Founded in Rome in 1925 by Adele and Edoardo Fendi, Fendi began as a small fur and leather boutique on Via del Plebiscito and quickly evolved into one of Italy’s most iconic luxury fashion houses.
Best known for its signature handbags—including the Baguette, Peekaboo, Pequin, and 2Jours—Fendi has become synonymous with timeless elegance, bold innovation, and impeccable Italian craftsmanship.
Actress Amber Heard wearing a Fendi suit at the 2020 Film Independent Spirit Awards at the pier in Santa Monica, California, on February 8, 2020 (Credit: Avalon / WENN)
LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton currently owns the luxury house, but it has a distinct style that sets Fendi apart from other designer brands.
The allure of designer goods is based on their high quality, craftsmanship, and enduring appeal, but the rise of counterfeit products is a growing concern in the fashion industry.
Counterfeit items are becoming increasingly popular, with Gen Zers and affluent individuals seeking high-quality fakes as an affordable alternative. Counterfeit goods are a lucrative business, estimated to be worth from $500 billion to $2 trillion globally in 2024.
Fendi bags, belts, and shoes are frequently targeted by counterfeiters worldwide, making it increasingly difficult to distinguish genuine items from fake ones. To address this growing concern, Fendi provides official guidance on identifying counterfeit products directly on its website, emphasizing the importance of thorough authentication. We’re here to expand on those tips and help you confidently distinguish authentic Fendi pieces from imitations.
Where to Buy Authentic Fendi Products Online and In-Store
Fendi products are best bought at Fendi’s physical outlets and stores. Since the brand is selling them, you can be sure that they’re 100% genuine and that you can expect the best possible quality from their bags, shoes, and belts.
Fendi x Fila collaboration launch party at Fendi Paris in 2018 (Credit: WENN)
However, this is easier said than done since their stores aren’t present in most cities. There’s a good chance that you won’t find a branch near you. That doesn’t mean that you’re out of options, however.
There are plenty of websites and platforms online that specialize in selling and reselling both new and used authentic designer brand products.
Italian designer Silvia Venturini Fendi and German fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld acknowledge the applause of the audience at the Fendi show during Milan Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2019 on September 20, 2018, in Milan, Italy (Credit: WENN / News Pictures)
Retailers such as Farfetch, Nordstrom, and Mytheresa guarantee the authenticity of their designer products.
The last option for finding Fendi products is through second-hand stores and flea markets. This is probably the worst option among the three, as there’s a very good chance that you won’t even find a genuine Fendi bag there, and even if you do, it’s likely to be a counterfeit.
It is possible to find an authentic, second-hand Fendi product, but the chances of that occurring are few and far between.
If you’re still willing to look around for Fendi products or want to learn how to spot authentic Fendi products, though, then read on to find out how to tell the difference between an authentic Fendi and a cheap imitation.
Please remember that counterfeiters often adapt to new authentication methods, so it is essential to stay up-to-date on the latest authentication techniques. Fendi provides its customers with a method to verify the authenticity of their products through its official website or customer service.
How to Tell If a Fendi Bag Is Real or Fake: Key Authentication Tips
1. Check for the Hologram or RFID Tag Inside the Fendi Bag
One of the easiest ways to determine whether a Fendi bag is genuine is by checking for the hologram or RFID tag that comes with the bag.
The biggest misconception about spotting fake Fendi bags is that all authentic Fendi bags have holograms, and if the bag doesn’t have one, it’s probably fake.
Fendi Peekaboo bag made with interwoven strips of lamb leather and calfskin
While this is true for bags made between 2004 and 2010, bags made from 2010 onwards use RFID tags to authenticate the product, rather than holograms.
To find the hologram or RFID tag in a Fendi bag, look inside the bag for a small piece of cloth. It’s hard to miss, especially the hologram, with its shiny colors.
2. Locate the Serial Number Tag to Verify Authenticity
Fendi bags have a serial number that’s 16 or 17 symbols long. These symbols are a combination of digital and capital letters and are separated by dashes.
Note that the number is always embossed onto either a narrow tag or behind a Fendi logo, and it’s never made out of fabric material.
How to Spot a Fake Fendi Belt: Signs of a Counterfeit
1. Examine the Craftsmanship: Stitching, Finish, and Material Quality
A telltale sign of a designer brand’s authenticity is its quality. You can expect nothing but the best for designer belts, including Fendi.
That’s why you should thoroughly examine the craftsmanship of the Fendi belt. Take a look at how perfect the stitching is. If it’s uneven, sloppy, or crooked, you can bet that the belt is a fake.
Multi-accessorized Fendi belt with key ring and clip
If you’re getting a pre-loved or pre-owned belt, double-check the belt’s condition. Authentic belts are very unlikely to break over time, and signs of wear and tear should be minimal.
2. Confirm the Serial Number Behind the Buckle Only
Like Fendi bags, Fendi belts are accompanied by a serial number that confirms their authenticity. The location of the serial number is behind the belt buckle and nowhere else.
If you find the serial number located at any other spot, such as the other edge of the belt, then it’s a fake. Also, be sure to check if the serial number matches the color of the Fendi belt.
Fake vs. Real Fendi Shoes: How to Authenticate Designer Footwear
1. Avoid Glue Marks: Authentic Fendi Shoes Are Stitched, Not Glued
Genuine designer products are stitched together, including shoes and boots. Replicas and cheap imitations, however, use glue instead.
This is one of the best ways to spot fake Fendi shoes – if you find a pair of Fendi shoes, look for signs of glue around them.
Fendi Rockoko combat boots with stretch fabric inserts
No designer brand would use glue to craft their products, so if there are signs of the substance, then it’s either a fake or a broken authentic Fendi that was repaired by someone else.
2. Inspect the Hardware: Authentic Fendi Details Should Feel Premium
Designer brand hardware is consistently high-quality. They feel genuine, heavy, and don’t rust or lose color when scratched.
On the other hand, replica shoes are likely to have lighter, cheaper-looking hardware. The buckles and buttons used in Fendi shoes should match the description of designer-level hardware. If not, you’re probably looking at a fake pair of Fendi shoes.
Fendi Brand Overview: History, Iconic Products, and Celebrity Fans
Fendi is an Italian designer brand founded in 1925. While their leather goods are popular, such as their Baguette and 2jours, they’re also renowned for their fur and fur-related accessories.
Lindsay Lohan at the Fendi Flagship Store Opening in New York City on November 3, 2005 (Credit: WENN / Darla Khazei)
They also featured a line of fragrances, which were discontinued in 2015. They’re currently owned by the LVMH group, which also houses other notable fashion brands, including Givenchy, Marc Jacobs, and Louis Vuitton.
How Much Does Fendi Cost? Bags, Shoes, and Belts Price Guide
Fendi products are expensive, even by the standards of other designer brands. Their bags can range in the thousands, with their Peekaboo bags costing as much as $7,200.
Their shoes are relatively affordable, ranging from $600 to $900, depending on the shoe type and design. Belts can range in price from as low as $590 to as high as $1,690.
Where Are Fendi Products Made? Understanding Their Italian Craftsmanship
Authentic Fendi bags, belts, jackets, shoes, scarves, jewelry, and all other products are made in Italy. Fendi does not manufacture anything in China.
Fendi products have been a favorite among celebrities, with many spotted wearing Fendi bags, clothing, belts, and shoes over the years. Celebrity fans of Fendi include Cardi B, Heather Dubrow, Heidi Klum, Katie Holmes, and Zoe Saldaña.
Star Power: Celebrities Who Love Wearing Fendi
Fendi’s iconic designs and luxury craftsmanship have made the Italian brand a staple on red carpets and in the wardrobes of celebrities. From statement handbags to standout runway pieces, here are some unforgettable celebrity Fendi fashion moments:
Cardi B Flaunts Her Curves in a Fendi Bodycon Dress
- Event: Fendi x Skims Collaboration Tease
- Outfit: Cardi B turned heads in a brown Fendi bodycon dress that hugged her hourglass figure.
- Accessories: She styled the look with a matching Fendi logo bag and sleek ponytail.
- Read more: Cardi B’s Fendi moment showing off her famous curves
Heidi Klum Serves Military Chic in Fendi
- Event: Fendi x Sarah Coleman Capsule Launch
- Outfit: Heidi Klum showcased a military-inspired Fendi ensemble reimagined by artist Sarah Coleman.
- Footwear: She paired the outfit with bold boots, staying true to her edgy style.
- See more: Heidi Klum’s bold Fendi look at the capsule launch
Katie Holmes Keeps It Cool with a Fendi Monster Tote
- Event: NYC Street Style
- Outfit: Katie Holmes added a playful twist to her casual outfit with a Fendi Monster Creature Tote bag.
- Bag Style: The tote featured Fendi’s signature eye motif, adding a quirky edge to her look.
- Explore the look: Katie Holmes’ fun take on everyday Fendi fashion
Heather Dubrow Dazzles in a Fendi Mini Dress
- Event: Bravo’s Watch What Happens Live
- Outfit: Heather Dubrow stunned in a metallic Fendi mini dress that shimmered under studio lights.
- Details: The structured silhouette and luxe finish made it a standout look.
- See more: Heather Dubrow’s head-turning Fendi appearance on Bravo
Zoe Saldaña Radiates Elegance in Fendi
- Event: Fashion Forward Photoshoot
- Outfit: Zoe Saldaña opted for a hot pink Fendi dress with a braless silhouette that exuded confidence.
- Styling: She kept accessories minimal to let the bold dress shine.
- Discover more: Zoe Saldaña stuns in a daring Fendi dress
From edgy street style to red carpet glam, these Fendi moments prove why the brand remains a celebrity favorite worldwide.