Authenticity comes first

At True Designer Bag, we believe you should be able to buy a vintage designer bag with confidence. That is why we carefully assess every bag for the characteristics associated with its brand and model. In addition, every bag is authenticated by LegitGrails before it is offered for sale.

What can you look out for yourself?

• Materials and finishing: Genuine leather, canvas and linings feel sturdy and refined. Look out for unnatural shine, a strong chemical smell or untidy edges.
• Stitching: Designer brands generally use even, straight stitching. Loose threads and inconsistent stitch lengths can be a warning sign.
• Logo and typography: Check the shape, spacing and alignment of letters and logos. Small deviations can reveal a great deal.
• Hardware: Zips, buckles and fastenings should feel solid. Check the engravings, colour, weight and operation of the fastening.
• Serial numbers and product codes: Check that codes, labels and stamps correspond with the brand, model and year of production. However, a code alone never proves authenticity.
• Model details: Compare the dimensions, compartment layout, lining, handles and accessories with reliable information about the exact same model.
• Provenance and documentation: A receipt, dust bag or certificate can help, but these items can also be replicated.

Our approach

We inspect every bag ourselves, assessing its materials, construction, stitching, hardware, codes and brand-specific characteristics. Every bag is then additionally authenticated by LegitGrails before it is offered for sale. This allows us to combine our own inspection with an independent authenticity assessment. When you purchase a bag, you will also receive the corresponding LegitGrails certificate of authenticity. This applies exclusively to bags.

Unsure about a bag?

Photos do not always provide a definitive answer. If you have doubts, have the bag professionally assessed. Please feel free to contact us; we will gladly explain which clear photographs are required for an initial assessment.

Important: no single characteristic is decisive. A reliable assessment always considers the bag as a whole.