Pre-loved fashion expert and Luxury Exchange founder Caitriona McGettigan on major red flags …
Before You Buy
Do your research. Decide the type of bag you want and your budget before you start browsing as the thrill is real! It’s also important to think about whether you prefer something in “like-new” condition or you’re happy with a little wear for a lower price. Prices can vary significantly between private sellers and professional resellers, so take the time to understand the typical price range for the style you’re interested in. If you spot a bag listed for €100 when it usually sells for thousands of euros, it’s too good to be true.
I recommend going professional for big purchases. I love scrolling Vinted or Depop for shoes or dresses, but for a special investment like a vintage bag I only go to a trusted reseller. Not only are you more likely to get a properly authenticated piece, but you’ll also have the reassurance of secure payment, tracked delivery and customer service. I hand-pick every item and discovering those really rare finds after a long search is one of my favourite parts of the job.
Don’t Judge A Bag By Its Packaging
One of the most common misconceptions I experience with new customers is the belief that a bag that comes with a box, dust bag and authenticity card must be genuine, or it must be fake if those items are missing. Unfortunately, this assumption plays directly into the hands of “superfake” sellers who often supply complete sets to create the illusion of authenticity. These extras can be easily replicated or sourced separately, making them unreliable indicators on their own. Many authentic vintage bags no longer come with their original packaging, simply because resale wasn’t as common in the past. Receipts can add value, but they’re still not 100 per cent reliable as they’re easily replicated and are especially common on peer-to-peer platforms. Buyers should look to reputable resellers who invest in trusted authentication technology.
Details Don’t Lie
The most glaring red flags of counterfeit bags often lie in the details – uneven logos, poor-quality engraving and hardware that feels suspiciously light or flimsy. Authentic designer bags are crafted with such precision, consistent embossing and high-quality finishes that dupes or fakes just can’t replicate. A true luxury item should also feel quite substantial in weight. I’ve sourced, handled and sold pieces over 50 years old that still exhibit incredible quality and craftmanship, which is the standard to expect when investing in high-end bags. Some tell-tale signs of a fake include uneven stitching, a plastic-like odour in place of the distinctive scent of leather and sloppy logo printing.
Superfakes
Typically, the more popular the brand the more likely it is to be duped, but I’d never say that any brand is 100 pre cent safe or completely off-limits to counterfeiters. The most faked bag is definitely the Goyard St Louis Tote, I see knockoffs of it everywhere!
Luxury Exchange is one of Ireland’s leading curators and resellers of pre-loved designer handbags from premium luxury brands such as Chanel, Hermès, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada and more, alongside vintage jewellery, miniature leather goods and accessories. One lucky customer can win a pre-loved Chanel bag worth €5,000 at LX’s first pop-up store at Dundrum Town Centre in Dublin, just in time for Christmas …
