Authenticate Those SHOES

[shuze]

Re: Balenciagas:

I am sorry and it's potential mistakes like this that sometimes make me think that I shouldn't give opinions but do take them to a shoemaker. Had they been worn I definitely would have questioned that soling. It shouldn't peel like that but comfort-wise I have way too many designer shoes bought new by me from luxury retailers that positively kill (and I no longer even try to wear) so that's not necessarily a valid 'tell' in my opinion.

 

[Leather & Stitch]

My wife purchased several pairs of pre-owned shoes from "The RealReal" recently, and both of us think that the Manolos she received are fake, but we don't know for sure and need some help!

They still have the item listed, but as 'sold'. Link is here:
https://www.therealreal.com/products/women/shoes/pumps/manolo-blahnik-woven-slingback-pumps-2

Item Name: Manolo Blahnik Carolyne Slingback Pump (3" heel)
Item listed on site as: Manolo Blahnik brown woven slingback pumps
Seller: The RealReal
Comments: This was received in the mail last week (June 9, 2016), and upon inspection there are a few discrepancies that we're not sure about.

1. The label on the insole Has the name 'Manolo" in blue and the last name 'Blanik' in black. From what I understand, there are only 2 versions of the logo, and the separate color isn't one of them. I could be wrong though.

2. The tip of the sole has very obviously been repaired, replaced or just poor construction.

3. The stitching on the back straps aren't even and part of that stitching is coming off. This isn't due to wear and tear, but if you look closely at the photo (I tried to make it as clear as I can), you see that the stitching marks were only halfway on the very top of the lining/strap. This is sloppy stitching, and something I wouldn't expect to see on a real Manolo Blahnik, since their quality control is very good.

When we contacted customer service, the representative responded (cut and pasted from the email):

"Our director of authentication knew exactly what shoes you were inquiring about, and has explained that Manolo Blahnik has only ever done the black/blue logo on the instep on this pointed toe slingback stiletto. You will not find it on any other model and if you search that term on other resale sites, you will find that label.
When our director first saw it years ago he too thought it must be fake, but turns out it’s just uncommon."

While this may be true, my problem with this response is that it implies that this specific model/style is the only MB shoe that has this unique label, which I find hard to believe… if it were the only exception, I would probably be able to find it on a simple Google search; however, searching the internet for this exact style, and/or using the exact description the customer service rep provided (for resale sites) above shows only 2 or 3 sites, and they all link back to The RealReal.

Also, I feel that if you are explaining why something is or isn't authentic, you would either provide some sort of provenance, or at the very least list the reasons and cite some background, history or source that makes them believe it's genuine.

Any help/information/advice anyone can provide would be extremely helpful.

 

[tiffCAKE]

Item Name (if you know it): sticker on box marked "ELAPHE FC OPTIC...PARIS 105 PUMP"

Link (if available): none
Seller: none
Comments: forgive my ignorance--I know nothing about this label! I purchased these from eBay a year ago, maybe longer. I truly appreciate your assistance!

 

[shuze]

Re: Saint Laurent. I need to see a closeup picture of the area where the back lining seams to the side lining. You almost have it in that one picture but I need the back to be spread out a bit more so I can see the finishing.

 

[tiffCAKE]

Re: Saint Laurent. I need to see a closeup picture of the area where the back lining seams to the side lining. You almost have it in that one picture but I need the back to be spread out a bit more so I can see the finishing.

Thanks so much for your help--these were really hard to take so hopefully I got what you needed--these shoes do not feel like my other pairs so I'm expecting the worst but hoping for the best

 

[shuze]

They actually look fine to me and are finished correctly. Authentic IMO.

 

[tiffCAKE]

They actually look fine to me and are finished correctly. Authentic IMO.

Thank you so very much! I set my expectations low so I don't super bummed out in case they aren't real [emoji6]

 

[shuze]

My wife purchased several pairs of pre-owned shoes from "The RealReal" recently, and both of us think that the Manolos she received are fake, but we don't know for sure and need some help!

They still have the item listed, but as 'sold'. Link is here:
https://www.therealreal.com/products/women/shoes/pumps/manolo-blahnik-woven-slingback-pumps-2

Item Name: Manolo Blahnik Carolyne Slingback Pump (3" heel)
Item listed on site as: Manolo Blahnik brown woven slingback pumps
Seller: The RealReal
Comments: This was received in the mail last week (June 9, 2016), and upon inspection there are a few discrepancies that we're not sure about.

1. The label on the insole Has the name 'Manolo" in blue and the last name 'Blanik' in black. From what I understand, there are only 2 versions of the logo, and the separate color isn't one of them. I could be wrong though.

2. The tip of the sole has very obviously been repaired, replaced or just poor construction.

3. The stitching on the back straps aren't even and part of that stitching is coming off. This isn't due to wear and tear, but if you look closely at the photo (I tried to make it as clear as I can), you see that the stitching marks were only halfway on the very top of the lining/strap. This is sloppy stitching, and something I wouldn't expect to see on a real Manolo Blahnik, since their quality control is very good.

When we contacted customer service, the representative responded (cut and pasted from the email):

"Our director of authentication knew exactly what shoes you were inquiring about, and has explained that Manolo Blahnik has only ever done the black/blue logo on the instep on this pointed toe slingback stiletto. You will not find it on any other model and if you search that term on other resale sites, you will find that label.
When our director first saw it years ago he too thought it must be fake, but turns out it’s just uncommon."

While this may be true, my problem with this response is that it implies that this specific model/style is the only MB shoe that has this unique label, which I find hard to believe… if it were the only exception, I would probably be able to find it on a simple Google search; however, searching the internet for this exact style, and/or using the exact description the customer service rep provided (for resale sites) above shows only 2 or 3 sites, and they all link back to The RealReal.

Also, I feel that if you are explaining why something is or isn't authentic, you would either provide some sort of provenance, or at the very least list the reasons and cite some background, history or source that makes them believe it's genuine.

Any help/information/advice anyone can provide would be extremely helpful.


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Shoes are absolutely authentic repair quality aside. Label definitely exists but Audreylita will be able to give you more info on timeframe.

 

[shuze]

My wife purchased several pairs of pre-owned shoes from "The RealReal" recently, and both of us think that the Manolos she received are fake, but we don't know for sure and need some help!

They still have the item listed, but as 'sold'. Link is here:
https://www.therealreal.com/products/women/shoes/pumps/manolo-blahnik-woven-slingback-pumps-2

Item Name: Manolo Blahnik Carolyne Slingback Pump (3" heel)
Item listed on site as: Manolo Blahnik brown woven slingback pumps
Seller: The RealReal
Comments: This was received in the mail last week (June 9, 2016), and upon inspection there are a few discrepancies that we're not sure about.

1. The label on the insole Has the name 'Manolo" in blue and the last name 'Blanik' in black. From what I understand, there are only 2 versions of the logo, and the separate color isn't one of them. I could be wrong though.

2. The tip of the sole has very obviously been repaired, replaced or just poor construction.

3. The stitching on the back straps aren't even and part of that stitching is coming off. This isn't due to wear and tear, but if you look closely at the photo (I tried to make it as clear as I can), you see that the stitching marks were only halfway on the very top of the lining/strap. This is sloppy stitching, and something I wouldn't expect to see on a real Manolo Blahnik, since their quality control is very good.

When we contacted customer service, the representative responded (cut and pasted from the email):

"Our director of authentication knew exactly what shoes you were inquiring about, and has explained that Manolo Blahnik has only ever done the black/blue logo on the instep on this pointed toe slingback stiletto. You will not find it on any other model and if you search that term on other resale sites, you will find that label.
When our director first saw it years ago he too thought it must be fake, but turns out it’s just uncommon."

While this may be true, my problem with this response is that it implies that this specific model/style is the only MB shoe that has this unique label, which I find hard to believe… if it were the only exception, I would probably be able to find it on a simple Google search; however, searching the internet for this exact style, and/or using the exact description the customer service rep provided (for resale sites) above shows only 2 or 3 sites, and they all link back to The RealReal.

Also, I feel that if you are explaining why something is or isn't authentic, you would either provide some sort of provenance, or at the very least list the reasons and cite some background, history or source that makes them believe it's genuine.

Any help/information/advice anyone can provide would be extremely helpful.


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Just re-read your post. With apologies, it is not the policy of this board to explain what's either correct (or not) about any shoe as the board feels that too much information only help any counterfeiters who could be lurking. We're encouraged to only reply authentic or not authentic. I'll add that your shoes are constructed correctly and completely soled and lined in leather. Counterfeits are not. The overall stitching is correct, the sole stamping and fonts are correct and I remember that MB did that label and have seen it although I can't tell you exactly when. Audreylita is expert on the brand and wears them so she'll be able to give you more info when she has time to post. It's not a question of believing if they are genuine-they are genuine. Sometimes the pictures aren't quite detailed enough and perhaps a call is given where it shouldn't have been as we're all humans and can make a mistake but those pictures are excellent and clearly show the correct materials and fonts. You can always go to a professional authenticator but you'll be told exactly the same thing.

 

[shuze]

On page 245 of this forum you can see that the same question was asked by another poster and although I hope Audreylita may be able to check in, I'm copying and posting her answer to that specific question. Again, I consider myself expert on designer footwear construction, but Audreylita is specifically expert on Blahnik. There is no question that your shoes are authentic but as you know, work has been done on them which is clearly disclosed in pictures. I certainly appreciate when sellers disclose alterations/changes in text as well but I realize that many may not know those things so good pictures do tell the history. Anyway, here's Audreylita's post from the past, and again, I'm familiar with that two tone label as well. Hope this helps put your mind at ease:
Yes Manolo did do some shoes with MANOLO in blue, I actually had some years ago.

 

[audreylita]

My wife purchased several pairs of pre-owned shoes from "The RealReal" recently, and both of us think that the Manolos she received are fake, but we don't know for sure and need some help!

They still have the item listed, but as 'sold'. Link is here:
https://www.therealreal.com/products/women/shoes/pumps/manolo-blahnik-woven-slingback-pumps-2

Item Name: Manolo Blahnik Carolyne Slingback Pump (3" heel)
Item listed on site as: Manolo Blahnik brown woven slingback pumps
Seller: The RealReal
Comments: This was received in the mail last week (June 9, 2016), and upon inspection there are a few discrepancies that we're not sure about.

1. The label on the insole Has the name 'Manolo" in blue and the last name 'Blanik' in black. From what I understand, there are only 2 versions of the logo, and the separate color isn't one of them. I could be wrong though.

2. The tip of the sole has very obviously been repaired, replaced or just poor construction.

3. The stitching on the back straps aren't even and part of that stitching is coming off. This isn't due to wear and tear, but if you look closely at the photo (I tried to make it as clear as I can), you see that the stitching marks were only halfway on the very top of the lining/strap. This is sloppy stitching, and something I wouldn't expect to see on a real Manolo Blahnik, since their quality control is very good.

When we contacted customer service, the representative responded (cut and pasted from the email):

"Our director of authentication knew exactly what shoes you were inquiring about, and has explained that Manolo Blahnik has only ever done the black/blue logo on the instep on this pointed toe slingback stiletto. You will not find it on any other model and if you search that term on other resale sites, you will find that label.
When our director first saw it years ago he too thought it must be fake, but turns out it’s just uncommon."

While this may be true, my problem with this response is that it implies that this specific model/style is the only MB shoe that has this unique label, which I find hard to believe… if it were the only exception, I would probably be able to find it on a simple Google search; however, searching the internet for this exact style, and/or using the exact description the customer service rep provided (for resale sites) above shows only 2 or 3 sites, and they all link back to The RealReal.

Also, I feel that if you are explaining why something is or isn't authentic, you would either provide some sort of provenance, or at the very least list the reasons and cite some background, history or source that makes them believe it's genuine.

Any help/information/advice anyone can provide would be extremely helpful.


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As stated by Shuze, these Manolo Blahnik's are authentic. I don't know exactly what you're looking at regarding stitching but these shoes are very well worn and clearly some stitching has come out. All of his shoes are made by hand, only machine stitched shoes will have perfectly aligned stitching. And yes he did do a series with the Manolo in blue.

 

[Jo-Mitzi]

Hi, can you please have a look at these YSL Tribute pumps for me. Thanks in advance.
Name: YSL Tribute 2
Seller ID: princess-of-leek
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/152135720518?ssPageName=STRK:MESINDXX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2649
Comments: got them today off ebay. The style name on the box is Tribute 2 105 in "Cocco Selvaggio". Colour - "Bourgogne"

I took my photos additionally as well:

 

[shuze]

YSL Tribs are authentic IMO off your pictures. The listing pictures weren't enough. Enjoy!

 

[shuze]

Hi, can you please have a look at these YSL Tribute pumps for me. Thanks in advance.
Name: YSL Tribute 2
Seller ID: princess-of-leek
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/152135720518?ssPageName=STRK:MESINDXX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2649
Comments: got them today off ebay. The style name on the box is Tribute 2 105 in "Cocco Selvaggio". Colour - "Bourgogne"

I took my photos additionally as well:

Sorry still haven't figured this new board out. Now i know it's Reply, not Quote. Anyway still authentic IMO.

 

[Jo-Mitzi]

Sorry still haven't figured this new board out. Now i know it's Reply, not Quote. Anyway still authentic IMO.

Thanks so much Shuze.