How to Spot an Authentic Prada Bag
Prada bags exude elegance and modern, sleek lines. They are constructed of distinct materials and are created and manufactured in-house.
To identify a genuine Prada bag, look for the brand stamp in the lining inside. It should have two to three lines of stitching including PRADA and MILANO.
Brand Stamp
Prada is known for its minimalist, sleek silhouettes. However, the brand likes to add a touch of flair. The Cleo is one instance of a satchel that first came out in the Multiple Views Spring/Summer 2021 collection, a year before Raf was named co-creative director. The bag is curved with a lot of energy. It is available in a range of colors, including a deep black, white milk and a pistachio-like powder. This variation of the Cleo is made of smooth brushed calfskin and lightweight spazzolato calf leather. This gives it a soft sheen that's slightly less glossy than patent leather. If you want something a bit more adventurous and glamorous, the bejeweled Cleo is available.
Authentic Prada bags will feature an interior logo plaque or tag, depending on the design of the bag. The older styles have three lines that read 'PRADA MADE IN ITALIA', whereas the latest styles only have two lines. This logo will be embossed on ceramic plaques for bags with interior fabric and may be a stitched on leather patches for small bags that are not made of leather.
This tag should always match the color of the interior liner. If it doesn't, this is a huge red flag. The tag should never be made of plastic or cloth.
Real Prada zippers are engraved on the back with the name of one of the five zipper manufacturers. Check original site of your zipper pullers to make sure this information is present. Fake zippers tend to be longer and wider, with cutouts which don't align with the slide of your zipper.
Triangle Logo Plaque
Prada bags have an inverted triangle that sits on the exterior of the bag and has four lines: the brand's name, the city of origin (Milano) and coat of arms. The plaque is securely fastened to the bag. If it's not properly center or it is raised it's a sign of fake. A genuine logo should have the corners rounded not square ones.
The interior of a genuine Prada bag is constructed of embossed jacquard or leather. The lining fabric should have the logo pattern or rope chain lines printed on it. The lines are printed in different directions with the first being printed upside-down and the rope chain line printed upside-down. A real lining also features an itty-bitty square that is stitched in the interior pouch. The square indicates the factory where the bag was made.
A genuine Prada bag will come with a dustbag and product card. The card, a piece of black paper with a sticker on it contains more information than the tag at the bottom of the bag. The card could include the bag's serial or barcode, which can be used to access more details on the Prada website.
Another method to verify the authenticity of the authenticity of a Prada bag is to check the hardware. The clasps, zippers and feet of the bag must be made of gold or silver. If they're not, that's a sign the bag is a fake. It is also important to ensure that the hardware on the metal is stamped with the Prada logo. Also, the zippers should run smoothly and not snag. The company has used a variety of zipper manufacturers over time, including LAMPO, YKK and Riri So, make certain to know which one your bag is equipped with.
Interior Logo Plaque
Authentic Prada bags have an engraved ceramic or leather plaque that displays two to three lines of text. The words should be in line with the color of bag the lining. The tag should have at least three or two numbers. If it is only printed in black or contains only two or three numbers the bag isn't authentic. Prada also uses a special white label that has branded marks, which is known as a quality or factory assurance tag. It will have a Prada and Milano number and may state MADE IN ITALIA. Examine the bag for this tag, and in the event that it is not present it could be fake.
If the logo on a bag appears to be made of plastic or fabric instead of leather, then it could be a fake. The plaque should also be secured to the lining, and have four round corner. The font used on the interior plaque should match the font used on the exterior.
Examine the fonts on the bag, as well as the plaque. The letters should be uniform throughout the bag, and especially on the dust bag and on the authenticity card if you own one.
Another detail to look for is the notch on the right side of the R in the logo. The fake logo is slightly angled but the authentic Prada logo has just one tiny space between the letter's leg and the body of the letter. This is a further detail that is easy to miss, so be sure to look over every aspect of your Prada bag to ensure its consistency and accuracy. You should be able determine whether or not a Prada handbag is authentic following the guidelines above.
Hardware
There are a few important aspects to look for when you are purchasing Prada hardware. All Prada bags must include gold-plated or silver-plated hardware such as clasps and zippers. If a bag contains mixed metals or hardware that's neither silver or gold, it's likely fake.
The interior logo plaque of the interior of a Prada bag is another good way to tell if a bag is authentic. The plaque should be affixed securely to the bag and have four rounded edges. The letters in the word "PRADA" should also show these features The right leg of each letter should be significantly thicker than the left, and they should be curving slightly upwards.
All authentic Prada bags are made with a Quality Assessment Tag. The QAT will have the two or three-digit number that identifies the factory where the bag was made. Counterfeiters have been able to identify this tag, so make sure to check for one on any bags you're considering buying.
Authentic Prada bags should always include a dust bag, and the dustbag should bear the PRADA logo and a label that states that it's made of 100 100% cotton. The Prada website provides more details on authenticating bags. You can also speak to a sales associate in your local store for more details.
If you're looking for a new addition to your collection of designer bags, shop 1stDibs for a wide range of Prada styles. Our site has something for everyone from the classic Saffiano bag to the more modern Mini Logo Plaque Bags that were able to keep Hailey Bieber and Sofia Richie swooning all in 2019.
Brand Name
When Miuccia Prada introduced the nylon bag in 1984, she shaken up the fashion world with a revolutionary new material that made her bag both practical and stylish. The unique design used the same industrial-weight nylon that was used in military tents, which made it durable and versatile enough to accommodate everyday needs.
The bag is a classic but it has been updated over the years by introducing new materials and shapes. The Galleria bag is named for a historic shopping arcade, has recently gained the status of an archetypal bag. This top-handled handbag blends frames from the 1940s with a modernist style in design and structure to create a chic silhouette. The latest iteration -- a spacious version made of crinkled nappa antique leather that has been seen on the arms of It girls all summer -is as Prada as you can get.
Other Prada bags, like the slender Diagramme tote first launched in 1995, have been reworked using timeless materials and shapes to appeal to today’s discerning consumer. Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's favorite demure tote has been reinvented using saturated leather dyes as well as powdery blue and pink and powdery blue.
Authentic Prada bags are marked with a triangular logo plate on the exterior. The plaque is comprised of four lines of text including the brand's name (PRADA) and the city of origin (MILANO) and the year of production and coat of arms. The plaque must be placed flat against the bag. It should not be removed or wiggled.
A true Prada bag has a special brand logo on the inside lining. The lettering should be in all capital serifs and oriented with the right side of the 'R' angled outward from the rest. This identifying mark is an important feature to look for, since it can help you weed out fakes from authentic Prada bags.