Real vs Fake YSL handbag. How to spot fake Yves Saint Laurent

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Yves Saint Laurent bags are one of the most beautiful creations. They are a status symbol, they are durable and coveted. Many crooks thrive on the popularity of Chanel. But it is easier then you think to spot a fake. Here are some signs of an authentic YSL bag

1. Authentic Yves Saint Laurent items never have a tag hanging off it. What may look as a very pretty metal tag with words “Yves Saint Laurent” on it, a leather tag that says “Genuine leather” is a sure sign of a fake.

2. Yves Saint Laurent bags have embossed serial numbers! The number is embossed on the inside of the bag.

3. You should try to compare pictures of the item up for auction to the pictures of what you know to be an authentic item- magazine articles, company website. Start with the official company website. Major retailer's web sites might be good sources as well.

4. YSL label on the inside the bag is never smudged and always evenly aligned. The word “Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche” is always spelled in full. Check for a correct spelling, too. It would never have any additional markings or pictures, such as smiley face or shooting star. You will be surprised at the most ridiculous spellings and pictures we found on the labels of otherwise good imitations.

The zippers don't have YSL on them, the serial number & 'Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche' is stamped in gold on the inner tag, not embossed. Where the sides fold down, instead of the metal post that pushes through the hole, it has snaps, and the thingys they snap into are square shaped, not rounded. The metal studs covering the Y's are bigger than on the authentic bags. Plus, I found the exact same bag, but with brass studs, on iOffer, being sold for less than $200 by someone who had tons of fake bags for sale. They had 15 of that particular style available for sale.

YSL Bag Materials

Authentic Saint Laurent bags come in an array of materials, including lambskin, metallics, suede, calfskin and textured leathers. “Unfortunately, because these materials are common, counterfeits can be accurate,” “However, check the lining to make sure it’s a black textile with leather trim — that can be a telling sign.” At the interior, the leather will be glued to a textile lining to create a seamless transition. “The fact that the leather is glued to the textile should not raise any eyebrows,”

YSL Bag Construction

When examining an authentic Saint Laurent bag, its edges will be consistently finished. “If the bag features matelassé, a technique used to mimic hand-stitched quilts from Marseilles, France, each row should be the same width, perfectly aligned and have an even number of stitches,” “There should never be any double stitching in the middle of a row or in an unexpected place.” Any signs of loose threads, double stitching or similar inferior quality is an immediate red flag.
On a wallet-on-chain, each card slot should be functional and have a base. “Sometimes on counterfeits, the card slots will be slits and the cards will fall right through,” “And if the bag shows no sign of use, neither should the slots. Any sign of tearing or wear could indicate inauthenticity.”

YSL Bag Hardware
RealStyle | Real YSL Bag
Since much of Saint Laurent’s charm lies in its iconic logo, hardware is key. “Pay close attention to the font, and where the letters overlap,” says Wetzbarger. “The Y’s left arm — thicker than the right — sits beneath the S, while the right arm is above. The S then swoops behind the bottom half of the Y, overlaps the L and tucks behind it.” Also note the slope of the L; it starts wider at the top and narrows as it hits the horizontal leg. The S will also change weight at its middle. “It’s almost calligraphic,” says Wetzbarger, “so keep all these subtleties in mind.” The YSL logo will also include four mock nail heads on the outlying corners. Though not functional, they should always be present.

An authentic Saint Laurent bag will feature a curb chain with flat-faced links and a metal connector labeled Saint Laurent. “On bags with removable straps, there are two different types of hardware,” says Wetzbarger. “A metal clasp, or a leather clasp with two peg-in-hole closures that secure the strap underneath the flap.” Though different, both are genuine.

More recent iterations of Saint Laurent bags will feature a prefix and dot before the style and art number, while older bags will only include the style and art number. “This formatting is consistent with all Kering brands like Gucci, Balenciaga and Alexander McQueen,”