How to Spot an Authentic Prada Bag
Prada bags exude elegance and modern, sleek lines. Made from unique materials, these bags are designed and crafted entirely in-house.
Find the Prada logo on the inside lining. It should be stitched using two to three lines, ideally including PRADA and MILANO.
Brand Stamp
Prada is renowned for its sleek and minimalist silhouettes, but the brand also likes to add a bit of flair. The Cleo is a prime example. It is a satchel that first came out in the Multiple Views spring/summer 2021 collection (a year prior to when Raf Simons was named co-creative director). This bag has curved lines with an energy. It comes in a variety of colors, including inky black, white milk and powdery Pistachio. This version of the Cleo bag is made of light spazzolato leather and brushed calfskin, which gives it an even softer sheen than patent leather. If you want something a little more daring, the bedazzled Cleo is available.
Authentic Prada bags have a logo or tag inside, based on the design. For older models the plaque will have three lines that read 'PRADA MILANO MADE IN ITALY and the latest styles will include two lines that say 'Made in Italy'. This logo will be embossed on a ceramic plaque for bags with interior fabric and could be a stitched-on leather patch for smaller bags made of leather or without.
The tag should always be in line with the color of the interior lining. If it isn't this is a huge red flag. Additionally, the tag should not be made of plastic or cloth.
On the back of authentic Prada zippers, you'll see the names of the company's five zipper manufacturers. Examine the bottom of your zipper pullers to confirm this information is present. Fake zippers are typically longer and wider, with cutouts that don't align with the slide of your zipper.
Triangle Logo Plaque
Prada bags come with an inverted triangle which is placed on the exterior of the bag and includes four lines: the brand name, the city of origination (Milano) and coat of arms. The plaque is securely fastened to the bag. False logos aren't centered and will lift up when they are. A genuine logo should have rounded corners and not square ones.
The interior of the genuine Prada bag is constructed of embossed jacquard fabric or leather. The logo or rope chain line must be printed on the fabric lining. The lines will alternate and the first line printed upside down and the roping chain line upside down. A real lining will also have an itty-bitty square that is stitched inside the pouch. The square indicates the factory where the bag was made.
A authentic Prada purse will come with a dustbag and product card. The card, a piece of black paper with a sticker attached, has more information than the label at the bottom of the bag. The card may contain the bag's serial number or barcode, which you can use to gain access to more detailed information on the Prada website.
Another way to determine the authenticity of a Prada bag is to examine the hardware. The clasps, zippers and feet should be silver or gold. If they are not, it's a signal that the bag is not authentic. Check that the hardware made of metal has the Prada logo embossed on it. Also, the zippers should run smoothly and not snag. The company has used a variety of zipper manufacturers over the years including LAMPO, YKK and Riri So, make sure to check which one your bag has.
Interior Logo Plaque
Authentic Prada bags come with a ceramic plaque or leather plaque that has two to three lines of text. The words must match the color of the the lining. If the tag only has two or three numbers or is printed in black, it is not a genuine bag. Prada uses a white label with brand marks. It is also known as a factory tag or quality assurance tag. It will bear the Prada and Milano number and may mention MADE IN Italy. If you don't see this tag on the bag it could be a fake.
If you find the logo plaque on bags is made of cloth or plastic instead of leather, it may be a counterfeit. Additionally, www.onlinedesignerhandbags.uk should be firmly attached to the lining and feature four corners with rounded edges. The font used on the inside of the plaque should match the font used on the exterior.
Make sure you check the fonts of the bag, as well as the plaque. The fonts should be consistent throughout the bag, especially on the dust bag as well as on the authenticity card, if you have one.
Another aspect to be aware of is the notch on the right leg of the R in the logo. The counterfeit logo is slightly angled however the genuine Prada logo has an inch of space between the letter's leg and the body of the letter. This is another aspect that is easy to miss and therefore, you should take the time to examine every aspect of your Prada bag for consistency and accuracy. You should be able to determine whether or whether a Prada handbag is authentic by using the tips provided above.
Hardware
When it comes to the hardware used by Prada there are some important aspects to look out for. All Prada bags must have silver or gold-plated hardware including clasps and zippers. If the bag is made from mixed metals or hardware that isn't gold plated, it's probably fake.
A Prada bag's interior logo plaque is another way to tell if the bag is genuine. The plaque should be attached securely to the bag and feature four rounded edges. The letters that make up the word "PRADA" should also show these features that the right leg of each letter should be noticeable thicker than the left, and they should also curve slightly upward.
All genuine Prada bags are made with the Quality Assessment Tag. The QAT will have the two or three-digit number that indicates the factory that the bag was produced. This tag is a common counterfeiter's tool, so make sure you look for it on any bags that you're considering purchasing.
Authentic Prada bags should always have a dustbag and the dustbag should have the PRADA logo and a label that states that it's made of 100 percent cotton. Prada's website has more information regarding authenticating bags. You can also talk to a sales rep in your local store for more information.
Shop 1stDibs to find a variety of Prada bags. From the classic Saffiano shoulder bag to the edgy Mini Logo Plaque bags that featured Hailey Bieber, Sofia Richie and Lori Harvey all swooning in 2019. There's something for everyone on our website.
Brand Name
Miuccia Prada revolutionized the fashion industry in 1984, when she introduced the nylon bag. It was a groundbreaking material that was practical and fashionable. The nylon bag was constructed of the same heavy industrial material used in military tents. It was durable and versatile which made it ideal for everyday use.
While the bag is an iconic piece, it's been updated with new patterns and materials over the years. Most recently, the Galleria bag (named after the famous shopping arcade) has reached iconic status. The top-handle bag blends classic silhouettes of frame bags from the 1940s with a modernist approach to design and structure creating a chic design that is stylish and practical. The latest version -- a roomy version made of crinkled nappa antique leather, which has been seen on the arms of It girls all summer -- is about as Prada as it gets.
Other Prada bags, such as the elegant Diagramme tote, which was first introduced in 1995, rework timeless materials and shapes to appeal to the modern consumer. This slender tote is a top-choice for Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, and it's been reimagined in saturated leather dyes, as well as powdery pink and blue.
Authentic Prada bags are marked with a triangular logo on the outside. The plaque has four lines of text including the brand's name (PRADA), city of origin (MILANO) and the year of production, and coat of arms. The plaque must be placed flat against the bag. It should never be removed or wiggled.
A genuine Prada bag will have a unique brand logo on the interior lining. The letters must be all-capitals serifs and the right side of the 'R' should be angled outward. This is a crucial characteristic to look for because it will help you distinguish between fakes and real Prada bags.