I adore Chanel. I have since I was little. My mum would always request Oil of Ulay (now Olay) and Chanel No.5 perfume for Christmas and birthdays. I’m ashamed to say I bought my first, very fake, Chanel handbag in Marmaris. It fooled a lot of people. It was heavy, genuine leather (not lamb’s though) and had all the markings of a real Chanel handbag. However not everyone was fooled. Those who shop at the Chanel store could spot it on closer inspection which made me want my very own genuine Chanel handbag.
I bought my first when I became successful as a copywriter, then my second, then my ex husband gave me a Chanel purse as a birthday gift. My addiction was satiated but I still wanted more. Shoes, sunglasses, soap, makeup, the full works. (I’ve heard that Boujois cosmetics are made by the same factory as Chanel).
My collection grew. Then I hit a snag. Crushing bereavement and health issues. I couldn’t work. I have three adults, one child and countless animals to support. It seemed silly to hold onto my collection when we needed to pay the rent.
That’s when I noticed all of the fake Chanel handbags and wallets all over eBay. Even well known charities such as the British Heart Foundation were selling fakes claiming them to be genuine. I have no idea how these pass inspection as as soon as I uploaded my bags eBay told me they would have to be sent to an authenticator. I was fine with that.
I did message a few sellers who I thought may be unaware they were selling counterfeit Chanel. They didn’t care, not even the charities. I saw them sell them for insane amounts of money, waited for the bad feedback, it never came. Even the buyers were duped (or happy with a fake).
This is why I wanted to write this How to tell if your Chanel handbag is genuine guide. Just like our Mulberry handbag guide I want to educate and make sure you’re not duped by the counterfeit, shoddy copies out there, especially if you’re paying top dollar.
It’s very easy to spot if you know how.
How to Spot if a Chanel Handbag is Genuine
The Authentication Code
Ever, I say EVERY Chanel handbag and wallet has an authentication code sewn in. You can look up these numbers on the Chanel website to determine if they’re genuine. It’s a hard feature to replicate (some do try) as it has discerning features. It’s sewn in, with a leather border and the material over the number usually has an X across it. It’s impossible to remove in one piece, so can’t be transferred elsewhere.
If you don’t see this in the listing, or if you message and they can’t provide it, walk away.
They will tell you they have a receipt, they have an authentication card. These mean NOTHING. Easily printed, easily forged. You NEED that authentication chip.
The Impeccable Stitching
Chanel handbags and purses are stitched by hand and in a continuous fashion. They do not make mistakes. If any mistakes are made they do not make it to market. The diamonds should always line up, even if a pocket is sewn in. There are no breaks. Check the stitching, zoom in. Does it look perfect? Does it continue or break up?
The Logo
The unique double C logo ALWAYS lays out with the left facing one overlapping at the bottom, the right facing C overlapping at the top. There is no variation. There is no back to back. There is no double overlap. This is even true for the mademoiselle clasp. Which one of these is fake?
The Hardware
The clasps, the zip pulls, the metal will all have either CHANEL embossed on it or CC. No exceptions.
Copyright
There will be a copyright CHANEL within the bag or purse. This is easy to replicate though so look for all the other signs first.
Authenticating Chanel Sunglasses
Of course sunglasses and accessories can’t all carry the authentication code but they do have ways to tell if they’re genuine. On the arm of the sunglasses there will be embossed numbers you can look up. The logo will also be exactly as described above.
Are there any other ways to spot if a Chanel Handbag is genuine? Please do leave a comment below if I have missed any out.