Honestly, the whole “serial number = real” thing is kinda…overblown. Like, *totally* overblown. Yeah, yeah, all authentic Louis Vuitton bags *should* have a serial number, or rather, a date code (which isn’t even a serial number, but we’ll get to that). But that doesn’t mean if you find a date code, BAM! Insta-authentic. Nope. Not how it works, dude.
First off, let’s clear something up. They’re actually *date codes*, not serial numbers. Big difference! It tells you *when* and *where* the bag was made, not that it’s some unique identifier. Think of it like a birth certificate for your bag… kinda. And even then, things get muddy.
Think about it this way: counterfeiters aren’t exactly dummies. They know we’re looking for these codes. So, they’re gonna slap ’em in there! A halfway decent fake will have a date code. It might even be a *real* date code, meaning it corresponds to a legitimate factory and date range. So, finding one? It’s just one piece of the puzzle, not the whole dang thing.
I read somewhere (probably on some sketchy forum, tbh) that you can decode these date codes. And yeah, you *can*. There are guides online. But even if the code checks out, it just means the code *itself* isn’t obviously bogus. It DOESN’T guarantee the whole bag is legit.
And get this: I even saw something about a free authentication check where you enter the date code and it gives you a verdict! I mean, that sounds a little sus to me, ngl. Like, how accurate *could* that possibly be? Probably about as accurate as my dating life.
Plus, sometimes, you can’t even *find* the damn date code! They can be hidden in weird places, like inside a pocket, under a flap, or even tucked into a seam. And sometimes, they just fade over time. So, the lack of a date code isn’t *necessarily* a death sentence for your bag either. See? Confusing, right?
So, what *should* you look for? Well, everything, really! The stitching, the leather, the hardware, the lining, the overall quality. Is the monogram aligned properly? Does the canvas feel right? Does it smell like real leather or cheap plastic-y stuff? Trust your gut! A real Louis Vuitton bag just *feels* different.
