What is your reply when someone asks you if your bag is real?

[Lyn2005]

So, I was heading into a store carrying my speedy, when a male entering behind me (who to me, seemed to me like someone who wouldn’t be familiar with designer items, although you probably can’t judge a book by its cover!) and he says “woah, nice purse”, I say thank you, and then he asks “is it real?” I’ve never experienced that before, so being off guard I say yes. I felt super uncomfortable, he followed me to the same area but left before me. He was standing outside when I left. Nothing happened, but I am now wondering if I could have potentially been in a dangerous situation?! I realize, I probably should have scoffed and said something like “no” or “ I wish.” Have you ever experienced this, or what would you do?

I think your gut instinct was right, especially if you felt uncomfortable afterwards. You were smart to observe his whereabouts after the conversation. Totally understand being caught off-guard too. I think my old usual response would be an automatic "yes, it's real", but in these rough economic times, I am trying to be more aware of my surroundings and would try to answer "no, it's not real" to any strangers. Recent LV price hikes have made it a very visibly "luxury and expensive" brand.

Happy that you were safe and nothing happened.

 

[A1aGypsy]

Big smile and “well, isn’t that a personal question” - no break in stride and keep on going.

 

[daisy913]

I ignore the question. It’s rude to ask, anyway.

Also, don’t judge a guy for knowing/not knowing brands based on his looks. For all we know, he might have a wife/gf/friend that is a big LV/luxury fan. He could have asked out of genuine curiosity because maybe he doesn’t get to see LV, real or fake, that often. Everything else after could have been a coincidence.

If you ever feel uneasy though, stay in public.

 

[SpicyTuna13]

If asked if my bags are real, I always answer “no”.

I just don’t need the added drama whatever it may be. Lol.

 

[SouthTampa]

It is not imaginary

 

[pursegirl3]

Yes, I usually use the "I wish" and that ends it with strangers. With coworkers and friends of friends "I bought it second hand so who knows" I have been starting to do that with my jewelry when asked. You can not be sure these days. I was at my bank and the teller noticed my ring. She asked and I just said QVC !!

 

[songofthesea]

So, I was heading into a store carrying my speedy, when a male entering behind me (who to me, seemed to me like someone who wouldn’t be familiar with designer items, although you probably can’t judge a book by its cover!) and he says “woah, nice purse”, I say thank you, and then he asks “is it real?” I’ve never experienced that before, so being off guard I say yes. I felt super uncomfortable, he followed me to the same area but left before me. He was standing outside when I left. Nothing happened, but I am now wondering if I could have potentially been in a dangerous situation?! I realize, I probably should have scoffed and said something like “no” or “ I wish.” Have you ever experienced this, or what would you do?

This guy seems more than a little “off”. I agree with saying “not real” and walking away.

 

[Grande Latte]

I agree with @papertiger. Hmm, if that ever happened to me I probably would have responded with "non parlo inglese".

I love this answer. And it's especially easy to pull off if you're bilingual or look like you're from a different country.

 

[topglamchic]

This is a wonderful thread! I am quite often if my items are real. I'm usually so put off by the question and cannot think straight to give a "smart" reply. Thanks to this thread I will rehearse my "non parlo inglese."

 

[babyloove]

Happened to me a few times, I say no it's fake and walk away ....
My close friends know me too well to ask

 

[travelbliss]

So, I was heading into a store carrying my speedy, when a male entering behind me (who to me, seemed to me like someone who wouldn’t be familiar with designer items, although you probably can’t judge a book by its cover!) and he says “woah, nice purse”, I say thank you, and then he asks “is it real?” I’ve never experienced that before, so being off guard I say yes. I felt super uncomfortable, he followed me to the same area but left before me. He was standing outside when I left. Nothing happened, but I am now wondering if I could have potentially been in a dangerous situation?! I realize, I probably should have scoffed and said something like “no” or “ I wish.” Have you ever experienced this, or what would you do?

"Is it [your bag] real"?
​

If it's a perfect stranger : I simply ignore or pretend not to hear. If they insist, I retort, "what do YOU think" ?? (followed by an eyeroll)

If it's someone I know : My reply is, "Real????....REAL EXPENSIVE "!!!!

I'm old enough that people don't ask me . I do remember once when I was younger, a woman approached me as I got off an escalator and actually touched my bag to feel the texture. She made some comment about it being "interesting". I later found out she was the new assistant manager at my local LV !!!! Some people have such nerve. I figured she had no clue what a vintage was. Months later when the Murakami Speedy was released, she was sickeningly sweet when I went to to get my MC Speedy and Alma I had waitlisted for. She didn't recognize me, but I remembered her from that incident. Still astounds me to this day....

 

[LOUIE13]

I have been asked several times if my bag is real, every time it's a nail tech. I always say that they shouldn't ask questions like that, it is considered rude.

 

[Jktgal]

"No speak English"

 

[Peridot_Paradise]

I never had anyone ask me this question but if they did my reply would be “no it’s fake lol”

 

[Peridot_Paradise]

Oh I do remember once taking the subway to the city and someone asked if my Moncler coat was real and I replied “no” bc didn’t want to fall a victim. I had my Felicie crossbody in front of me inside the coat so they didn’t see the bag