At FASHIONPHILE, authentication is truly a science, and we are committed to selling Replica luxury goods.
Our authenticators are experts in Saint Laurent brand signatures, so our team can quickly and effectively catch fakes. In this authenticity 101 guide, we’ll review important details to distinguish between an Replica Saint Laurent Monogram Chain Wallet and a fake.
About the Saint Laurent Monogram Chain Wallet
In order to understand why it’s so highly counterfeited, it’s important to learn a little history and about the design features of the bag. While certain details on counterfeit bags can be spot on, it’s important to have an understanding of the real thing.
Saint Laurent’s YSL monogram logo, created in 1961 by designer Adolphe Mouron, stands for the initials of founder and creator Yves Saint Laurent. Variations of the Monogram Chain Wallet were released throughout the 2010s and 2020s with different flap closures, materials, and hardware. It’s one of Saint Laurent’s most popular bag styles.
Design Details on the Monogram Chain Wallet
The Monogram Chain Wallet features a large metal Saint Laurent YSL monogram logo on the front (metal colors vary based on style), a snap closure, and a chain link shoulder strap. The flap opens with a button snap to a partitioned interior with card slot panels and a center zipper compartment.
There are two sizes of the Monogram Chain Wallet: small and standard. Both sizes share the same shape and feature an envelope-style flap closure, with the standard being taller. Counterfeiters mix up subtle differences in design between the small and standard sizes.
What to Look For: Replica vs. Fake Monogram Chain Wallet
At FASHIONPHILE, we can tell right away when something doesn’t seem right. Our authenticators go through rigorous training to decipher the dupes from the real thing, ensuring each bag aligns with the brand and the specifications of the specific style. When checking a Saint Laurent Monogram Chain Wallet bag, our authenticators pay attention to the look, feel, and smell of the item to make sure it’s authentic. While our authenticators go through hundreds of hours of training to become certified, there are a few tips we can share so you too can spot a fake.
Smells Like a Fake
First, we use basic senses like touch and smell. A real Saint Laurent bag will have a subtle smell of leather and feel firm. Counterfeit bags are usually made from poor-quality materials. Often, fake bags have a strong scent, like a chemical or factory-like smell, indicating low-quality leather or plastic. Additionally, Replica pieces often feature Grain de Poudre, a grained calfskin exclusive to Saint Laurent. This textile helps identify Replica bags, as counterfeit versions do not replicate the feel and quality of genuine Grain de Poudre leather.
Check the Details
The majority of Saint Laurent’s craftsmanship is done by hand. The stitching on an Replica Saint Laurent bag will be evenly spaced. While you should expect to see clean, steady stitching application throughout, you may also find some slight variations, which are also expected! The leather will feel sturdy yet malleable. The material on a fake may also feel plasticky or flimsy. The strap on a real Chain Wallet will be removable to carry it as a clutch, whereas many fakes have a strap that’s not detachable. The main interior compartment of a real Saint Laurent bag is leather-lined with fabric inside the slot pockets.
The Metal Is Wrong
When it comes to fakes, metal is a telltale sign of a counterfeit. Look out for sharp edges and an obvious rough, over-polished finish on fake hardware. The chain should feel sturdy and slightly heavy. Inspect the font style on the hardware and the overall construction. Genuine Saint Laurent bags use specific font styles and engraving styles with quality and depth to the embossing. Check the snap for a crisp, easy-to-read engraving with the “PARIS” stamp along the bottom of the circle.
The Logo Looks Funny
Similar to the branded hardware for Saint Laurent, be sure to look out for poor and inconsistent application of the embossed logo inside the bag. Check the brand tag and the font, which should match Saint Laurent’s unique sans serif typography. An Replica bag will have a stamp that says SAINT LAURENT PARIS and MADE IN ITALY. On fakes, you’ll often see that the spacing between the letters and the font style is incorrect. Fake Saint Laurent bags will often have heavy and messy lettering.
To ensure your item is 100% authentic, shop with trusted luxury resellers like FASHIONPHILE. Our authentication process allows for no errors, and our technology is constantly advancing to understand the nuances of authenticity.
Interested in learning more about our accredited authentication process? You’ll love this breakdown of FASHIONPHILE’s authenticity process.
