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PROOF MAGAZINE
57
But it looks so Real
Ever wondered what’s the difference between leather and
‘pleather’? Let’s face it – for almost every high-end brand out
there, someone has probably created a lower quality lookalike.
The “knock-off ” industry, guesstimated to be worth approxi-
mately $461 billion, has actually surpassed the luxury goods
market, which averages just around $284 to $289 billion a year.
But when knock offs are almost identical to the original how do
1
Leather
you tell the difference as a consumer? While there is nothing
wrong with purchasing a pleather bag (vegans actually prefer
you did), you wouldn’t want to purchase an expensive “fake”
leather purse, thinking it was the real thing. Check out a few
tips to help you feel your way around the ever-changing world
of original luxury goods and their faux-counterparts.
LEATHER IS MORE EDGY
Just check the edge of the material. Faux leather has a pristine edge
while authentic leather will have a rough-around-the edges feel.
FEEL FOR QUALITY
Determining if you have the real deal or a close cousin can be
revealed by touch. If the “leather” feels very smooth or ‘plasticy’ it is
likely fake. Faux leather is also stretchier than the real deal.
Pearls
PEARLS ARE COOL
2
The first time you pick up authentic pearls, they will feel cool to your touch. Fake
pearls are generally closer to room temperature when you first touch them.
LOOK FOR DIFFERENCES
Pearls are unique, and although a string of pears will be closely matched, they will
never be identical. Minor differences will indicate that your pearls are the real deal.
3
Diamonds
As light as a diamond
A cubic zirconia is about 50 percent heavier than a real diamond. So if
you are faced with identifying an authentic diamond from a fake, the
lightweight is most likely the diamond.
FEEL FOR QUALITY
An authentic diamond refracts more light that cubic zirconia, which
means that if you place a diamond on newspaper you will not be able to
see any letters. Cubic Zirconia on the other hand, will allow a few letters
to show through.
Designer Handbags
Location, location, location
Graham Wetzbarger, Senior Director of
Authentication at The Real Real (a luxury
consignment online store) advises you to
thoroughly check out the source of your purchase,
before you actually hand over the cash. If the store
or website that you are purchasing the bag from
doesn’t feel expensive or high-end, it probably isn’t.
Before you make a pricey purchase, do a little
research on the store or check out the website’s
information to see if they offer an authenticity
guarantee. If not, keep your cash in your pocket.
The Devil’s in the details
Real luxury handbags are made with only
the highest quality fabrics and materials,
and crafted with meticulous precision and
care. The stitching on the bag should be
neat and even, and void of loose threads or
any other imperfections. Similarly, the
hardware on the bag, including zippers,
buckles and clasps should be of perfect
quality, with a name or number inscribed
on them. Real designer handbags are
handmade, which means that there is no
such thing as a “manufacturing defect”.