Yoogi’s Closet – A Lesson on Spotting Fakes

Kelly Cook

16 years ago

If you want to know about spotting fakes, go to Yoogi’s Closet because they put money on making sure the bags they get are real.

We know that shopping for pre-owned luxury items isn’t easy and nothing will ruin your day faster than finding out that the handbag you bought on an auction or classifieds website turns out to be a replica.

We guarantee the authenticity of every item we sell or 100% of your money back including original and return shipping costs.
Only 100% authentic bags earn the tag!

We’re experts in distinguishing the “wanna-bes” from the “real deal.” Whether it’s a handbag or necklace, determining the authenticity of an item is a mix of art and science. Items such as stampings, symmetry, stitching, hardware, authenticity stamps, as well as overall workmanship and materials are inspected and determined to be consistent with the manufacturer’s established standards of quality. If applicable, manufacturer date codes and serial numbers are verified for consistency. Lastly, the item is compared to on-hand authentic reference items.

Chanel Authentication Guide & Serial Codes

Authentic Chanel handbags from the mid 1980s on come with authenticity cards embossed with a serial number (pictured on right). The serial number matches the serial number appearing on a sticker placed somewhere within the handbag’s interior lining. The serial number sticker has Chanel logos and was protected by a clear tape with hologram security feature from approximately 2000-on. The sticker, Chanel logo, and hologram design varied with the manufacturing date (see chart below).

Note that over time, serial number stickers may become detached from handbags. Authentication cards also often become lost. Therefore, Chanel handbags missing these items may still be authentic. Find out more about this iconic brand in our Chanel Information Guide.

Louis Vuitton Authentication Guide & Date Codes

Contrary to popular belief, Louis Vuitton handbags (excluding luggage and rare limited edition pieces) do not have serial numbers. Rather, Louis Vuitton handbags have “date codes” stamped either on interior tags or directly on the interior linings. These date codes simply serve to identify the manufacturing location and date for a Louis Vuitton handbag, not to verify it’s authenticity. With the exception of early handbags (early 1980s and older), date codes can be found on all Louis Vuitton handbags and other items made by the luxury brand (e.g. sunglasses).

Most date codes are a combination of letters and numbers. The letters indicated the country in which the item was made while the numbers indicate the month/year of the production date. The format of the date codes are as follows:

Prior to early 1980s. No date codes.
Early 1980s. Three or four numbers with the first two numbers representing the year and last number(s) representing the month. E.g. “836” would indicate a manufacturing date of June, 1983.
Early to late 1980s. Three or four numbers followed by two letters with the first two numbers representing the year, the next number(s) representing the month and the last two letters representing the country (see right sidebar for factory location codes). E.g. “874VX” would indicate a manufacturing date of April, 1987 and factory location in France. Late in the 1980s, the letters representing the factory location came before the three or four numbers representing the manufacturing date.
1990 to 2006. Two letters followed by four numbers with the first two letters representing the factory location, the first and third numbers representing the month and the second and forth numbers representing the year. For example, “VI1025” would indicate a factory location in France and a manufacturing date of December, 2005.
2007 and newer. Two letters followed by four numbers with the first two letters representing the factory location, the first and third numbers representing the week of the year, and the second and forth numbers representing the year. For example, “SD2057” would indicate a factory location of USA and a manufacturing date of the 25 week (or May) of 2007

Keep in mind that the fact that an item has a date code does not guarantee that it’s authentic since many counterfeit items have date codes. A valid and properly stamped date code is just one of many parameters that are checked to guarantee the authenticity of a Louis Vuitton handbag.

Authentic Handbags with No Date Code?

Authentic Louis Vuitton handbags with alcantara linings may have date codes that are very hard to read or have disappeared altogether. This is sometimes the case for older bags or if the bags have had their linings cleaned. Find out more about this historical brand in our Louis Vuitton Information Guide.