How to Spot an Authentic Prada Bag
Prada bags are characterized by their sleek, modernist lines and elegance. These bags are made from unique materials and are designed and crafted in-house.
Find the Prada logo on the inside lining. It should be stitched using two to three lines, with PRADA and MILANO.
Brand Stamp
Prada is known for its sleek and minimal silhouettes however, the brand is known for its aplomb in adding a bit of a glam. The Cleo is a prime example. It is a bag that first came into the Multiple Views spring/summer 2021 collection (a year prior to when Raf Simons was named co-creative director). The bag is curved with lots of energy. It is available in a variety of colors, including inky black, white milk, and a pistachio-like powder. This version of the Cleo bag is constructed of light spazzolato leather as well as smooth calfskin brushed, which gives it an even softer sheen than patent leather. A bejeweled version of the Cleo is also available if you're looking for something a bit more extravagant.
Authentic Prada bags will feature an inside logo plaque or tag, depending on the type of bag. For older models, this will feature three lines that read "PRADA MILANO MADE IN Italy and the latest styles will include two lines that say 'Made in Italy'. The logo will be engraved on a ceramic plaque in the case of bags with interiors made of fabric. It may be a stitched on leather patch in the case of smaller bags made of leather or without.
The tag should always match the color of the interior lining. If it does not this is a huge red flag. In addition, the tag should not be made of cloth or plastic.
On the back of authentic Prada zippers, you will see the name of the company’s five zipper manufacturers. Verify that this information is at the bottom of your pullers. Fake zippers tend to be longer and wider with cutouts that do not align properly with the slide of the zipper.
Triangle Logo Plaque
Prada bags have an inverted triangle which is placed on the exterior of the bag and includes four lines: the brand name, city of origin (Milano) and coat of arms. The plaque is firmly attached to the bag. Fake logos are not aligned and will rise if they are. A genuine logo should have rounded corners, not square ones.
The interior of the genuine Prada bag is made of embossed jacquard fabric or leather. The logo pattern or rope chain line must be printed on the fabric lining. The lines will alternate and the first line printed upright and the roping chain line printed upside down. A genuine lining will have a small square which is stitched into the pouch's interior. The square identifies the manufacturing facility that made the bag.
A genuine Prada bag comes with a product card as well as a dust bag. The card, which is a black piece of paper with a sales tag attached, has more information about the bag than the label on the bottom of the bag. The card could contain the bag's serial or barcode that 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 must be made of silver or gold. If they're not, it's a sign the bag is fake. Be sure that the metal hardware has the Prada logo embossed on it. The zippers should also be smooth and not catch. Over the years the company has employed different zipper makers including LAMPO YKK, and Riri. Be sure to verify which zipper your bag is equipped with.
Interior Logo Plaque
Authentic Prada bags come with a leather or ceramic plaques that display two to three lines of text. The words should be in line with the color of the bag's lining. If the tag is only three or two numbers, or is printed in black, it's not authentically a bag. Prada also uses a special white label that has branded markings, referred to as a factory or quality assurance tag. This will have an identification number that varies between Prada and Milano and may also say MADE IN ITALY. If you don't see this tag on the bag it could be a fake.
If you find the logo plaque on a bag is made of plastic or fabric instead of leather, it may be a fake. The plaque should be firmly attached to its lining, and should include four corners that are round. The font used on the inside of the plaque must match the font used on the exterior.
In addition to checking the plaque, it is essential to scrutinize all fonts on the bag for misspellings and inconsistencies. The letters on the bag should be consistent, especially if there is an authenticity or dust bag card.
Another detail to look for is the notch on the right side of the R in the logo. The real Prada logo has a sliver of space between where the right leg joins the body of the letter, while the counterfeit is slightly bent. This is a further detail that is easy to overlook and therefore, you should look over every aspect of your Prada bag to ensure consistency and accuracy. You should be able to tell whether or whether the Prada bag is authentic using the suggestions above.
Hardware
There are a few key aspects you should look out for when you are purchasing Prada hardware. All Prada bags should have silver or gold-plated components, such as zippers and clasps. If the bag is made from mixed metals, or has hardware that's not silver or gold-plated, it's most likely fake.
The inside logo plaque of a Prada bag is a good method to determine if a bag is real. The plaque should be affixed securely to the bag and have four edges that are rounded. The letters of the word "PRADA", should also have these characteristics: Each letter's right leg should be thicker than its left leg and should be curved upwards.
All real Prada bags come with the Quality Assessment Tag (QAT) that's stitched inside the bag's interior pocket. The QAT will be the two or three-digit number that identifies the factory from which the bag was produced. Counterfeiters have taken note of this tag, so make sure to check for one on any bags you're considering purchasing.
Authentic Prada bags should always come with a dustbag, and the dustbag should have the PRADA brand and a label that says that it's made of 100 100% cotton. The website of Prada has more details regarding authenticating bags. You can also speak to a sales rep at your local Prada store for more information.
Shop 1stDibs to find a wide selection of Prada bags. From prada black handbags to the trendy Mini Logo Plaque bags that had Hailey Bieber, Sofia Richie and Lori Harvey all swooning in 2019 there's something for everyone on our website.
Brand Name
Miuccia Prada revolutionized the fashion industry in 1984, when she introduced the nylon bag. It was an innovative material that was both functional and fashionable. The nylon bag was made of the same heavy industrial material used in military tents. It was durable and versatile which made it ideal for everyday use.
While the bag remains an iconic design, it has been redesigned with innovative textiles and silhouettes over the years. The Galleria bag, named after a historic shopping arcade, has recently gained archetypal status. This top-handle bag combines classic silhouettes of frame bags from the 1940s with a modernist take on form and structure that creates a sleek silhouette that's stylish and practical. 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 about as Prada as you can get.
Other Prada bags, like the elegant Diagramme tote that was launched in 1995, reinvent classic shapes and fabrics to appeal to today’s discerning consumer. This bag is a favorite for Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, and it's been reimagined in saturated leather dyes as well as pink and blue with a powdery texture.
Authentic Prada bags feature an emblem with a triangular design that is attached to their exterior. The plaque is comprised of four lines of text: the name of the brand (PRADA), the city of origin (MILANO) and the year of production and the coat of arms. The plaque must be placed flat against the bag. It should never be moved or removed.
In addition to the brand plaque, a true Prada bag also features an official brand stamp on its interior lining. The lettering must be all-capitals serifs and the right leg of the letter 'R' must be angled upwards. This is a key feature to look out for as it can make it easier to distinguish between fakes and real Prada bags.