First off, I hope you don't mind the long post here! lol! And I don't claim to be a pro, but I have been a collector for a very long time, since they first came out in 1981. I'm old! lol! I am happy to share what I have learned over the years and may even know things about the vintage bags, that some others may not. That is what is so great about this forum, because we can help and learn from each other and figure this all out together.I don't post very often here, but I do quite a bit of research here and have gained some really good information over the past couple of years, because I am not familiar with many of the newer designs. The older ones I am pretty confident about being able to identify real from fake.
That list on facebook is good in some areas, but some of it is incorrect. They state that all MK bags will NOT have the signature logo on both the inside and outside of the bag. That really isn't true at all. There are many authentic MK bags that have the signature design on both the outside and inside. So watch out for these so called guides that you really don't know who wrote it, or if their information is correct. That particular guide is somewhat helpful and does have some facts in there, especially about the date codes, but their signature theory, is totally wrong.
There really is no 'list', because you basically have to become familiar with their designs.You can start by picking a style such as the Hamilton and become familiar with what the signature lining is supposed to look like, the hardware, belting across the top, etc. ( On the Hamilton) Once you become familiar with their designs, then you will just know when you see an incorrect lining, or doesn't have the label, or the compartments are not the correct amount, etc. There are so many things to look for, and it really depends which line of MK bag you are looking at, such as the Harper line design, the Ganesvoort, line design, the Westwood, the Beverly, the Jet Sets, and on down the line. There are so many! .
. That is why it is so great we have this forum, because many of the ladies here are familiar with these different designs, from many years of collecting and studying the product. That is really the ONLY way you can teach yourself, is to become familiar with the brand and styles ( lines) of the brand, and that takes some serious research, studying, owning, etc. Many times I went in the store and just picked a line design, such as the Hamilton and checked out every inch of the bag. It is a good way to familiarize yourself with the authentic ones.
Just when I think I know it all, I learn something new! lol! I have found so many answers right here on this forum and I am so grateful for that. I wonder if MK will ever start using serial numbers, like Coach does? That would really help, although these counterfeiters are so good, it's amazing how close they get to the real thing. Kind of scary actually, because you can get burned so easily if you don't know the product.
So basically, you just have to keep researching like you are, comparing what you know is real to other bags, and keep on asking questions. The best thing is to buy from reputable sellers that have proven to be selling authentic only. I noticed that 'authenticate4u' and most other reputable authenticators, don't even authenticate Michael Kors bags yet!
There is one called '*****************' that does Michael Kors bags that charges you a fee. They are very good and offer to help with claims in case you think you may have bought a fake. Not sure if they are accepted by ebay, though. The only ones I know of that ebay accepts is 'authenticate4u' and
'My Poupette'. Good luck on your journey! It is long and endless, but fun!
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