How To Tell Real vs Fake Chloé Bags: 5 Authenticity Checks

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Chloé bags have been around since the 1950s. The French luxury fashion house has become a world-class luxury brand of bags, shoes, and apparel worn by celebrities such as Madonna, Emma Stone, and Cameron Diaz.

“Chloé clothes are my entry into a softer Jada,” Jada Pinkett Smith told The New York Times before attending the Chloé fashion show in Paris in 2015.

Actress Jada Pinkett Smith attends the Chloe showActress Jada Pinkett Smith attends the Chloe show as part of the Paris Fashion Week Womenswear Spring/Summer 2016 on October 1, 2015, in Paris, France (Credit: WENN / Shaan Kokin)

“Usually, I like to dress with edge, with a lot of rock ‘n’ roll leathers, I like to appear tough. But these designs are so light and elegant, and they really speak to the more feminine side of me,” the wealthy actress added.

An authentic Chloé bag isn’t just a fashion statement – it’s a status symbol, and making sure the Chloé bag you’re buying is the real deal can be tough sometimes.

If you need help knowing where to buy your next Chloé bag or find out if the bag is genuine, then read on to find out how to tell an authentic Chloé bag from a fake one.

Discover Authentic Retailers for Genuine Chloé Bags

Like all the other expensive designer brands like Hermès and Gucci, the only places where you can find genuine Chloé bags are at official Chloé boutiques around the world.

They also operate an online store available in many countries, so if you don’t live near one of their physical retail stores, you can always purchase a Chloé bag online instead.

Kate Bosworth totes Chloé's Mira crystal-embellished shoulder bagKate Bosworth totes Chloé’s Mira crystal-embellished shoulder bag while celebrating the opening of the French luxury house’s first proper Los Angeles boutique on Melrose Place in 2009 (Credit: WENN / Shaan Kokin)

Authentic handbags can be reliably purchased from authorized retailers such as Nordstrom, Farfetch, and Bloomingdale’s. Be cautious when buying from unauthorized platforms, as there’s a high risk of receiving either a second-hand or counterfeit product. It’s improbable to find new, genuine Chloé bags on such sites.

CNBC reported in November 2019 that many designer handbags sold on The RealReal, an online luxury consignment store, are fakes.

If you plan on getting a Chloé bag from third-party stores, it’s essential to learn to differentiate between an authentic Chloé bag from a fake or a knockoff.

Authenticity Check 1: Assessing the Quality of Chloé Leather

The leather of a Chloé bag is very high in quality. Soft and supple are the key characteristics of genuine Chloé leather, so check the texture and the feel of the bag to see if it fits the bill.

Dead giveaways of a fake Chloé bag are if the leather used feels cheap, stiff, and has an unnatural smell to it. If you can’t tell the difference, though, then be sure to check the color and design of the leather used.

It’s important to note that the brand often produces seasonal reinterpretations of popular models, which means the color palette is constantly expanding. This makes it challenging to establish a definitive rule about the colors of authentic bags. Careful research on the official Chloé website is recommended to verify if a particular color is authentic.

Chloé's iconic Marcie round saddle mini bag in small grain calfskinChloé’s iconic Marcie round saddle mini bag in small grain calfskin

Different Chloé models have varying types of lining. For example, models like the Chloé Nile, Faye, or Drew do not have an inner lining but are made of roughened leather, resulting in a soft velour interior. In contrast, other models like the Chloé Paddington or Lexa Bag have a soft lining that should never crackle. The fit and finish of the lining are crucial indicators of authenticity.

If you can’t find a matching model of the Chloé bag you’re buying, take that as a huge red flag.

Authenticity Check 2: Inspecting Chloé’s Signature Hardware

Chloé hardware is tough and durable and can last years without much wear and tear. If the hardware of the bag you’re looking to buy doesn’t match any of these descriptions, the bag may be a counterfeit.

Older models use matte metals, while newer models like the Chloé Drew or Faye feature shiny metal hardware. It’s important to research the specific hardware used on the model you’re examining to ensure it matches the original design.

Like with the leather, it’s good to compare the bag with similar bags online and see if the hardware features (color, texture, design) look the same.

Small Aby Lock chain bag designed in the shape of the iconic padlock featured on the Maison's original Paddington bagSmall Aby Lock chain bag designed in the shape of the iconic padlock featured on the Maison’s original Paddington bag

Finally, a useful tip to remember regarding their zippers is that Chloé exclusively uses YKK-branded zippers in their products, though they usually don’t come with the logo. There’s usually no brand marking (neither Chloé nor a zipper brand like YKK) on the zipper itself. However, all zippers on a Chloé bag should operate smoothly and align perfectly.

So, if you see a Chloé bag with any other kind of zipper, it’s probably not the real deal.

Authenticity Check 3: Verifying the Chloé Logo’s Precision

The Chloé logo isn’t as apparent as in other designer bags. It is generally found embossed in the interior of the bag. Make sure to be nitpicky when inspecting the bag’s logo – is it in the dead center of the interior?

Chloé's logo symbolizes a timeless and enduring form of valueChloé’s logo symbolizes a timeless and enduring form of value

Is everything spelled correctly, including the capitalization? Are the letters too thin or too thick compared to the logos found in Chloé bags? Does the logo look faded or smudged?

If you notice any lapse in the quality of the logo, it’s probably not a manufacturing mistake – the bag’s just likely a counterfeit.

Authenticity Check 4: Serial Numbers and Holograms Uncovered

Each Chloé bag has a serial number, usually stamped on a leather tab sewn to the bag’s interior pockets.

The numbers on the tab come in different fonts depending on the production date and model of the bag, so it’s essential to do some research to determine if the font corresponds to its overall design. It may take a while, but it’s a great indicator of separating the real bags from the fakes.

Genuine Chloé bags have a date code that provides information about the bag’s origin. This code differs from the serial number and can be stamped on an interior leather or suede tag. The date code is a sequence of numbers indicating the bag’s creation month or season, year, and style.​

On real Chloé handbags, you will find a tab in the inside pocket with a lot number and a unique serial number that should match the accompanying authenticity cardOn real Chloé handbags, you will find a tab in the inside pocket with a lot number and a unique serial number that should match the accompanying authenticity card

Besides the serial and date numbers, a hologram can be found on the other side of the leather tab. The series of numbers and letters found on the hologram should match the authenticity card of the bag if it has one.

The hologram is a sticker, though, and can be peeled off over time, so if you’re getting a pre-loved bag, this probably isn’t the most reliable indicator for authenticity.

Authenticity Check 5: Evaluating the Stitchwork of Chloé Bags

Designer bags have some of the best stitching found in a bag, and Chloé is no different. Expect quality stitchwork from a genuine bag and that the stitches contain no irregularities or uneven patterns.

there's usually no brand marking (neither Chloé nor a zipper brand like YKK) on the zipper itself. All zippers on a Chloé bag should operate smoothly and align perfectlyLarge Marcie handbag with decorative saddle stitches on the front flap that ties in with the brass studs trimming the curved edges for an equestrian influence

Slanted stitching isn’t used in Chloé bags, so if you see the pattern on a bag, it’s not Chloé. Also, check for traces of glue, as that’s only present in counterfeit bags and never in an authentic one.

Spotlight on Chloé’s Bestseller: The Iconic Marcie Tote

Introduced in 2009, Chloé’s best-selling Marcie tote has been released in numerous seasonal and classic iterations.

A cult-classic bag with equestrian-inspired styling, this calfskin satchel features wrapped top handles, topstitched accents at the flap and gleaming hardwareA cult-classic bag with equestrian-inspired styling, this calfskin satchel features wrapped top handles, topstitched accents at the flap, and gleaming hardware

Voluminous and practical, this go-everywhere shape works for any occasion. Marcie’s detachable strap allows for casual, cross-body styling.

The Legacy of Chloé: A Journey Through Fashion History

Chloe is a fashion designer brand founded by Gaby Aghion in 1952. The brand started in Paris, France, and has grown to become a world-class icon for bags.

Since 1985, Chloé has been a subsidiary of the Richemont Group, which also owns A. Lange & Söhne, Azzedine Alaïa, Baume & Mercier, Buccellati, Cartier, Dunhill, IWC Schaffhausen, Giampiero Bodino, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Lancel, Montblanc, Officine Panerai, Piaget, Peter Millar, Purdey, Roger Dubuis, Vacheron Constantin, and Van Cleef & Arpels.

Understanding the Luxury Price Range of Chloé Bags

As Chloé is a luxury brand, their bags come at an equally luxurious price.

Their online store lists bags ranging from $750 to over $2000, so be wary if you see deals on Chloé bags that are cheaper than this price range.

The Global Craftsmanship Behind Chloé Bags: A Look at Their Origins

Chloe bags are primarily made in Italy. Some handbags and purses are manufactured in countries such as France, Romania, Bulgaria, and Spain. They are not made in China.

See by Chloé is a younger and more affordable everyday collection from the French luxury brand Chloé. Some authentic See by Chloé bags are made in India and Turkey. Shoes from the same brand are made in Spain.