logo. It is said that Lampo did not make rose gold hardware at the time. The zipper should have the Lampo logo embossed instead of engraved, in addition it should be italicized and underlined. But beware, because Lampo zippers are also often used in counterfeit Balenciaga bags. The fact that the bag has the correct zipper does not automatically mean that it is an authentic Balenciaga bag. In 2014, Balenciaga replaced the Lampo logo with a capital B.
Real (left) and fake (right)
The closures of the shoulder strap of the Balenciaga bag is an important feature of the bag. The bale, the metal piece of hardware at the end of the shoulder strap, should have a round and organic shape. The part of the turned bale should be smooth and flat. The bale with fake Balenciaga bags often looks like a pendant.
Until 2005, the rivets on Balenciaga bags were rounded and slightly convex. The rivets have been deeply notched since 2005. Many fake Balenciaga rivets have shallow indentations resembling square or shallow crescents.
Are you ready to find your perfect Balenciaga bag? Stop searching, we have great Balenciaga bags for sale and of course we've already done the authenticity work for you!
Already blessed with a Balenciaga bag and doubt its authenticity? You can make an appointment with our expert in our shop for a Balenciaga authenticity check.
With love,
Millie
Sources:
E-glampot
TheLuxuryCloset
LoveThatBagEtc
MuttFlapper
How to decrypt a Dior date code.
]]>Got your hands on a new or vintage Dior bag? Congratulations on your new baby! Did you know all Dior bags include a leather tag inside the bag, which, depending on the age of the item, includes a date code on the back of the tag? This date code was designed to let buyers know they were dealing with a genuine Dior item. But what does the code actually mean? In this blog, we explain how to decrypt a Dior date code.
All Dior bags include a leather tag inside the bag that contains a heat stamp. This tag should have a rectangular shape and rounded corners, not sharp corners. Bags produced before the 1990s are finished with one stitching on top of the tag. More recent bags have tags with a stitching all the way around.
On the front side of this tag, you will find the logo stamp. Depending on the model of the bag, the logo stamp should have two or three lines. You will find the words “Christian Dior” with “PARIS” in capital letters a bit below. For some purses, “MADE IN ITALY” or “MADE IN SPAIN” can be found on the front side of the tag, also in capital letters. On other models, the “Made in” stamp can be found on the back side of the tag, above the date code. This lettering should be clean and no color running outside the letters. The stamp should be placed perfectly in the middle and the lettering should be in either gold, silver or stamped without color.
On the backside of this tag, you will find the date code. It is unsure when Dior started incorporating date codes on the tags, but various blogs mention the fashion house started using them around 1997. Shouldn't your bag have a date code, it doesn't necessarily mean it's a fake. For example, the Lady Dior was introduced in 1994, so there are vintage, authentic bags out there with no date code. The date code on a Dior bag is a combination of digits, letters and dashes. The order is at follows:
On older models, the order may be different. These are separated by a space. The order is at follows:
In the date code, the last 4 digits indicate the month and the year when the bag was made. The first and third number indicate the month of manufacturing, the second and fourth number indicate the year.
In the example above, 16-BO-0133 means the bag was made in March 2013. If the bag has a code like RU 0928, the bag was made in February 1998. According to BrandsBlogger, the format of the date code is the same as those found on Louis Vuitton, as Dior is part of LVMH. The letters indicate the factory where the item was made, just like the Louis Vuitton date codes. The first two numbers indicate the date or week the bag was made, according to this blog on the BrandsBlogger. We’re still not sure what the first two numbers mean. When we find out, we will of course let you know!
source: Westmountfashionista, Pinterest
Please note that the date code and the serial number of a Dior bag, are not the same. The serial number can be found on the authenticity card, and is the style number of the bag you purchase.
We hoped that our blog was able to help you decrypt the age of your Dior bag.
Still looking for your dream Dior bag or need some more help? That's not a problem at all! Browse our webshop and don't hesitate asking us some more questions online!
Christian Dior jewellery will keep or increase in value.
]]>Dior was founded in 1947. Since then, women's style has become more feminine than ever. Dior believed that jewelry was just as much a part of fashion as clothing. His jewelry is designed to complement his clothing collections. Christian Dior jewelry is really worth collecting. The items will keep their value or even increase in value as the items become increasingly rare. Read our blog to find out how to distinguish the real Dior jewelry and find out what great Dior pieces we have in our collection, we are sure the perfect Dior item is waiting for you.
Wearing Dior jewelry is a mega trend right now: both new and vintage necklaces are very popular. Well-known influencers have been spotted wearing Dior jewelry, for example Kylie Jenner loves wearing Dior necklaces. Considering that Christian Dior has always been responsible for setting and influencing trends, it's no surprise that influencers and their followers agree that Dior jewelry can make any outfit look so elegant and fashionable.
“Color is what gives jewels their worth. They light up and enhance the face. Nothing is more elegant than a black skirt and sweater worn with a sparkling multi-stone necklace.” - Christian Dior.
So, how do you identify a real Dior jewelry piece? First of all, take a closer look at the logo signatures. Take a close look at the consistency and right font of the logo. The quality of the engraving, if applicable, if very important here as well. Look at overall evenness, the placing of the signature and uniformity. Typically, the jewelry will have a 'CD' or 'D' logo pendant at the end of the chain, with an extension that is used to adjust the length of the piece. Some necklaces do not have the extension, but they always have the pendant with the 'CD' or 'D' logo like all jewelry.
Second, the most reliable factor that can verify Dior jewelry is its characteristics. It is an official stamp that allows you to verify the chain. The stamp can tell you where the piece was made and also in what year. What the hallmark tells you depends on the year in which the Dior jewelry was made. There are variations on the signatures from 1947 upto today.
Next to being a remarkable designer, Christian Dior was a business man. He understood that he was surrounded by talented costume jewelry manufacturers in Paris, but also abroad. He enlisted only the bes of them to produce for his brand. These companies and designers were known as paruriers. Some of the paruriers to look out for, are the following.
In the 1960s and 1970s, designers identified their Dior jewelry with the "Chr.Dior" mark, followed by a copyright symbol and the year of manufacture.
Then it was changed to "Christian Dior" in the 1980s, still followed by the copyright symbol and year of manufacture. Occasionally, their jewelry is marked "Made in France".
Dior only uses workmanship of the highest class, so take this into consideration when authenticating a Dior jewelry piece. The materials used are often gilt metals, colored and clear crystal, pearls and semi-precious stones like citrines, peridots and rhinestones in their designs for costume jewelry. For fine jewelry, Dior features materials of higher value, such as mother of pearl, precious stones, onyx and gold. The way the material appears, says a lot of the craftsmanship behind it. If the piece contains pearls, look for luster or shine, a clear surface and the right shape and colors. When it comes to gemstones, these are very hard to be cut. So, if you see too much neatness, this could point to a synthetic stone.
If you happen to come across a piece of jewelry marked from the days when Christian Dior was alive (until 1957), you should know that those pieces have a very high value. You should also know that jewelry designed by Mitchel Maer is highly collectable, especially the pieces from the Floral and Unicorn collection. Chances that you find with a collector's item like this are very small.
The last thing to check is the weight of the jewelry. Dior jewelry is definitely not lightweight. They will never feel light and cheap, but substantial.
Our last tip from us to you is to compare different kinds of jewelry when authenticating a piece from Dior. The uniformity on the jewelry plays a crucial role in determining authenticity.
We understand that you are very enthusiastic now. Hopefully we have informed you well. Because we have good news for our jewelry lovers: we currently have some really nice vintage Dior jewelry in stock! Don't wait too long, as you've read, Dior necklaces are hugely popular right now, so get one quickly and discover our Dior jewelry! Oh, and don't forget...
“Don't buy much but make sure that what you buy is good.'' - Christian Dior
With love,
Rianne
Sources
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We all love Prada. Prada clothes, Prada shoes, Prada boots, Prada sneakers, Prada sunglasses, a Prada purse, the Prada bucket hat, but above all: the Prada bag. Prada handbag, Prada shoulder bag, Prada crossbody bag, anything with 'Prada' in it, is great.
Your sweet sweet Prada bag, probably your greatest love ever. The bag that completes every outfit. Did you buy such a pearl second-hand? Nothing more important than to know if you have scored an authentic bag.
We tell you everything about the Prada authenticity check of your Prada bag.
Prada bags come in a white soft flannel or silky dustbag with the Prada logo printed on the front, although there are a few exceptions. Older bags may have a navy dustbag with the Prada logo printed in gold. The font printed on the dust bag should be consistent with the Prada fonts used throughout the bag. Your bag should also come with care booklets and a sealed Prada authenticity card which contains the bag's serial number and style information. Always do a Google Search to make sure the serial number and style information corresponds with the bag. Some counterfeiters can also replicate the dust bag and authenticity card, but fake replicas typically have low-quality prints with uneven spacing and discoloration. What does a Prada authenticity card look like? See the picture below for a reference!
Look for a small white tag inside the bag with a number on it as well. It's a tiny square label, and the number represents the factory number of the bag. However, just because the bag has this tiny label, it doesn't mean it's an original bag.
The Prada logo, including the inverted triangle, is one of the most distinctive designer logos ever. Genuine Prada bags should have logo plaques that are clearly legible, applied evenly to the leather and attached. The logo plaque always mentions Prada, Milano and Dal 1913. The color of the plaque must match the color of the leather of the bag. Some styles don't have the inverted triangle logo, but instead include a rectangular plaque with the words 'Prada Milano' displayed. How to distinguish a real Prada bag from a fake? Pay close attention to the stitching of the logo plaque and the font of the authentic Prada logo. On the left, you see an original Prada logo. On the right, you see double stitching in the left corner of the triangle. Next to this, the R in Prada is off. This characteristic is a close call when it comes to authenticating your Prada bag. If the R doesn't have a small notch opening in between, it's most often a fake.
Source: Pinterest and wondermika.com
Apart from the logo plaque on the outside, Prada bags also have an inner plaque, the design of which may differ depending on the style of the bag. Older styles show 'Prada Milano Made in Italy' in three lines. However, newer styles only have two lines that say 'Prada Made in Italy'. Some non-leather styles have the leather patch on the inside instead of the ceramic plate. If you're dealing with a plastic or fabric tag, alarm bells may go off. The color of the inside plaque must always correspond with the interior fabric. If not, it's probably a fake.
The hardware and zippers are always of high quality. The hardware is critical in determining the authenticity of a Prada bag. Some counterfeit bags use inexpensive zippers and hardware that are prone to discoloration. Real bags showcase high-quality hardware that can be gold-plated or stainless steel. These must have crisp brand name engravings that are spaced apart and clearly legible. Make sure the hardware is all either gold or silver. Prada never mixes colors on a bag when it comes to hardware.
The engraved Prada brand name, always in bold and in capital letters, is on hardware such as buckles, zippers, metal feet, locks and buttons. Authentic Prada zippers used on bags are from the brands Lampo, YKK, Riri, Opti and Ipi. These marks should be engraved either on the back of the hardware zipper or on the side. Open and close the zipper to see if it runs smoothly.
The lining has to be made of embossed jacquard fabric or genuine leather. The inside of a real Prada bag usually has as much detail as the outside. The jacquard lining of the bag also shows a line of rope motif and the word Prada is repeated. Every other line, the Prada logo will be printed upside down. An important detail here is the wide and narrow letter A in the Prada logo. The A should be wide and both should be consistent. pattern that depicts the name Prada horizontally. The color of the printed lining must match or be complementary to the outer color of the bag. However, not all styles have this printed lining. Some bags have a nappa leather lining, which shows a more modern finish.
The stitching on a Prada bag should be neat and even. One of the telltale signs of a counterfeit Prada bag is messy with uneven stitching. Original Prada bags show perfect small, even stitches made with a sturdy thread that must be the same color as the leather of the bag. Please make sure you don't see any glued stitching on the bag.
Authentic Pradas are made of the highest quality calf leather, which should feel soft. Fake leather may look real from a distance, but it feels stiff. Regardless of the style: classic, ruched, printed or studded, the leather used is clearly rich and smooth. Pay close attention to the colors in printed styles. Fake Prada bags will show extraordinarily bright and shiny hues, while original bags would have a very smooth color.
Source: Pinterest
We hope this guide has given you the insights to authenticate your (vintage) Prada bag. If you have any further questions about the authentication of your Prada bag, or you would like us to check the authenticity of your Prada bag, feel free to get in touch. Looking for your next vintage Prada bag? We got you!. See our Prada collection via this link and start shopping!
With love, Nermien and Millie
Sources:
Etoile
Pinterest
LoveThatBagEtc
Hermès items don’t have a serial number or a date code, but there is still a way to find out how old your bag is. Hermès uses date stamps, often referred to as “blind stamps” or “craftsmen stamps”. When you understand how to read the date stamp, you will be able to tell which year the item was manufactured. The stamp can also be used to authenticate the bag, however, there are many counterfeit Hermès products that have a fake authentication code or stamp. Just because an item has a stamp, doesn’t mean that it is real! Hermès also does not issue authenticity cards with their bags, they have never done this before, and will probably never start.
All leather items made by Hermès after 1945 have a date stamp, that cannot be seen from the outside. The Hermès date stamp corresponds with the year of the manufacturing date of the item. This is different from a serial number, since all items made in one year get the same stamp. In addition to this date stamp, you can find another stamp next to it that indicates the area at the atelier (workshop) where the bag craftsman works.
Hermès also uses a different kind of stamp to indicate different types of exotic leathers used in an item. This extra stamp can be found next to the branded “Hermès, Paris, Made in France”. However, a lot of vintage Hermès bags have no stamps at all, this doesn’t mean that they are not real.
The date stamps used by Hermès are embossed with a hot iron and are always placed on the inside, or a place where it cannot be seen from the outside. The first places you should look for the Hermès date stamps are:
In general, each type of bag has its own specific area where the code can be found. However, this can change depending on the year. For example, the date stamps on the Hermès Birkin and Hermès Kelly can often be found on the exterior arm or interior panel of the bag. While the Hermès Constance commonly has the stamp on the middle interior panel.
The Hermès date stamp always consists of a single letter. Depending on the year, this letter will be placed on its own or surrounded by a symbol. As from 1945 until now (2020), Hermès has only used letter without a shape, or surrounded by either a circle or a square. The letters A through Z are used in alphabetical order, with some years using a different order to through of counterfeit products. Use the image shown to check the date stamp on your item, and find out when it was created.
Hermès uses different stamps in their items to stay transparent about the production of their products. This leather type stamp can be found next to the branded “Hermès, Paris, Made in France”, and consists of a symbol.
Carat (^):
A carat is used to identify an item made using Crocodile Porosus is.
Dash (-):
A dash is used to identify an item made using Varanus Niloticus Lizard.
Double Dots (..):
A double dots stamp is used to identify an item made using Crocodile Niloticus.
Employee Stamp:
A “S” is used to identify an item that is bought with an (employee) discount. This stamp varies, and sometimes these are also additional numbers and/or letters added.
Equal Sign (=):
An equal sign is used identify an item made using Varanus Salvator Lizard.
Horseshoe:
A horseshoe is used to identify a custom Hermès product.
Shooting Star:
A shooting star refers to a product that was created for a Hermes Craftman's personal use. This stamp is really incommon.
Square (☐):
A square is used to identify an item made using Alligator Mississippiensis.
No shape (old) |
Within a Circle |
Within a Square |
No shape (new) |
1945 - A |
1971 - A |
1997 - A
|
2015 - T
|
* Note some Hermès bags including the Evelyne and Double Sens left the factory with a "JO" stamp in a rectangle instead of O stamp in square. |
*Please note that Hermes releases new date stamps over time. It is possible that there are newer stamps released after this blog was posted.
We are very pleased to tell you that we have some beautiful vintage Hermès items in our collection at L'Étoile Luxury Vintage. Check out the Hermès collection here
With love, Millie & Jessica
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After finding your dream bag, one thing is even more important: taking care of it. When taking good care of your Louis Vuitton bag, you’ll make sure you’ll enjoy it even longer.
We wanted to share with you our tips and tricks to keep your Louis Vuitton bags in the best possible condition. We will share the way we make our vintage Louis Vuitton items look as beautiful and new as possible.
Louis Vuitton bags often have leather handles, straps, trimmings, and other details. Leather is easier to stain, and can quickly become dry if not cared after properly.
The leather on vintage bags often is a lot dryer than on newer bags. Most of the time, this is because the leather wasn’t properly treated, or wasn’t treated often enough. That is why we give all of our bags a deep cleaning and moisturizing treatment before we display them in our stores. For us, this is a 3-step procedure.
What products do we use?
To clean and care the leather on Louis Vuitton bags, we use three different products. One deep cleaner and two types of moisturizer.
Please note that the products named here are the products that we personally like to use. There are definitely great alternatives that will get you the same results. When using other products than the ones we name, always make sure that they are water based and colorless.
All the products used by Etoile Luxury Vintage to clean and take care of Louis Vuitton bags.
Step 1: Deep cleaning spots and stains
Product: HG Deep cleaner for leather – safe and mild
It is not necessary to clean the leather when this is not needed. Only use this deep cleaner on spots and stains that you want to try to get out (and definitely avoid getting it on the canvas!). This step can be quite time consuming, however, this really depends on how bad the spots are and how clean you want it to get.
Start off with cleaning the spots for about 10 minutes, wait for a couple of minutes and check if you can see any results. We usually repeat this at least 3 times. Always check how the spot your treating is doing before continuing. Also know that an improvement of about 70% is very good already (especially with really old vintage bags). When your happy with the improvement of the spots, remember to dry off all the material before continuing to step 2.
Step 2: Moisturizing
Product: Hema leather cleaner gel
This gel is called a leather cleaner; however, we find it’s better used as a leather moisturizer. Other than products like leather wax, this gel moisturizes deeper than just the surface of the leather. Use a cloth or your finger to apply a thin layer of the gel, and gently rub it into all of the leather.
Step 3: A moisturizing finish
Product: Hema Shoe cream
This cream, that originally is used on shoes, makes sure the leather on your Louis Vuitton will get one last round of moisturizing. The cream is more of a polishing cream and will moisturize the leather, give it a bit off a shine, and finish it off to look nice. Just like in step 2; use a cloth or your finger to apply a thin layer of the cream. Apply a thin layer and make sure to get the cream on all parts of the leather, so it will start to shine. Make sure you have the transparent leather wax and no color.
Is this exact product not available? Then you can also use this product. Also make sure it is transparent.
Moisturizing the leather is crucial. We recommend using a moisturizing product every month. For the monthly moisturizing, you can use the Hema leather cleaner gel, you can choose to also use the Hema Shoe cream as a finish. Try not to use cleaning products when this is not necessary, only use products on the actual spots and stains.
The use of chemicals and cleansers like saddle soap will dry out the material. We also don’t recommend using wax, since this most of the time only moisturizes the surface layer of the leather without deep moisturizing it.
The two leather moisturizing products used by Etoile Luxury Vintage.
A lot of the classic Louis Vuitton bags you see aren’t (completely) made of leather. Louis Vuitton uses canvas, a very durable, waterproof material that will stay beautiful for a very long time. Canvas is a type of material that doesn’t naturally dries out, it’s a low-maintenance material.
What products do we use?
We recommend not using any products on the canvas. Please avoid getting any chemicals on the canvas. To clean the canvas, all you’ll need to use is a damp towel or cloth.
How to clean?
Cleaning the canvas is mainly done to keep the bag dust-free. Make a towel or cloth wet and wring it out to make sure it’s not too wet, but just damp. You can use this damp cloth to clean of the entire bag. If you feel like the bag is not completely clean, you can try to add a little bit of mild, colorless soap into the water. Then use the damp cloth with a bit of soap the same way by wiping along all the canvas. Don’t forget to thoroughly dry the entire bag after you’re finished.
Even though Louis Vuitton bags are still most popular in the iconic Monogram or Damier canvas. There are other materials available like: Epi leather, Mini Lin, Vernis, Empreinte, and Mahina. Taking care of all of the different types of materials will stay quite similar.
How to clean?
We recommend to always try and clean any type of material with just a damp towel or cloth, before using any product. When this doesn’t completely clean a stain, you can try using a bit of mild, colorless soap. Be careful when cleaning materials that are more fabric-like, stains on these types of materials can get worse when you try to clean them. Guarantee that the material is dried of after cleaning.
On leather materials, like Epi or Vernis, it’s possible to use any of the two moisturizers that we recommended. This isn’t essential, because of the coated leather, but it definitely won’t worsen the material.
Different bags by Louis Vuitton showing some of the materials that they are available in - by Courture USA
With our vintage bags, we don’t normally use any products to clean/polish the hardware. This is because not everyone likes really shiny hardware (especially on their vintage bags). The hardware on Louis Vuitton bags most of the time is made of metal.
How to clean?
As with all other Louis Vuitton materials, it’s possible to clean the hardware with just a towel and some water. After cleaning, definitely dry the hardware of. The metal can rust quickly. If you do want shiny hardware on your Louis Vuitton bags, you can use metal polish. However, be careful not to get the product on other materials than the metal.
How and where you store your Louis Vuitton bag is quite important in keeping it in a good condition. It’s crucial to store any Louis Vuitton item in a place where the material can still breath. When this is not the case, all of the material (leather and canvas) will get dehydrated, the chance of the material cracking or breaking will then be more likely.
Store your item in a cool dry place, preferably in a dust bag. Never store any Louis Vuitton item in a plastic bag, and preferably also not in a box, this will prevent the material from breathing. Also, definitely don’t store your item next to any source of heat.
While dealing with a lot of vintage Louis Vuitton bags, we often come across bags with sticky pockets. The vinyl-like material on the inside of their bags is known to get sticky or start to peel with age or when exposed to heat. Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do to prevent this from happening and it’s quite impossible to clean this.
Possible solutions
When searching the internet for a solution for sticky pockets, you’ll find many video’s and blogs about how you can clean it. Most of these solutions use cleaning products like nail polish remover to remove the entire interior lining/material. This solution will take a lot of time, and you will be left with just fabric inside. Another solution would be to have the interior replaced at a Louis Vuitton store. However, this procedure would be very expensive, and Louis Vuitton doesn’t offer this for all of their bags.
Our recommendation
In our opinion, the best solution would be to just not use the specific pocket that is sticky. Especially when the rest of the bag is still in a good condition. In this case it would be a shame to spend a lot of money on renewing the inside of the bag at Louis Vuitton. And we find that completely removing the inside material, gives it a worse look. However, this is definitely a personal opinion and many people are very happy with the result.
Should you have any more questions about taking care of you Louis Vuitton bags, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us! Are you ready to buy a vintage Louis Vuitton item? Check out our amazing Louis Vuitton collection.
With love, Jessica
]]>Part of what’s so amazing about vintage items, is that they come with history. Thanks to Chanel date codes or serial numbers, we are able to tell you exactly when an item was made and thus how old the bags we sell are.
Like many popular designer brands, Chanel suffered from plagiarism a lot. The use of serial numbers was most likely one of the ways the brand tried to make it easier to find counterfeit products. Chanel started using serial numbers in 1984. Even though you can use this code to identify the manufacturing date of an item, it’s a different from a date code. Some people call it the date code, date stamp, or the authentication code. We will refer to it as the serial number. The Chanel serial numbers are, unlike Louis Vuitton date codes, unique to a specific item. Meaning two Chanel bags can never have the same serial number.
All Chanel bags and accessories manufactured after 1984 have their own serial number. This serial number is very important to find out the year in which a Chanel item was manufactured. Next to this, the code can be used in the authentication process of an item. However, there are definitely more features to look at, and counterfeit Chanel items often come with a (fake) serial number as well. So please don’t use the serial number as the only reference to authenticate your item!
Chanel serial numbers are placed on an authentication sticker on the inside of the bag, as well as on a separate corresponding authenticity card. All new Chanel items will have both of these; however, vintage items are often found without the sticker or card. This is because the sticker can fade or fall off over time, and the card easily gets lost.
Date code stickers can usually be found on the inside lining, the design of the sticker varies depending on the year the bag was manufactured.
You will be able to find the Chanel date code or serial number on an authentication sticker on the inside of the bag, as well as on a separate authentication card. If you are looking for the Chanel authentication sticker, search here:
Chanel uses an in-house system to create their serial numbers. This means that no one, except Chanel employees, will know the exact logic behind the numbers. Chanel doesn’t provide any services to check the codes and, as far as we know, there isn’t any online Chanel serial number calculator either. However, you can still use the serial number to find out when your item was manufactured.
To find out in which year your Chanel item was manufactured, look at the following two factors.
Look up your Chanel date code / serial number and check the production date by using the table below. First count the number of digits in your code, check the first 1 or 2 digits (depending on a 7- or 8-digit code) and you’ll be able to find the right series. Please note that there are currently no items with a 9-digit code (2021).
31XXXXXX | 2021 |
|
30XXXXXX | 2020 |
|
29XXXXXX | 2019 |
|
28XXXXXX | 2019 |
|
27XXXXXX | 2019 |
|
26XXXXXX | 2018 - 2019 |
|
25XXXXXX |
2018 |
|
24XXXXXX |
2017 – 2018 |
|
23XXXXXX |
2016 - 2017 |
|
22XXXXXX |
2016 - 2017 |
|
21XXXXXX |
2015 - 2016 |
|
20XXXXXX |
2014 - 2015 |
|
19XXXXXX |
2014 |
|
18XXXXXX |
2013 - 2014 |
|
17XXXXXX |
2012 - 2013 |
|
16XXXXXX |
2012 |
|
15XXXXXX |
2011 |
|
14XXXXXX |
2010 - 2011 |
|
13XXXXXX |
2009 - 2010 |
|
12XXXXXX |
2008 - 2009 |
|
11XXXXXX |
2006 - 2008 |
|
10XXXXXX |
2005 - 2006 |
|
9XXXXXX |
2004 - 2005 |
|
8XXXXXX |
2003 - 2004 |
|
7XXXXXX |
2002 - 2003 |
|
6XXXXXX |
2000 - 2002 |
|
5XXXXXX |
1997 - 1999 |
|
4XXXXXX |
1996 - 1997 |
|
3XXXXXX |
1994 - 1996 |
|
2XXXXXX |
1991 - 1994 |
|
1XXXXXX |
1989 - 1991 |
|
0XXXXXX |
1986 - 1988 |
|
XXXXXX |
Mid-1980s |
|
*Please note that Chanel releases new serial numbers over time. It is possible that there are newer series released after this blog was posted.
In our collection at Étoile Luxury Vintage we have a lot of beautiful vintage Chanel bags of which we absolutely guarantee you that they are authentic. Please feel free to check our collection here!
With love, Jessica
]]>This is a question we get asked a lot. A great question, since all of our items are vintage and some of them have a quite some history! Luckily we are most of the time able to tell you when and where a Louis Vuitton bag was made thanks to the so called “date code”.
Instead of serial numbers to identify items, Louis Vuitton uses date codes. This code isn’t unique to an item, it’s rather used to recognize the manufacturing date and place of the item. Checking the date code in a Louis Vuitton item can help with the authentication. Unfortunately, the code is no guarantee that the bag is real since a lot of counterfeit items have a (fake) date code as well.
However, it is still an important factor and you should always check if the country code of the date code matches the :“made-in” stamp, inside of the bag (if this is not the case, the item is definitely fake.) Authentic Louis Vuitton items always have a date code set in a font specific to Louis Vuitton.
No, not every Louis Vuitton item has a data code. Louis Vuitton had started adding date codes to items from 1982, but recently they stopped doing so. Nowadays, Louis Vuitton adds data chips to its items to make it easier to check authenticity, for repairs and to check the date the item was manufactured. Sometimes items have neither a date code nor a chip, this can be due to various reasons: sometimes it happens with older items (mainly those with alcantara linings) that the date code is faded away, with them sometimes being completely gone. This happens when the bag is heavily used. And items made before 1982 will not have a date code either.
The date code is commonly stamped on interior linings or tags inside of each Louis Vuitton item. Finding the code might be hard sometimes, since they are in different places for different items. The most common places for the date code to be located are:
Most Louis Vuitton date codes consist of two letters combined with four numbers. The letters show where the item was made, and the numbers show when the item was made. The combination of these letters and numbers have changed several times over the years.
Before 1982
There was no use of date codes before 1982.
1982 – mid 1980s
Louis Vuitton started using 3- or 4-digit codes to indicate the year and month in which the item was manufactured. The first two numbers show the year, and the last one or two numbers show the month.
Mid – Late 1980s
In the mid-80s, Louis Vuitton started using letters in the date codes. These letters corresponded with the factory where the specific item was made. The first to numbers show year, the last one or two numbers show the month. Followed with two letters representing the country of manufacturing.
Early 1990s – 2006
The date code system was changed again in the 90s. These codes still exist out of two letters and four numbers. However, the letters, representing the country, were moved to the front of the code. With the first and the third number indicating the month, and the second and fourth number indicating the year of manufacturing.
2007 – 2020 February
The format of the four-digit numbering system was changed again in 2007. Instead of the month in which an item is manufactured, the date code now represents the week. These codes start with two numbers representing the country, followed by four numbers. The first and third number indicate the week, and the second and fourth number indicate the year.
March 2021 – Present
As of March 2021, the Louis Vuitton bags and leather goods have a microchip in the lining of the bag. The date code is in the past. The chip in the bag is invisible. The main reason of the microchip is to tackle the replica market. The chip indicates in which country the bag was produced and when. In addition, the chip provides more information such as when the bag was sold, where the bag was sold and other general information about the bag. Only Louis Vuitton employees can scan the microchip. We may be able to do this ourselves in the future.
If your Louis Vuitton item was made in the mid-1980s or later, then the date code includes two letters. These letters correspond with a country in which your item was manufactured, and is named the “Country Code”.
You can use the chart below to check which letters correspond with which country:
Country |
France |
Italy |
Spain |
USA |
Germany |
Switzerland |
Belgium |
Relined/replaced |
Country Code |
A0, A1, A2, AA, AAS (Indicates Special Order), AH, AN, AR, AS, BA, BJ, BU, CO, CT, CV, CX, DK (Specifically For Relined Items), DU, DR, DT, ET, FL (Also United States), GR, LW, MB, MI, MS, NO,PT, RA, RE, RI, SD (Also United States), SA (Also Italy), SF, SL, SN, SP, SR, TA, TJ, TH, TN, TR, TS, VI, VX, WL |
BC, BO, CE, FO, MA, NZ, OB, PL, RC, RE, SA (Also France), TD, TH
|
AC, BC, BP, CA, CR, JJ, LO, LB, LM, LW, GI, UB |
FC, FH, FL (Also France), LA, OS, SD (Also France), TX |
LP, OL |
DI, FA |
Scarfs: JA |
DK |
*Please note that Louis Vuitton releases new country codes over time. It is possible that there are newer letter combinations released after this blog was posted.
Want to quickly check your date code without trying to decipher the code yourself? Check out this Louis Vuitton product code authenticator.
With love, Jessica
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