When trying to authenticate designer handbags online or in person, knowledge is key! Familiarizing yourself with the different designer markings, trends and hardware they use will make your shopping experience that much more pleasurable.
This post, along with the article on authenticating Gucci, was originally written by Sarah Garden at the Short List Dubai. You can read the original article or more of Sarah’s work here. At the bottom of the post are more guides in how to authenticate a Hermès Birkin.
Coveted by some as the pinnacle of handbag royalty, the Birkin is a bag that needs no introduction… But we’ll give it one anyway.
Named after actress and singer, Jane Birkin, it became the Park Avenue status symbol due its extravagant materials and high price. With some fetching up to $100,000 carrying one of these Hermès bags is a sign of serious wealth. And, when it comes to buying second hand, at starting prices of around AED28,000, you want to make sure you’re not buying a bogus Birkin.
Stitching
Birkins are handmade by individual artisans, so the stitching throughout the bag will not be exactly uniform. Fakes are identifiable for exactly even stitching all over the bag.
Toggle
The toggle closure at the front of the bag should twist smoothly as a result of the high quality craftsmanship used by Hermès. It should twist without any resistance or graininess and should be of ample weight. Fake bags typically have lightweight hardware with stiff toggle closures.
Lining
The interior of the bag should be lined in smooth leather that matches the exterior. The lining should be stitched tight and should not pucker or droop. The interior pockets should be lined in suede.
Firmness
As with the tight lining, the structure of a Hermès Birkin is very important. A Birkin should stand tall without crumpling. If it looks droopy or slake, your suspicions should be raised.
Logo Stamp
As with Chanel bags, the color of the stamping of the Hermès logo should match the color of the hardware exactly. If the lettering ‘Hermes Paris – Made in France’ is very faded or flaking off, this is a good sign it’s a fake.
Blind stamp
Each Hermès bag includes a stamped letter inside a shape. This denotes the year of manufacture. For example, current collections have the letter T surrounded by a square. So-called the ‘blind stamp’ because it is often hidden within the body of the accessory and can be difficult to find. The stamp should be pressed evenly, but not too deep.
Here are a few other authentication guides with photos:
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