Once, LOUIS VUITTON became a legend overnight in the tourism industry with its innovative, elegant and useful bags and ornaments. Today, LOUIS VUITTON is still one of the fashion leaders in creative fields like shoes, watches, jewelry and so on. With a 150-year long history and advanced craftwork and techniques, LOUIS VUITTON continues to creating brand value. At the same time, guided by a travel philosophy of delicacy, high quality and easeful, it re-appears new vitality by combining original with modern. The crossing abbreviation letter L and V–the abbreviation of LOUIS VUITTON, stars and pattern Monogram including four petals are all so impressive that a retentive memory can be stimulated. What is more, “LV”has already developed into an impressive fashion symbol and LV is always popular and beloved by those who are self confident, elegant or fashionable. Guided by art director, Marc Jacobs, the new series of LOUIS VUITTON products has already achieved success rapidly and gets good reputation in worldwide.
As a so good brand, LOUIS VUITTON products are always thought to be luxury goods. As to this, we have to say that LOUIS VUITTON products are good but dear because of its high quality.

Dear makes us feel happy, comfortable and easeful. After all, we love the dear, right? As we know, life should be tasted slowly and carefully, so does LOUIS VUITTON. As a fashion symbol, it is not difficult to see it because it is so famous and beloved. Why is LOUIS VUITTON so famous?
Have you ever had any LOUIS VUITTON products?
If yes, the n you know the answer. If no, you will find the answer when you try on them!
Are there any friends who show off their LOUIS VUITTON shoes or bags frequently?
It doesn’t matter; you can solve this problem by the following surprise LOUIS VUITTON provided for you!

Are there any LOUIS VUITTON products that you like them very much but you can not afford?
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Know its parts: What is it “supposed” to be lined in? Should it have feet? What does the base look like? Should it have a d-ring inside? Where? Does it have a date code? Should it? Where?You can check the Vuitton website or your local boutique for this information… you can also purchase more detailed guides here on eBay that include such details… For example: If it is supposed to be lined in brown cotton canvas, it needs to be lined in brown cotton canvas. There have never been brown suede linings- even in the vintage pieces. Alcantara kind of looks like a suede-y material, but it isn’t suede and although is found in a greyish mushroomy color, it isn’t found in dark brown. A Speedy of any age should have brown cotton canvas lining, so if you see any other lining- you know it isn’t authentic.
Know its Monogram placement: Louis Vuitton has been in production since 1854! Their style is classic, and quality- phenomenal! The traditional Monogram Toile canvas that is so popular today- had its beginnings in 1896. The monogram itself can give clues as to authenticity. Louis Vuitton is very careful about the way that the monogram is placed on any piece. Most of its styles are the same today as they were when they first came out- with a few exceptions. The actual LV monogram is usually (with the exception of some vintage pieces) symetrical from side to side in all monogram styles (traditional, Multicolore, Cerises, Mini mono, Vernis etc.) as you can see in this Louis Vuitton Speedy (notice where the LVs are in relation to the handles, sides, quatrefoils etc)…
Watch the stitching: Louis Vuitton is very careful with it’s stitching. Stitching should be very even and regular. The same number of stitches will be found in similar locations on similar bags… for example the leather tab that the handle attaches onto on any size monogram Speedy bag will always have 5 regular, even stitches across the top.
Watch the age: While vintage pieces follow most of the rules that I discuss in this guide, there are definite differences in vintage pieces. For example, all French Company pieces vary slightly… so if you are looking at a French Company Vintage Vuitton piece, it may differ a bit. For instance, the FC Speedy 30 does NOT always have 5 stitches across the top, does NOT have upside down LVs on one side, and does NOT have Louis Vuitton embossed in the hardware. I’m currently writing a guide to help with these vintage gems- so watch out for it.

Made in Spain? Yes, while it is true that authentic Louis Vuitton is made in France, for over 25 years, Louis Vuitton has also produced bags in the USA, Spain, Germany and Italy. It is not true that a Louis Vuitton bag has to be marked “Made in France” to be authentic. Here is the embossed markings of an authentic Louis Vuitton bucket bag, Made in the USA
What about the “Upside Down LVs”? People email me all the time about this one… Some styles of authentic Louis Vuitton WILL have “upside down” LVs on the backside. The reason for this is that Louis Vuitton uses one continuous piece of leather that wraps around from the front to back, without a seam on the bottom- and so, the backside has upside down logos. This is true on the Speedy styles (except French Company Speedys), the Keepalls, Papillons, and some similar styles. Most monogram pieces (any piece with a separate piece of canvas or leather on the bottom) will have the LVs rightside up on both sides. Here is the backside of an authentic Speedy 25.
What about the patches? It is true that many older fake bags had patches on the interior and exterior that simply were never there on authentic versions. Fake exterior patch followed by fake interior patch.

In the last couple of weeks all major fashion shows took place around the globe. Massimo Gammacurta came up with the perfect accessory to attending the shows – fashion brand lollipops. He created them with the Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel and YSL logos in a series of different flavors.

Take a look at the other lollipops after the jump.

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QUICK TIPS to AUTHENTICATE that DESIGNER BAG (GUCCI, PRADA, LOUIS VUITTON, CHANEL, MARC JACOBS)

IS THIS BAG AUTHENTIC?  Your first clues…

-Quality of craftsmanship.  High-end bags should be well-made from quality materials and have no flaws or inconsistencies in the workmanship. 
-Where, when, and for how much was this bag purchased?  What is the backstory?  Receipts are helpful to both buyers and sellers.   Authenticity Cards are also good, but can be faked.  
-Do some research.  There is so much information online about luxury handbags: manufacturer and retailer websites, blogs, chat rooms, fashion sites, etc.  Do a quick web search using whatever information you have to find out the style name and go from there.  Compare measurements, hardware, logos, lining fabric, and other specifics.

-GUCCI sells lesser quality bags at their outlet stores, but most high-end companies do not compromise their line this way and do not sell “seconds”.  These are almost always fakes.
-There are some specific clues to look for in every line. 
PRADA – The PRADA logo is very distinctive, especially the “R”.  The enameled nameplates should have match the backing fabric and the letters will have a raised texture. 
-GUCCI – Serial #s are usually stamped on the back of a leather tag stitched inside the bag.  Observe the distinctive shape of the “G” and pay attention to linings.  GUCCI uses a diagonally textured fabric in their most common “classic” bags.  Higher-end and seasonal bag linings vary.  
-LOUIS VUITTON – Look for even stitching, symetrical placement of the LV logo, and round O’s in the logo are the first clues.  Most LV monogram bags have brown canvas lining and LV logo brass hardware and all bags made since the early 80’s should have a date code stamped in leather somewhere.  LV bags made in the US may vary slightly from LV bags made in France, Spain, or Italy in their quality and materials used. 
-CHANEL – Whether there is a leather tag stitched inside or the leather lining itself is stamped, the CHANEL logo should be clear, straight, and evenly placed.  “C” is diagonally slanted at either end and all CHANEL bags should have a hologram sticker with serial # that can also help you date the bag.  The interlocking “CC” logo should show the right-hand C overlapping at the top and weaving under at the bottom. 
-MARC JACOBS – The back of the zippers should be stamped RiRi or Lampo in most cases.  For some reason, most MJ bags have very impractical lining fabrics, such as cream colored suede, or white canvas.  Recently, Marc Jacobs has introduced some less expensive bags that are made in China and do not use these type of zippers.  These bags are impossible to authenticate without a receipt and are not a good investment if you plan to re-sell the bag at some point. 

PS… Read my other guides for BUYING and SELLING designer bags on Ebay!!

Have you ever wondered who owns what?  I did, so I did some research & compiled a list on the top Luxury Brand Fashion labels; LOUIS VUITTON, CHANEL, CHRISTIAN DIOR, GUCCI, just to name a few. I also listed some of the major Beauty & Cosmetic Labels; Lancome, Estee Lauder, MAC, etc. as well as retail stores; Neiman Marcus, Saks, Macys, Victoria’s Secret etc.  

All the info is from March 08 via the internet & Wikipedia, compiled of the most well known labels & designers.  I have no problem with anyone sharing or reposting this info, but please give credit where credit is due: me the author ***jerseyjuicy***  

Designer Houses & Fashion Labels

LVMH Moët Hennessy • Louis Vuitton  – Société Anonyme (S.A.) Company

LVMH is a French Holding Company ~ 60 sub-companies that each manage a small number of prestigious brands. The group was formed after mergers brought together Moët et Chandon and Hennessy & then merged with Louis Vuitton  in 1987 to form LVMH.  Partly owned by the Groupe Arnault (47.5%) – Bernard Arnault is the Chairman & CEO of LVMH & Christian Dior SA.   (Louis Vuitton Co is a division of it’s parent holding company LVMH) 

LVMH’s brands include:

• 
  Watches and Jewelry:




• 
  Chaumet


• 
  Dior Watches


• 
  Fred Joaillier


• 
  TAG Heuer


• 
  Zenith International S.A.


• 
  Perfume:




• 
  Parfums Christian Dior


• 
  Guerlain


• 
  Parfums Givenchy


• 
  Kenzo Parfums


• 
  Acqua di Parma


• 
  BeneFit Cosmetics


• 
  Fresh


• 
  Fashion & Leather Goods: 




• 
  Louis Vuitton


• 
  Fendi


• 
  Berluti


• 
  Celine


• 
  Donna Karan


• 
  eLuxury


• 
  Emilio Pucci


• 
  Givenchy


• 
  Kenzo


• 
  Loewe


• 
  Marc Jacobs


• 
  Sephora


• 
  StefanoBi


• 
  Thomas Pink

PPR (Pinault-Printemps-Redoute) – Multinational Holding Company

PPR is a Holding Company owned 42.5% by Artemis & on the Euronext Paris.  PPR also fully owns Gucci Group as well as many other subsidaries.

PPR Subsidaries Include:

• 
  GUCCI GROUP which consists of the following brands:




• 
  Fashion:




• Gucci


• Yves Saint Laurent


• 
  Sergio Rossi


• 
  Bottega Veneta


• 
  Alexander McQueen


• 
  Stella McCartney


• 
  Balenciaga


• 
  Perfume:




• 
  Roger & Gallet


• 
  Boucheron


• 
  Ermenegildo Zegna


• 
  Oscar de la Renta


• 
  Yves Saint Laurent


• 
  Alexander McQueen


• 
  Stella McCartney


• 
  Watches: 




• 
  Gucci


• 
  Bedat & Co


• 
  Yves Saint Laurent


• 
  Boucheron (also jewelry)


• 
  Redcats Group- mail order retailer which operates La Redoute, Ellos, Empire, Redcats USA, Cyrillus, Vertbaudet, Somewhere, Daxon, Edmée, Celaia, La Maison de Valérie, Josefssons & RedcatsUSA – mail order retailer which operates La Redoute, metrostyle, Chadwick’s of Boston, Jessica London, Brylane Home, Woman Within, OneStopPlus.com, Roaman’s, Kingsize Direct, The Sportsmans’Guide, The Golf Warehouse


• 
  Fnac – French retailer of cultural and consumer electronics products: books, CDs, DVDs, computer, electronics etc.


• 
  Conforama – household furnishing retailer


• 
  CFAO – distributor of cars and pharmaceuticals in Africa and the DOM-TOM


• 
  Puma

Compagnie Financière Richemont SA (Société Anonyme Company)

Richemont is an Industrial Holding Company with a subsidary Richemont SA governing many Maisons. On the SWX Swiss Exchange  

Richemont SA Maisons include:

• Cartier – jewelery, watches, etc


• Van Cleef & Arpels – jewellery, watches, etc.


• Piaget – jewelery, watches


• Vacheron Constantin – Swiss watches


• A. Lange & Söhne – German watches


• Jaeger-LeCoultre – Swiss watches


• International Watch Co – Swiss watches


• Baume et Mercier – watches, Swiss-assembled


• Montblanc – German writing instrument manufacturer


• Alfred Dunhill


• Lancel


• Chloé


• Polo Ralph Lauren Watch & Jewelry Co

CHANEL 

Privately held Co – Jointly owned by Alain Wertheimer and Gerard Wertheimer & headed by designer Karl Lagerfeld

BLUE HOLDINGS INC

One of the Premier Denim Companies in the Industry.  Publicly Traded.

Blue Holdings Includes:

• 
  Antik Denim – fully owned


• 
  Taverniti So Jeans


• 
  Faith Connexion


• 
  Yanuk

ACCESSORY NETWORK GROUP INC

Manufacturer of Women’s, Children’s & Infant’s Clothing & Accessories.   CEO:  Abe Chehebar  PRES: Todd Kanh

Brands Include:

• 
  IZOD


• 
  LeSportsac


• 
  Tahari


• 
  Calvin Klein


• 
  Cynthia Rowley


• 
  Ghurka


• 
  Vera Wang


• 
  Karl Lagerfeld

 

Beauty & Cosmetics

L’OREAL GROUP BRANDS Société Anonyme (S.A.) Company

Ownership:  27.5% by the Bettencourt Family, 26.4% by Nestlé, 3.9% treasury shares & 42.2% are publicly traded

L’Oreal Brands Include:

• 
  Professional Products Division: 




• 
  Kerastase, L’Oréal Technique, L’Oréal Pro, Matrix, Redken


• 
  Consumer Products Division: 




• 
  L’Oréal Paros, Garnier, Maybelline NY, SoftSheen-Carson


• 
  Luxury Products Division: 




• 
  Biotherm, The Body Shop, Cacharel, Diesel Perfumes, Giorgio Armani Parfums & Cosmetics, Guy Laroche, Helena Rubinstein, Kiehl’s, Lancome, Paloma Picasso, Ralph Lauren, Shu Uemura, Victor et Rolf parfums, Vichy


• 
  Active Cosmetics Division: 




• 
  Dermablend, La Roche-Posay, SkinCeuticals, Vichy Laboratoires, Innéov, Ombrelle

ESTEE LAUDER  – Publically traded

Cosmetics & Fragrance Company still controlled 70% by the Lauder family. 

Estee Lauder Includes:

• American Beauty


• Aramis


• Aveda


• Bobbi Brown


• Bumble and Bumble


• Clinique


• Coach


• Daisy Fuentes


• Darphin


• Donna Karan


• Estée Lauder


• Flirt!


• Good Skin


• Grassroots


• Jo Malone


• Lab Series


• La Mer


• Kiton


• MAC Cosmetics


• Michael Kors


• Missoni


• Ojon


• Origins


• Prescriptives


• Sean John Fragrances


• Tommy Hilfiger


• Tom Ford Beauty

ELIZABETH ARDEN – Publically traded

Cosmetics & Fragrance Company.  Elizabeth Arden cosmetics and perfume is their main line but also holds the license to these fragrances:  Hilary Duff, Britney Spears, Elizabeth Taylor, Mariah Carey, Alfred Sung, Hummer, Cynthia Rowley, Lulu Guinness, Bob Mackie, & Badgley Mischka

CLARINS – Private Co

French cosmetics company.  Includes: Clarins, Azzaro, Thierry Mugler, and Stella Cadente

PROCTOR & GAMBLE – Publically traded Fortune 500 Co

Includes:

• Clairol, Pantene &Wella Hair Care products


• CoverGirl & Max Factor Cosmetics


• SK-II beauty products


• Hugo Boss, Lacoste, Gucci, &  Dolce&Gabbana Colognes

Retail Stores

Neiman Marcus Group:  Neiman Marcus & Bergdorf Goodman Stores.   Catalogue & Online sales: Horchow, Bergdorf Goodman & Neiman Marcus

Saks Inc:  Fortune 500 Publically traded co – Owns & operates Saks Fifth Avenue & Saks Off 5th

Macy’s Inc:  Publically traded Department Store Holding Co – Owns & operates Macy’s & Bloomingdales

Limited Brands:  An American Apparel Company – Publically traded.  Includes:

• The Limited


• The Express


• Victoria’s Secret & Pink (Victoria’s Secret)


• Bath & Body Works


• Henri Bendel


• C.O. Bigelow


• The White Barn Candle Company


• La Senza

If I have missed anything or if you have more info on the labels & ownership, please contact me so I can add to the list.

If you found this guide useful or informative, please vote yes so I know that my hard work has payed off 
 
Also, don’t forget to check out my auctions as I am always listing new 100% Authentic Designer fashions & handbags at discount prices!

BEWARE THE EBAY SPAM COMPATIBILITY RULE EXCEPTION MAY BE TOO GENERAL.

If a seller merely uses the term “fit” or “compatible” with in the title with “JUICY COUTURE” or other branded item, he, or she, can use a brand name WITHIN THE TITLE despite the fact that they are not selling that ACTUAL brand name item.

This is the current EBAY COMPATIBILITY EXCEPTION FOR KEYWORD SPAMMING. 2 or 3 years ago, you were not allowed to place compatibility brand names in the title. Now you are allowed. Why is this dangerous?

Misleading for one & disruptive of the search engines!

Please read the description carefully. If you don’t READ, you can be misled to think that you are buying a real Juicy Couture item when it is a FAKE, or just buying an item that fits the real one.

1. STITCHING
Stitching can be a dead giveaway. Inconsistent stitching and sloppy construction in less visible areas, such as the underside of the bag or inside pockets, are details to look for immediately. Authentic designer bags tack on an extra zero on that price tag due to extra, carefully-crafted construction. They cost more because they are built more complexly. Counterfeit products usually do not have the care of construction that the real item has. If the construction looks simplistic, it’s likely to be a phony.

2. MATERIALS
Many fakes are no longer made of PVC but of reasonably good leather, even lambskin; however, they are seldom as good as the materials labels like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Coach would use. Fake purses tend to be stiff and often have some sort of discoloration.  SMELL if it smells like chemicals it’s a fake. We all know what leather is supposed to smell like. When dealing with replica leather handbags, make sure the leather does not have an uneven look that is consistent. Also, people generally assume designer bags should be lined, which is why many replicas are lined. But, on the contrary, real purses are not. 

3.  Fake purses & handbags are advertised on the internet as “Fakes”.  Sellers buy these then sell them on Ebay as genuine.  Take a look at the picture on a website selling fakes and look at the picture the seller is using – if it is the same it’s fake.

Good Luck!

What to do if you have purchased a counterfeit Gucci handbag online.

Confirm

Confirm it is an authentic by posting it on either a.) (www.)  KnowKnowknockoffsForum (.com), b.) ebay clothing & accessories board or c.) The Purse Forum, or all three. Does not hurt to get a second opinion

Contact the seller

Take detailed photos of the interior and exterior (you will need these for an authenticity letter). Include a photo of the interior leather strip embossed with Gucci Made in Italy and the reverse side that has the serial number. (these photos are very important and if they are the onlys photos you can get, get these).

Save the auction. Print out the auction with photos before the seller removes the photos. Save all the original packing materials and paperwork. Take photos of any authentication paperwork returned (authenticity card, care book, etc). If they send a sales receipt KEEP IT!

File a report

Return the counterfeit item to the seller if they are requesting this to receive your refund. It is standard procedure on ebay to return the item to the seller for a refund. They will not refund until they have the item. Ship the item in a secure box with lots of tissue take a photo of this. Very Important to ship the package with SIGNATURE CONFIRMATION & tracking. This way you will know when they have received it and they can’t say it was “lost in the mail”.

REFUND:

If you have paid via Pay Pal, the seller should refund by clicking the refund option on the transaction on the bottom of the transaction page. By doing this they will receive their Pay Pal fee. If they send you a payment rather then refund the payment, the buyer will have to pay the transaction fee. If you get a pay pal refund there are no fees for the buyer or the seller.

Getting a nonauthentication statement

Pay Pal will require a written authentication statement if you have filed a “Significantly not as described” complaint against the seller.

You can attempt to get a written authentication statement from a departments store that sales Gucci or the Gucci boutique. BUT they have received so many request to do this with counterfeits so available on line that they are now declining to do this.

The quickest way to receive an authentication letter is by using the AUTHENCIATION SERVICE provided on Authentic-Luxury (.com),or/and caroldiva(.com)

My Poupette provides this service for Louis Vuitton.

Know KnockOffs Forum  authentication service (www.) Authentic-Luxury (.com) has a network of experts on your brand. You can get a written authentication statement for a fee. Turn around time is usually 3-7 Business days, so do  not wait until the last few days to request this letter.

File  a report with the following agencies:

USPS Postal Inspection Mail Fraud (sending a counterfeit item via USPS acroos state line or country to country is a Federal Offense)

National Trade Commission

Internet Fraud Complaint

See our “ABOUT ME” page for the links

Above: Gucci receipt from a USA Gucci Boutique                                         Gucci receipt and price tag with maching ID numbers

   Gucci Boutique                            Close up of Gucci Beverely Hills receipt

 Gucci from Neiman Marcus retail store                           

                                                                                                                                           Gucci price tag for a wallet with matching

                                                                                                                                          ID # on the Gucci gift box.

Disclaimer: This guide is for reference only and was written in an effort to combat the sales of counterfeits. We are not affiliated with Gucci.

Please check madeinitaly.com and you can see instantly if an Italian handbag is authentic.  This can save you a lot of money and headache.