How to spot real from fake designer clothes on eBay

Oooh its the big one! How on earth do you tell fake from real on eBay? It really bugs me when i see loads and loads of so-called “authentic” items in the listings when i know in my heart of hearts that they are anything but authentic, genuine items.

Here’s a tip i learnt. Some sellers think they can get away with putting “authentic” on their listing, like it is an authentic designer piece, but that could also mean it is “authentic from China” etc. Authentic is a bit of a gray area these days. So, some sellers have indeed picked up on this, and they will often list the item as “GENUINE” which is a good indication – well a better one, anyway – that it may well just be real.

I feel sorry for eBay in many ways with this whole fake scandal. Not long ago, they were ordered to pay an astronomical amount to top fashion houses. According to the judgement, eBay ended up paying 19.28m euros in damages to Louis Vuitton Malletier, 17.3m to Christian Dior Couture and 3.25m to the perfume brands. (Source: BBC)

The thing is, with eBay, it is such a worldwide user-friendly platform, that how is it possible to control the dodgy dealings that go on? I mean, when you list an item you are asked to adhere to the terms and conditions and state that the item you are listing is authentic. However, people will just abuse this and carry on listing anyway. Who is going to refrain from making some money just because they think their item is fake?

I also feel sorry for those that have been caught out buying so- called designer goods on eBay, only to find they are fake designer items. My friend bought a Louis Vuitton handbag and paid £75. She thought it was genuine because it came with a controllato card and a Louis Vuitton dustbag, but when she took it to the shop to get it authenticated, she found out the truth. The thing is, if the price is too good to be true, then it probably is. You might think that £75 is a lot for a handbag – which it is – but any Louis Vuitton fans will know that it is a snip at that price and can’t possibly be real. You go into the Louis Vuitton store and try and get a bag for £75! No such luck I’m afraid guys, so why would you think you could get one on eBay.  

When it comes to eBay and designer clothes, always check the seller’s feedback to see what other buyers have said. Another good tip is to check if they are selling multiple items of the same designer goods. 35 Fendi scarves sold in the last month? Hmm, my instincts say steer clear – fake items are bought in bulk and it is always a tell-tale sign if they are shifting a load on eBay.

At the end of the day, if you are wanting real designer clothes on eBay, then the best bet is to check if the item comes with a receipt. This will usually show an honest seller who is only too aware of the counterfeit market, and also shows that someone does not want to be a part of it.

It is becoming increasingly hard to distinguish real items from fake items on eBay, but the tips above should help a little bit. Unsure of an item’s authenticity? Leave a comment and i will try and help out.

A VERY fake Louis Vuitton Bag

(Image source: http://www.catwalkqueen.tv/2008/06/pick_of_the_blo_65.html)

So Where Is The Fashion Capital Of The World?

I think many people would argue on where the fashion capital of the world is. Lets look at the rivals:

Milan (Italy)

London (UK)

New York (US)

Paris (France)

Tokyo (Japan)

Well, having visited all these places in my time, i would hedge a bet and say that New York is probably the fashion capital of the world for me. The sheer number of fashion houses and stylish men and ladies parading the streets makes it quite special to me. However, some might say this is a rather obvious choice, so i decided to weigh up the other options.

In London, you get class combined with elegant chic fashions. With renowned UK designers, it make this one special place to be. My faves: Vivienne Westwood and Paul Smith.

In Paris, you get a much more effortlessly chic sense of style. The French fashions are often unique and it is the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré that shows us just what is so great about France. Luxury brands and neat stores makes this one my favourite locations.

For many, Milan is undoubtedly the fashion capital of the world. It has, for decades, been renowned for its stunning fashions and authentic brands. When you think of Gucci, you think of travelling to Milan and seeing the store in all its glory. The Italian ladies are, once again, stylish to the max and epitomise all that is on trend in the world of fashion. The Gucci store in Milan is the largest Gucci flagship store.

http://www.fashionwindows.com/boutiques/gucci/milan.asp

However, let us not forget about Tokyo. The Japanese are so on the pulse with their fashions, i believe this is a strong contender for fashion capital of the world. Japanese fashion makes the UK seem almost archaic in its approach to trends. Simply take a look at eBay and type in “Japanese dress” to see what i mean. You will often see the word “kawaii”  which means “cute” in Japanese, and this is something that young Japanese girls like their look to be. Japanese fashion is quirky and most definitely unique. Just take a look at my findings below:

Japanese Fashion

(Source: http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_may-jun_2008_lacking-in-style)

Take a look at the fur used here; not to my style, but very big in Japan.

Quirky Japanese Fashion

(Source: http://www.xanga.com/Colour_In_My_Quotes_x3/676912727/japanese-fashion.html)

The image above shows some rather unsual examples of Japanese fashion. Naturally, this isn’t regular attire, but just look at the facial decorations; even these are stylish and quirky! Anyone walking down the street in the UK with these would look ridiculous

For more examples of unique Japanese fashion, and why i think they could quite possibly be the fashion capital of the world, or at least the most unique fashion capital of the world, then paste the link below:

http://www.xanga.com/Colour_In_My_Quotes_x3/676912727/japanese-fashion.html