How to recognize a Prada bag. Original or Fake? Complete guide

1. Watch out for the seams! It will seem obvious to start like this, but it is a reminder that applies to all the bags of important Maisons. The Prada seam is always well aligned. The dots will always be small, evenly spaced and tight.

2. The internal plate . If after a first glance the bag seems to be well made, this must absolutely be the next step in order not to waste time.

• The internal plate of a Prada bag must bear the inscription "Prada Made in Italy" while the older ones "Prada Milano Made in Italy".
• The writings will be in slight relief , if you buy them live, run your fingernail over them to check, if you buy them online, pay close attention to the photos, you can often recognize them from there too.
• The font is essential. In most cases it will be enough to look at Prada's R to understand its originality. The R will have a hollow under the belly of the letter, in its right leg, while the tip of the letters A will tend towards the left. For most counterfeits, looking at these two letters will suffice, while for the more trained eye you may notice the size of the belly of the D and the elongated ends of all the letters.
• Furthermore , the color of the plate is the same as the inner lining and the writing edged in silver, while for leather bags the brand must be branded on a leather patch of the same color as the bag.
  
  
  

3. The inner lining of the bag is in embossed jacquard fabric or genuine leather. It has a multi-line motif made of a row of rope and one with a row of prada writings and small S-shaped decorations that repeat. The latter will be alternated between straight and upside down. The word “Prada” in the lining has a slightly different font than anywhere else on the bag, the letters A should be broad. The lining color must match or complement the exterior color of the bag. Some bags have a nappa lining, a very soft genuine leather with a wrinkled look.
   
   
4. The internal identification number is printed in black on a white fabric square. It is not always carried in small bags.
   
5. The metal hardware will be pink, silver or gold in color and always matched to the colors of the bag engraved with the Prada brand.
   
   
6. Prada zippers are made of “heavy” metal, from one of the following brands: Lampo, Ykk, Riri, Opti or Ipi . The logo is shown on the inside (or on the side in the case of Opti and Ykk), while on the outside there will be the writing PRADA with MILAN below. They are of high quality and are unlikely to break or rust, however in second hand purchases they may be replaced. We advise paying close attention to the whole context of the product.
   
7. Authenticity card and dust bag are supplied with all bags at the time of purchase. On the plastic card is a unique serial number and specific details about the bag. The card is contained in a black envelope with the Prada logo in relief. It is possible to check the serial number of the bag on the official website or in the boutique. You will hardly find second-hand bags with attached dust bags and cards, but if you buy from a private individual, try asking if they have kept the card.

In vintage you have to be attentive to details but take into account the use and any changes that may have been made. Help yourself with the guides and, if necessary, ask the seller for more information. Happy conscious shopping!

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