Designer Handbags Guide Archives

Something About That “Flat” Bag – Louis Vuitton Sac Plat

Louis Vuitton has been showing off the Louis Vuitton Sac Plat bag in their display windows all over the world.

In spite of the non-flattery name in French: Flat bag, Louis Vuitton Sac Plat bag seems like a great bag to have, as Louis Vuitton website put it:

“Elegant lines combined with Monogram canvas to create the timeless Sac Plat. Perfect for business or leisure, it fits neatly into luggage so it is ready for use at any stylish destination.“

Angelina Jolie demonstrated just that. She’s taken the Louis Vuitton Sac Plat bag everywhere in Europe.

Admittedly Angelina is one of these genetically blessed people, who would probably look good in anything. But out of all the available Louis Vuitton models, it seems that she’s particularly fond of this Louis Vuitton Sac Plat bag. Some people might think Louis Vuitton Sac Plat is more like a serious business bag due to the shape and the size (it’s big enough for a good sized laptop). But Angelina does it better.

In London (photo from Internet)

In Melta (photo from Internet)

Dressy – With Brad in France: (photo from Internet)

Business like, visiting visiting Ramstein Air Base, Germany (photo from Internet)

And more:(photo from Internet)

I have a funny feeling that Angelina was gifted her Louis Vuitton Sac Plat bag but let’s say you like her style and wanted to get one as well.

Vintage VS. Modern Louis Vuitton Sac Plat.

Sac Plat is a classic Louis Vuitton model that has been around for decades. It has one spacious interior, large opening for easy access, dual rolled leather handles and washable lining. Over the years Louis Vuitton has made some changes to the interior of Sac Plat, mainly in 3 areas:

Vintage Louis Vuitton sac plat bags don’t have brass key ring inside. Each of the modern LV sac plat bags has 1 brass keying attached on a little leather tag inside the bag.
Vintage LV sac plat bags have no wall pockets inside. Modern sac plat bags have 2 interior wall pockets on one side, one smaller, one larger.

Vintage Louis Vuitton Sac Plat Interior, 80s & 90s – no pocket inside

louis-vuitton-sac-plat-1112-1-of-91-300x300

Modern Sac Plat Interior – After 2000

Date code location:

1980s LV Sac Plat – the date code is horizontally aligned to the top rim:

1990s LV Sac Plat- the date code is parallel to the side seam:

From 2000’ onwards, the date code is still parallel to the side seam but closer the to top corner of the bag:

More blog posts on Designer Handbag Guide.

28 November 2013

5 Reasons To Buy Real Louis Vuitton Bags Over Fakes

Designer Handbags Guide

Let’s face it, Louis Vuitton bags are expensive. I hear a lot people say: I’ll never spend over $50 on a handbag. I’m fully supportive of this statement. It makes perfect sense if this is your financial principle. There are many beautiful, functional handbags out there available for less than $50. Just make sure of this: don’t spend that money on a fake Louis Vuitton bag. If it is a must to have a Louis Vuitton bag in your collection, it’ll be better to save up for a real one. Here are 5 reasons to buy real Louis Vuitton Bags over fakes.

1. Fakes are illegal.

It is the main and obvious reason of not getting involved in counterfeit products. Selling fake designer goods is illegal. In countries like France and Italy, buying and carrying fake bags can also be prosecuted.

2. Louis Vuitton bags are good investment.

Louis Vuitton has been named as the world’s most valuable brand in luxury for seven consecutive years. LV bags give you the perfect balance between style and money: Although the brand name stands for one of the most valuable name in the fashion industry the products it produces are however relatively affordable and economical. On comparison to what value the brand name holds, the company charges it customers for the quality it provides with its bags and not for the brand name they carry. This makes them the perfect value for your money.

3. Louis Vuitton bags are classic and timeless.

Some of the iconic models like Keepall, Alma, Noe and Speedy are still available to date since they were designed back in early 1930s. Classic bags will always be popular. They are true beauties that can endure the test of time and never go out of style.

4. The quality of Louis Vuitton bags is exceptional.

The brand name Louis Vuitton stands for quality and durability. Louis Vuitton has worked hard to the reputation as the best in their field. The immaculate finishing and materials not only gives the bags a fabulous look but also gives them that strength to last long. Fake models can only copy the superficial appearance but they will never be able to copy the superb craftsmanship and feel that the real Louis Vuitton bags possess. Remember? – You get what you paid for.

5. Real Louis Vuitton bags make you feel good.

The brand itself will evoke the confidence within. A fake model can never give you the pleasure and comfort that an original will. Can someone really feel good about carrying a fake LV bag and portending it is real?

If you are considering buying fake a Louis Vuitton bag, think twice. Do you really want to support illegal activities by purchasing a counterfeit product? Do you really want to be THAT girl who carries fake Louis Vuitton bags?

More blog posts on Designer Handbag Guide.

27 November 2013

Louis Vuitton Speedy Bag One Side Upside Down?

Designer Handbags Guide

(photo from the Internet)

Hands up who doesn’t adore Audrey Hepburn? Look………… she was wearing a Louis Vuitton monogram speedy 25 bag back then! Louis Vuitton speedy bag is a classic piece that it has been an all time favorite designer bag for women around the globe. Due to its low price compared to other Louis Vuitton handbags, a monogram Louis Vuitton Speedy bag is often the first Louis Vuitton bag a fan would get.

Chic, spacious and durable, Louis Vuitton Speedy bag is perfect for everyday use no matter you are dressing up or down. A must have for women with a love of fashion. Louis Vuitton Speedy bag was introduced shortly after the iconic LV keepall travel bag back in 1930s, it is the smaller version of keepall, a carryall bag for everyday use or travel. What you will like about about the Monogram speedy bags is that they so so light to carry. Louis Vuitton has a heritage in travel so I guess they fully understand nobody wants a bag that weights a ton. The speedy line began with speedy 30, the most popular size among women until today. Audrey Hepburn asked Henri-Louis Vuitton to create for her a smaller version compared to the 30, hence Speedy 25 was created.

People always question about the authenticity of a Louis Vuitton speedy bag because they notice that the Louis Vuitton logos and motifs on one side of the bag are upside down.

(photos from the Internet)

Let’s have a look what “upside down” means:

Yes. Original a Louis Vuitton speedy bag should have the LV monogram pattern up side down on the reverse side of the bag. One side of the monogram pattern upside down is one of the characteristics of Louis Vuitton speedy bags. That is because the body of the speedy is made from a single continuous piece of canvas, so the LV monogram pattern’s backside looks upside down. As a matter of fact, all Louis Vuitton bags that are made of a single continuous piece of monogram canvas have this one side “upside down” pattern. You can see this pattern from Louis Vuitton keepall, saumur bags as well.

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20 November 2013

Louis Vuitton Dust Bags

Designer Handbags Guide

I’ve seen hundreds of Louis Vuitton dust bag over the years and love them!

Some buyers assume if a bag comes with Louis Vuitton dust bag, it must be real. Some other buyers are on the other hand, extremely cautious, questioning whether or not the dust bags come with the bags they bought are authentic.

I totally get it. Louis Vuitton dust bags can be a little bit tricky as they are not always the same! And of course there are so many fake Louis Vuiton dust bags out there too! I’ve had original Louis Vuitton dust bags ranging from 1980s to the most current ones. There are a lot different sizes of the Louis Vuitton dust bags! The color shades, softness & thickness of the cloth do vary from period to period too.

Pictured above are a few dust bags representing original Louis Vuitton dust bags from 1980 – current season. Note some of them have LV logo on them while the others have the full name Louis Vuitton printed on them. Some of the larger dust bags have drawstring closure, the others don’t. Dust bags prior to early 2000 have LV (not Louis Vuitton) logo on them. Those Louis Vuitton dust bags have LV logos on them are also made from much thicker cotton cloth that have much darker shades of beige. The wonderful Louis Vuitton drawstring dust bags are made for the bigger Louis Vuitton bags. Thick cotton drawstrings can be brown or blue, but not in any other colours.

Like original Louis Vuitton handbags and luggage, LV dust bags are made in different countries too. Stitches placed on the Louis Vuitton dust bags are even and firm. The Logo printed on Louis Vuittion dust bags is either LV or Louis Vuitton, no additional letters. Logos on the front of the bags are always solid dark brown, not red, not black.

So if you see a “Louis Vuttion dust bag” with red letters “Louis Vuitton Paris” etc etc printed on it, RUN AWAY!:)

Are Louis Vuitton dust bags made in Japan authentic?

This article was written many years ago very quickly and over the years I noticed a lot people ask if Louis Vuitton dust bags made in Japan are authentic. So I’m adding this section to answer this question altogether: Yes! A lot Louis Vuitton dust bags are made in Japan. If you see a dust bag with a white label sewed inside saying “Made in Japan”, chances are it’s more authentic than the ones said “Made in France.”.

As a general guide, Louis Vuitton dust bags are typically made in Italy, Japan and some are made in India.

More blog posts on Designer Handbag Guide.

Want to know how to buy authentic preowned Louis Vuitton and save $$$?

Here are my other useful articles about pre-owned Louis Vuitton:

19 November 2013

Louis Vuitton Receipt… Proof Of Authenticity?

Designer Handbags Guide

Is a Louis Vuitton receipt proof of authenticity of a pre-owned Louis Vuitton handbag?

…No! …

Everybody loves a bargain. Who doesn’t want a near new (never used would be the best) designer handbag at half, 1/3 of the retail price, maybe even less? The tricky part is how do you know the bag for sale is authentic?

When we search on eBay, there are loads of listing advertised as “ 10000% authentic Louis Vuitton! Can provide a copy of the original receipt!” There starts the bidding war. People would pay hundreds of dollars more on that “authentic” Louis Vuitton handbag with a copy of the receipt.

Is a receipt from Louis Vuitton store really the proof of authenticity? I beg to differ. You can verify whether a handbag is a genuine Louis Vuitton bag or not by examining many parts of the bag and its accessories such as the style (has this style ever been produced by Louis Vuitton?), date code, lining, font, stitching, tags, dust bag etc. … And yes receipt can be one of them. But cunning counterfeit merchandise manufacturers know it too well that people just love to see the receipt! Recently I came across a website retailing & wholesaling replica Louis Vuitton handbags. Every replica bag comes with a date code, dust bag, box, authenticity card (no, real LV bags don’t have this), and A COPY OF THE ORIGINAL LOUIS VUITTON RECEIPT from Louis Vuitton Store. I can’t believe how sophisticated they have become nowadays!

Sounds like you’ve got everything that you wanted? The only problem is … the bag is a fake. Can you imagine that a dishonest reseller buys a truck load of these replica bags at wholesale prices then sell them to genuine buyers as “a 10000% authentic Louis Vuitton bag”? And yes, many people will believe it and happy to pay more for the bag because the seller has the receipt from Louis Vuitton Store! Horrified?… I am.

While buying a preowned LV bag, it is a must that you get your money’s worth and that the product you buy is genuine. The best way to ensure this is to learn the product you are buying. Some non-genuine sellers may try to convince you by saying “comes with original receipt”. Well, they can give you an original receipt but sell you a fake bag.. Also remember that a receipt can easily be counterfeited and the presence or absence of one does not in any way tell you whether the bag is genuine or not.

How to recognise a genuine Louis Vuitton receipt.

A genuine Louis Vuitton receipt would be on watermarked paper and it would be shorter than an A4 page
The LV store address is located on the top left hand corner of the receipt
Verify whether the store address given in the receipt actually exists
It should also have the name of the sales person who sold the bag as well as the complete contact details of the buyer down at the bottom

louis vuitton receipt

More blog posts on Designer Handbag Guide.

18 November 2013

Bargain or Expensive Fake? Louis Vuitton Artsy Bag

Designer Handbags Guide

We girls are obsessed with bigger bags. I know this. Being a designer handbag authenticator, I get questions about the authenticity of big sized Louis Vuitton monogram bags people found online all the time. Louis Vuitton Monogram Artsy bag has only been around for a couple of years. Owners of this style are probably still in love with their new bags so there aren’t a lot of pre – owned Louis Vuitton Artsy bag available for sale as yet. If you seen this one on eBay, in as new condition with a picture of the “original receipt” asking just over $1,100, will you check its authenticity toughly? I hope you do.

Real eBay listing example: Louis Vuitton Artsy bag monogram

Potential buyer of this bag was sure it is an authentic Louis Vuitton Artsy bag, only not happy about the fact that it has the picture of the receipt on the listing but seller won’t send this receipt together with the bag to winning bidder. It was mentioned on the listing that the bags was purchased in UK in March 2010 “as per receipt… Pictures give best description of all.” Below are some pictures of the “Louis Vuitton Arsty Bag” from the Listing:

Question: Real or expensive fake?

If your answer is real, look again.

Date code of the bag is AA1101 which means the bag was made in France in the first week of 2011. But wait, wasn’t it stated in the listing, the bag was bought in UK in March 2010 “as per receipt”? Is it possible the bag was sold even before it was made? You do the math. By the way real Louis Vuitton Artsy bag’s date code is actually imprinted discreetly on the lining inside the wall pocket, close to the seam, not on a little leather tab as this fake bag.

If you compare the receipt in picture with a real receipt from Louis Vuitton Stores in UK, you’ll find the receipt the pictured receipt which the seller refused to send with the bag is a lot longer than a real receipt & has slightly different layout.

Aha. Now we might know why the seller won’t release the receipt to winning bidders. If you see another expensive fake Louis Vuitton Artsy bag for sale on eBay using the same receipt, don’t be surprised.

More blog posts on Designer Handbag Guide.

12 November 2013

Louis Vuitton Date Code = Product Number on Receipt?

Designer Handbags Guide

Today I’m going to share a good question from someone who bought a Louis Vuitton Damier Canvas Trevi PM bag from eBay: “Is this the number (serial number aka date code) that should match with the receipt product number?

She filed an eBay dispute with the seller because after paying the bag, she thought the bag is not real. Seller provided original receipt from Louis Vuitton store but she compared the date code of the bag with the product number on the receipt. They are not the same! This furthere enhanced the thought that the bag she bought was fake. The product number printed on the receipt however is N51997. This is the photo of the date code in the question: TH0028.

Louis Vuitton date code is still such a mysterious subject to many and it is very common to confuse the date code printed somewhere on the bag with the product number printed on the Louis Vuitton store receipt. This particular date code printed on the lining inside the wall pocket of the bag means, Made in France, February 2008. While the official product number for this style Louis Vuitton Damier Canvas Trevi PM bag is N51997. Same styled Louis Vuitton handbags only have one product number but can have different date codes/serial numbers printed on the bags depending on their manufacturing factories/the time they are produced.

Hope it’s helpful. Happy shopping☺!

More blog posts on Designer Handbag Guide.

22 September 2013

Does Louis Vuitton Bag Come With Authenticity Card?

Designer Handbags Guide

This is proven to be the most frequently asked question. Does Louis Vuitton bag come with Authenticity Card? The answer is simple: Real Louis Vuitton bags never come with authenticity card.

True, Chanel, Fendi and Prada… have all introduced authenticity card to go with the package when you buy brand new from the boutique. Original Louis Vuitton bags don’t have authenticity cards stating: “We certify the authenticity of this item…” Instead, they come with one or two little white cards/tags:

One with the product name and model number on it, the other with the fabric/material name on it. Some bags come with both tags while others only come with one.
The cards/tags are two sided, one side in English and French on the other.
They are never attached to the bag itself by any means.

So if it is important for you to buy an authentic Louis Vuitton bag with the original package and receipt, in new condition, maybe it’s the best to buy it from Louis Vuitton store. If you find a brand new “Louis Vuitton Bag” listed on eBay with yellow authenticity card and a (home made) receipt, RUN. Fast.

More blog posts on Designer Handbag Guide.

18 September 2013

Vintage VS. Modern Louis Vuitton Saumur Bag

Designer Handbags Guide

Want to know more about Louis Vuitton date code? Today I’m going to share another date code related question.

Q: …The date code (of a vintage 80s Louis Vuitton Saumur bag we recently sold) is different to what I have seen, just curious. I’d like to know as much as possible…

Now, let’s have a look at the picture of this Saumur Bag’s date code:

Louis Vuitton started to use date codes on their bags since 1980s. There are 6 different date code formats in 1980s, unlike the single date code format (2 letters 4 numbers) on modern Louis Vuitton bags that most people are familiar with. One of the date code formats in late 1980s is 3 numbers 2 letters like this: 893 FC, which means Made in France, March 1989.

Also note it says LOUIS VUITTON MALLETIER (Louis Vuitton’s full name which was mostly stamped on Louis Vuitton antique/vintage items) on the little leather patch stitched on this vintage Louis Vuitton Saumur, while on a modern Louis Vuitton Saumur bag you’ll find “LOUIS VUITTON PARIS made in … (France U.S.A etc)” stamped on the leather patch.

Louis Vuitton Saumur Bag Heat Stamps

: Louis Vuitton Saumur Bag Heat Stamps

Louis Vuitton Saumur bag has always been popular after since it was introduced. It is shaped like saddle bags and has two separate compartments which makes it a great travel companion or an every day bag. Apart from the classic monogram Saumur bag, Louis Vuitton has introduced many other versions of Saumur bag, the latest being these 2 in Cruise 2012 collection.

(photo from Louis Vuitton Ads)

1 September 2013

Spot The Difference? Louis Vuitton Alma Bag

Designer Handbags Guide

Like Speedy and Noe Bag, Louis Vuitton Alma bag is one of the classics in the house of Louis Vuitton. It has been around for decades; people never get enough of it. That’s probably why when a very obvious fake Alma bag appeared on eBay, lots of buyers put their best bids forward. It ended up $370 in total. Not a bargain at all considering imitations like this are easily available from markets in Thailand or KL China Town for below $30.

Here are some photos of the fake Alma on eBay, can you spot the differences between this one and an authentic Louis Vuitton monogram Alma bag?

It might help if I put up some pictures of an authentic Louis Vuitton monogram Alam bag for you to compare:

Clue number 1: Louis Vuitton uses a particular type of font with a well-rounded O. See the difference?

Clue number 2: Real Louis Vuitton Alma bags never have large center pocket divider inside the bag.

I adore the photo below… that Alma bag is still looking gorgeous in a very dark patina. One thing for sure, authentic Louis Vuitton bags age well.

Stay fabulous.

11 August 2013

Louis Vuitton Material Guide

Designer Handbags Guide, Style + Design

Louis Vuitton, a trunk-maker in Paris since 1854 built up his legend around travel by creating luggage, handbags and accessories that were as innovative as they were elegant. Over a century and half, the fashion house of Louis Vuitton has introduced many product lines. Some stay permanent, some became discontinued. I’m trying to compile a comprehensive list on materials used for Louis Vuitton handbags, wallets and accessories here. It takes time to gather all the information so while this Louis Vuitton Material guide is being completed, it will have the TO BE CONTINUED note in the end:).

Louis Vuitton Material

MONOGRAM CANVAS

MONOGRAM CANVAS

Louis Vuitton’s symbol of quality since 1896, The monogram canvas is lightweight, supple, strong and sturdy. Completely waterproof, it is highly resistant to surface scratches – perfect for travel and contemporary life style.

MONOGRAM MULTICOLOR

The Monogram Multicolor canvas is a sophisticated colouring of the famous Monogram canvas, with 33 silk-screened colors: a real technical achievement. A complete line of city bags, small leather goods and travel bags, Louis Vutton’s icons and new products, declined in white or black background. Developed for the Spring Summer 2003 show, the Monogram Multicolor canvas is now a permanent line.

MONOGRAM MINI

MONOGRARM MINI

The Monogram Mini canvas is a small and colorful version of the Monogram canvas that comes in five colors: beige, blue, cherry, blue tone on tone and khaki tone on tone. The Monogram pattern has been reinterpreted on a light, supple and textile canvas to create a casual, fresh and very feminine collection. The Monogram Mini canvas line has been discontinued.

MONOGRAM SATIN

MONOGRAM SATIN

The monogram design was subtly enhanced with the addition of black satin weaved with metallic threads. This tone on tone pattern highlights a feminine collection of evening bags and accessories. Louis Vuitton Monogram Satin line has been discontinued.

MONOGRAM VERNIS LEATHER

MONOGRAM VERNIS LEATHER

Inspired by the spirit of Louis Vuitton’s ready-to-wear collections, Monogram Vernis is a vivacious, sparkling, ultra-feminine line. Patent calfskin bags and accessories in a range of unusual, subtle colours highlight the famous Monogram canvas pattern.

DAMIER CANVAS

DAMIER CANVAS

Designed in 1888, Damier canvas remains contemporary over the decades. Its geometric pattern and sober elegance have made it timeless. Since 1996, Louis Vuitton Offers a range of luggage and accessories in Damier canvas, for city or travel.

TO BE CONTINUED.

3 June 2013

How To Remove Odor From Designer Bags

Designer Handbags Guide

how to remove odor from Louis Vuitton bags

Sometimes if a bag has not been used for a long time and stored properly, it could have a musty/old-ish odor, which is not that pleasant. What would you do if your designer bag smells a little? It is easier to just forget about it if it’s no longer wanted but if you are still emotionally attached to it and would like to still use it from time to time, you might want to try to give it a new lease of life. Here are a few tips on how to remove odor from designer bags:

Put the bag outside when the sun is strong (need to do it at least a few days).
Wash the lining with mixed white vinegar and water and let it dry in the sun.
Put grounded dry coffee inside the bag and seal the bag in a plastic bag for a few days.
Put baking soda and charcoal in the bag and seal the bag in a plastic bag for a few days.
Stuff newspaper inside the bag and seal the bag in a plastic bag for a few days.

You see, our beloved designer handbags are just like us, in need of sun and lots of fresh air. If the smell is minor, plenty of sun and fresh air will just do the trick. My personal favorite to treat a stronger odor is coffee though every time I have to keep fighting with my mind that I’m not wasting good coffee!

If the lining is washable, white vinegar and water is a very effective way. And if you don’t like the smell of coffee, use baking soda and charcoal. But it has to be a special charcoal not the kind used for BBQ. I only managed to find that special charcoal in Japan, not here in Sydney. If you know where to get some in Sydney, I’d love to hear from you!

15 May 2013

How to Buy Authentic pre-owned Louis Vuitton?

Designer Handbags Guide, Shopping

While buying a pre-owned Louis Vuitton bag, it is a must that you get your money’s worth and that the product you buy is genuine. If you want to know how to buy authentic pre-owned Louis Vuitton, here are a few tips on how to identify whether the pre-owned Louis Vuitton that you are about to buy is a genuine one.

Monogram Placement: Check for the symmetry in the monogram placement. This is a very important indicator of an authentic Louis Vuitton piece. Most Louis Vuitton monogram bags and wallets, regardless of the style, have a side to side symmetry except for few very old vintage bags.

how to buy authentic pre-owned Louis Vuitton

Side to side symmetry in the monogram placement

Countries Manufactured: Louis Vuitton has many factories outside France. Based on the model, LV bags are currently being manufactured out of France, in countries such as USA, Germany, Italy, Spain and Switzerland other than the obvious France. So, do not think that your Louis Vuitton bag is a non genuine one just because it is manufactured outside France.

Louis Vuitton bag made in Spain

Eye for Details: Louis Vuitton is very particular about their stitching and lining. The stitched would be even and regular and there will be the same number of stitches in different bags of the same model. The lining material would invariably be made of cotton canvas material and never suede. The color of the canvas is often brown.

LV speedy bags have 5 stitches going cross the handle tab.

Fonts: Louis Vuitton uses a particular type of font with a well rounded O. Verify this to check for the authenticity of your bag.

Note the even and regular stitches and round “O”.

Tags: When a brand new Louis Vuitton is purchased from a store, there are usually two tags that are supplied along with the bag but provided separately. The first tag would have “Louis Vuitton” and the material of the bag. The second one would have the model number, the bar code and the bag’s name in French. The tags are never attached to the bag. Sometimes you get a care booklet. However, there is no authenticity card that accompanies a Louis Vuitton bag, and if someone offers you a LV bag with such a card, then it is in all probability a non genuine one.

Receipts: Some non genuine sellers may try to convince you by saying “comes with the original receipt”. A pre-owned bag with receipt doesn’t guarantee you buy authentic pre-owned louis Vuitton. Remember that a receipt can easily be counterfeited and the presence or absence of one does not in any way tell you whether the bag is genuine or not. A genuine LV receipt would be on watermark paper and the size would be smaller than an A4 paper. You can also verify whether the store address given in the receipt actually exists. It should also have the name of the sales person who sold the bag as well as the complete contact details of the buyer.

Dust bag: The earlier dust bags were made of soft cotton flannel material with a very tiny LV embossed on it. The later versions are more yellowish and are made of thicker linen like material with LOUIS VUITTON more prominently displayed across the front. But any further advertisement or writing on the dust bag – and you should know that it is not genuine.

Date Codes: It is very important to understand the meaning Louis Vuitton date code in order to buy authentic pre-owned Louis Vuitton. Louis Vuitton bags manufactured after 1980 would have a date code, but you can get genuine older models without the date code as well.

11 May 2013

Louis Vuitton Date Code Interpretation

Designer Handbags Guide

Does a date code ensure the authenticity of a Louis Vuitton Bag? The short answer is no. Some fake bags have completely wrong codes on them. Some other fake bags have date codes that make perfect sense but located incorrectly on the bags or printed rather than discreetly embossed like the original bags… The thing is, you need to know a lot more about a bag than the date code alone. Never the less, understanding Louis Vuitton date code is a vital part to identify a Louis Vuitton bag’s authenticity.

Louis Vuitton date codes indicate the country of production and production time of the particular Louis Vuitton products. Prior to 1980s, Louis Vuitton date code didn’t exist. In early 1980s, Louis Vuitton introduced date codes containing 3 or 4 numbers. Since late 80s, Louis Vuitton date codes include numbers and 2 capital letters (some times A0, A1, A2).

Louis Vuitton has many factories in France and outside France. The two capital letters (sometimes A0, A1,A2) tell us in which country the manufacturing factory located. Some examples are showing in below table, please note this list is not exhaustive and subject to update from time to time. Please feel free to let us know if the code of your original Louis Vuitton bag is not included on the list!:).

Country	Factory Codes
France	A0, A1, A2, AA, AN, AR, AS, AX, BA, BJ, BU, CT, DU, ET, FL, LW, MB, MI, NO, RA, RI,SA (Also for Italy), SD (also USA), SL, SN, SP, SR, TH, VI, V.I., TS
USA	FC, FH, OS, SD (also France), LA
Spain	CA, CR, GI, LB, LM, LO, LW
Switzerland	DI, FA
Germany	LP
Italy	BO, CE, FO, RE, MA, RC, RO, SA (also for France), TD

Louis Vuitton Date Code history and meaning.

Before 1980s:

No date code. Louis Vuitton products might have tags or stamps on them sometimes.

1980- sometimes 1990:

Date codes have 3-4 numbers with no letters, later 2 letter (some times A0, A1, A2) with 3-4 numbers.

3 numbers – first two numbers represent year, last number represents month. E.g.:821 means made in January 1982

Date code of Louis Vuitton Grand Maceau Bag: 821

4 numbers – first two numbers represent year, last 2 letters represent month. 8610 means made in October 1986
2 letters 3 numbers – 884TH means made in France April 1988.

Date code from a Louis Vuitton Papillon bag: 884 TH

3 numbers 2 letters – 882 V.I. means made in France February 1988.

A Louis Vuitton Saumur bag: 882 V.I.

2 letters 4 numbers LL YYMM – TH8906 means June 1989.

A Louis Vuitton Amazone Bag: TH 8911

From sometimes in 1990- 2006:

2 letters 4 numbers LL MYMY – A11903 Means Made in France, October 1993.

Louis Vuitton Rondonnee bag: A11903

From 2007 till now:

2 letters 4 numbers e.g.: DU4037 means Made in France 43rd week of 2007.

Louis Vuitton Diamie Azur Speedy Bag: DU4037

Here are my other useful articles about pre-owned Louis Vuitton:

3 May 2013

How To Care For Louis Vuitton Bags

Designer Handbags Guide

It is very important that you know how to care for Louis Vuitton bags. In this article we will look at certain aspects to make sure that your expensive LV bags are in a good condition even after several years.

Storage: You can store your Louis Vuitton bag in any cloth bag – even an old pillow cover would be enough, as the idea is to keep it clean and dust free and also allow air to pass through. But make sure to take it out at least once a year to avoid the ‘old’ smell from settling in. And don’t ever store your LV bags in plastic cases.

It is important not to store your LV bags close to moth balls. Repellants, be it in any form – beads, cakes or crystals – causes the monogram canvas material to age fast and this can lead to cracks. Also leave the straps open as the clips may leave stains. Keep your bag filled with a soft material that allows air to pass easily such as old clothes. This will prevent creases being formed and also retain the shape of your bag. Don’t ever hang your bag from a hook and don’t fold it either. Place it horizontally on a flat non-humid surface and avoid exposure to direct sunlight.

Cleaning: If you want to clean your monogram canvas, you can use a mild soap and wipe it off with a damp cloth. Do not rub hard on the surface of your bag even if it is to remove stain. You can slightly wet the area, to loosen up a particularly adamant stain, and then gently wipe it off. And keep in mind that even water can cause stains in leather, so avoid getting your leather parts on the LV bags wet. Don’t take your LV bags in the rain.

Maitainance: The natural leather parts on Louis Vuitton bags are not treated, therefore very sensitive to water, all kinds of stains and humid weather. Try to avoid it being exposed to harsh weather and tough stains all time. After a few years of use, it might be a good idea to ‘feed’ your LV bag with a leather conditioner at least annually. Be mindful that it can make the color of the leather darker by applying leather conditioner. Select a good brand and use carefully as per instructions in the bottle. Don’t use any harsh cleaners on your bag. LV leather is very sensitive and you need to handle it like you would handle a baby – with gentle care and affection.

Repairing: Remember that repairing your LV bag, even if it is as minor as changing the zippers can be expensive and time consuming. You can take your authentic LV bag to a Louis Vuitton boutique for repair. This will take anything from a week to several months depending on how complicated the repair required is as well as the other repair jobs that they are carrying out currently. The repair cost varies but to get an idea of the repair expenses, think in terms of paying close to a hundred dollars to repair the lining in a pocket. So, it is best to follow the motto of ‘prevention is better than cure’ and take good care of your bag from the beginning.

More blog posts on Designer Handbag Guide.

1 May 2013