How to Spot an Authentic Prada Bag
Prada bags radiate elegance and modern lines that are sleek and modern. They are constructed of distinct materials and are created and manufactured in-house.
Find the Prada logo on the inside lining. It should have two to three stitching lines, including PRADA and MILANO.
Brand Stamp
Prada is renowned for its sleek and minimalist silhouettes however, the brand also is known for its aplomb in adding a bit of a flair. The Cleo, for example, is a bag that first appeared in the Multiple Views spring/summer 2021 collection (a year prior to when Raf Simons was named co-creative director). This bag boasts curvaceous lines that appear to sway with energy and is available in a variety colors, including inky black whites, milky whites, and pistachio-like powder. This version of the Cleo bag is constructed of light spazzolato leather as well as smooth calfskin brushed, which gives it a softer sheen than patent leather. A bedazzled version of the Cleo is also available if you're looking to get something more daring.
Authentic Prada bags will have an inside logo plaque or tag depending on the style of bag. Older styles have three lines that read 'PRADA MADE IN ITALIA', while newer styles only have two lines. This logo will be embossed onto ceramic plaques in the case of bags with fabric interiors and may be a stitched on leather patches in the case of small bags that are not made of leather.
This tag should always match the hue of the interior lining. If it does not this is a huge red flag. The tag should also never be made from cloth or plastic.
On the back of authentic Prada zippers, you will find the name of the company’s five zipper manufacturers. Make sure to check the bottom of your zipper pullers to ensure this information is present. Fake zippers are typically longer and wider, with cutouts that aren't aligned with the slide of the zipper.
Triangle Logo Plaque
The plaque is attached to the bag using a an elongated fastener. It has four lines, which include the brand name and the city of origin (Milano), and the coat of arms. The plaque is securely fastened to the bag. If it's not properly aligned or slants upwards it's a sign of a fake. A genuine logo should have rounded corners and not square ones.
The interior of authentic Prada bag is constructed of embossed jacquard fabric or leather. The lining fabric should have the logo or rope chain lines printed on it. The lines will be alternated in the beginning, with the first line printed in a vertical orientation and then the roping chain line printed upside down. A real lining also features an itty-bitty square that is stitched in the interior pouch. The square identifies the manufacturing facility which made the bag.
A authentic Prada bag will come with a product label and dust bag. The card, a piece of black paper with a sticker on it, has more information than the label on the bottom of the bag. It may contain the serial number of the bag or a barcode that you can use to obtain more details from the Prada website.
Examining the hardware is a second method to verify the authenticity of the Prada bag. The clasps, zippers, and feet of the bag should be made of silver or gold. If they're not, it's an indication that the bag is a fake. Also, make sure the metal hardware is properly stamped with the Prada logo. Also, the zippers should run smoothly and not snag. prada bag for men has used different zipper manufacturers over the years which include LAMPO, YKK and Riri Make certain to know which one your bag comes with.
Interior Logo Plaque
Authentic Prada bags come with either a leather or ceramic plaque inside that displays two or three lines of text. The words should match the color of the bag's the lining. If the tag only has two or three numbers or is printed in black, it's not an authentic bag. Prada also has a unique white label with branded markings, referred to as a quality or factory assurance tag. This will have an identification number that varies between Prada and Milano and could also read MADE IN ITALY. If you don't see this tag on the bag, it could be fake.
If you find the logo on the bag is made from cloth or plastic instead of leather, it could be a counterfeit. The plaque must also be secured to the interior lining and have four corner corners. The font used on the inside of the plaque should match the font used on the exterior.
In addition to checking the plaque, it is important to check all the fonts on the bag for spelling errors and inconsistencies. The letters should be uniform across the bag, particularly on the dust bag and authenticity card if you own one.
A notch can be seen on the right leg. The original Prada logo has a tiny bit of space between where the right leg joins the body of the letter, however, the counterfeit is slightly angled. This is another detail that is easy to overlook, so be sure to look over every aspect of your Prada bag for consistency and accuracy. Using the tips above you should be able determine whether the Prada bag is authentic or not.
Hardware
When it comes to Prada's hardware, there are a few crucial aspects to be aware of. All Prada bags should have silver or gold-plated hardware including clasps and zippers. If a bag is made of mixed metals or hardware that's not silver or gold is most likely fake.
The inside logo plaque of a Prada bag is another good way to tell if a bag is real. The plaque should be affixed securely to the bag and feature four edges that are rounded. The letters of the word "PRADA", should also be characterized by these features that each letter's right leg should be thicker than its left leg, and should curve upward.
All real Prada bags come with a Quality Assessment Tag (QAT) that's placed inside the bag's interior pocket. The QAT will have an either a three or two digit number that indicates the factory where the bag was produced. Counterfeiters have noticed this tag, so make sure to look for it on any bags you're considering purchasing.
Authentic Prada bags will always come with a dustbag. The dustbag should be branded PRADA and include an official label stating that it is 100 100% cotton. You can learn more about authenticating bags by visiting the Prada website or talking to an associate selling at your local store.
If you're looking to add a new addition to your collection of designer bags, check out 1stDibs for a wide range of Prada styles. From the classic Saffiano shoulder bag to the more edgy Mini Logo Plaque bags that included Hailey Bieber, Sofia Richie and Lori Harvey all swooning in 2019. There's something for everyone on our site.
Brand Name
Miuccia Prada revolutionized the fashion industry in 1984, when she introduced the nylon bag. It was a revolutionary material that was both functional and fashionable. The nylon bag was constructed from the same industrial-weight material used in military tents. It was durable and flexible and was perfect for everyday use.
While the bag is an iconic piece, it's been updated with novel designs and fabrics over the years. The Galleria bag is named after a historical shopping arcade, has recently achieved archetypal status. The top-handle bag blends classic silhouettes of frame bags from the 1940s with a modern approach to structure and shape that creates a sleek design that is both elegant and pragmatic. The most recent version -- a roomy version that's made of crinkled antique leather that's been seen on the arms of It girls all summer -- is about as Prada as you can get.
Other Prada bags -- like the slender Diagramme bag first launched in 1995 -- are reworked timeless designs and fabrics to appeal to today's sophisticated consumers. Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's favorite demure bag has been reimagined using rich leather dyes as well as powdery blue and pink and powdery blue.
Authentic Prada bags are marked with a triangular logo plate on the outside. The plaque has four lines of text, including the brand name (PRADA) and the city of origin (MILANO) as well as the year of production, and coat of arms. The plaque should rest flat against the bag and should not be wiggled or removed altogether.
In addition to the branded plaque, a genuine Prada bag also has an official brand stamp on its inside lining. The font should be all capital serifs and oriented with the right leg of the 'R' angled upwards from the rest. This is a crucial characteristic to look for as it can help you distinguish between fakes and authentic Prada bags.