Emma Stone and Margot Robbie are just two of the countless high-profile celebrities who are fans of Gucci.
The Italian luxury brand is getting a creative reboot under creative director Alessandro Michele. It boasts some of the most gorgeous bags and purses that any fashionista would want in her closet.
Italian-made Gucci shoulder bag in GG Supreme canvas with snakeskin trim and embroidered flower and bird appliqués
Gucci’s global popularity makes the brand a target of counterfeiters. If you have been considering buying a Gucci bag from an unauthorized reseller, inspect the bag first closely.
In November 2019, NBC Washington reported that handbags worth over $2.2 million were seized at Washington Dulles International Airport earlier the same month. The counterfeited brands included Chanel, Prada, Dior, and Gucci.
“Counterfeit consumer goods fund transnational criminal organizations, are manufactured in unregulated facilities and with substandard materials that may potentially harm American consumers, hurt our nation’s economy, and steal revenue and brand integrity from U.S. businesses and trademark holders,” Casey Durst, director of Customs and Border Protection’s Baltimore office, said in a statement.
While not all unauthorized online stores sell fake Gucci bags, you should always be on guard when buying designer goods online.
Top Trusted Retailers for Genuine Gucci Bags
The following retailers offer the best Gucci products online for fellow bag lovers looking to add a new Gucci handbag to their collection.
1. Nordstrom
4. Farfetch
5. Mytheresa
To protect yourself from scammers, follow the seven steps below to authenticate a Gucci bag.
1. Verifying Gucci Bags with Dustbags and Authenticity Cards
All Gucci purses come with high-quality dust bags and authenticity cards. Typically, Gucci dust bags are colored light honeycomb or dark brown with a printed GG logo or the Gucci brand name.
While some counterfeiters also place their merchandise in dust bags, boxes, or paper bags, the imitation packaging will exhibit signs of cheap materials and production. Check the symmetry and spacing of the Gucci label on the dust bag.
2. Ensuring Precision in Gucci Logos
The logo displayed on the exterior of a Gucci bag may differ depending on the style. The standard Gucci logo is the interlocking Gs, which are typically placed on the front of the bag, flap, or closure.
A detailed look at the precision of the authentic Gucci logo – your guide to spotting genuine craftsmanship
Some styles do not have this gold-plated GG logo. The Gucci name is sometimes embossed or printed on the leather.
3. Examining Gucci’s Monogram Patterns for Symmetry
Gucci bags with the monogram style will feature the familiar pattern with the double GG logo. Inspect the consistency and spacing of this pattern.
Spotting the fakes: Look out for irregularities in counterfeit Gucci monogram patterns
The G on the left should be forward-facing, and the G on the right should be backward and upside down. Upon closer inspection, fake Gucci monogram bags will have irregularities, like different-sized Gs and inconsistent spacing.
4. Identifying High-Quality Leather in Gucci Bags
Authentic Gucci bags are made from the finest quality leather and materials. While fake leather may seem genuine from afar, there will be several signs of fabrication.
Cheap, synthetic leather will look unnaturally perfect because it is machine-made.
The hallmark of luxury: Authentic Gucci handbags crafted from premium leather and the finest materials
Real leather, on the other hand, will have imperfections on its surface grain.
Genuine leather also has a natural musty smell, while fake leather bags will have a chemical or plastic smell. Fake leather will also feel rubbery instead of smooth and buttery.
5. Checking the Integrity of Gucci’s Interior Tags
Real Gucci handbags have a heat stamp or label stitched on the interior that displays the brand name with the registered trademark and the words “Made in Italy.”
Verifying authenticity: The importance of Gucci’s interior heat stamp and label
The underside of this label shows the bag’s serial number or production code, which is usually two sets of 6-digit numbers (for new models). On some bags, especially vintage models, the number sequencing may vary.
6. Assessing the Quality of Hardware on Gucci Bags
The hardware is an important part of any designer bag. Counterfeiters sometimes perfectly copy the look of the bag but fail to replicate the hardware.
Distinguishing elegance: The superior quality hardware on genuine Gucci bags
Genuine Gucci bags feature high-quality hardware that is either gold-plated or made of solid metal.
Zippers, locks, and other metal hardware will have a Gucci engraving with a high-quality finish, even spacing, and proper font.
7. Evaluating the Stitching Quality of Gucci Handbags
The stitching on Gucci bags can also feature the brand’s logo or as a design pattern on the bag’s leather.
Beware of imperfections: Identifying counterfeit Gucci bags by broken threads and uneven stitching
Watch out for broken threads and uneven stitching, typical signs of counterfeited goods.
Perfection in every stitch: Real Gucci purses showcase flawless and even stitching
Authentic Gucci purses display perfectly even stitching, with thread the same color as the leather.
Gucci Bags FAQ: Your Questions Answered
How much do Gucci bags cost?
The cheapest clutch and belt bags retail for $650 at Farfetch, while the most expensive Gucci handbag is a Sylvie medium top handle bag made from genuine crocodile leather. It retails for $34,000!
Are real Gucci handbags made in Italy?
Yes, all Gucci handbags, purses, and wallets are made in Italy. Gucci watches are manufactured in Switzerland.
Fragrances, cosmetics, and glasses are produced in other European countries and in Japan. The company does not make anything in China.
All authentic Gucci handbags, purses, and wallets are made in Italy
During the pandemic in 2020, Gucci had to put its manufacturing activities on hold in Italy. At the time, the brand had six production sites between Tuscany and Marche.
What is the classic Gucci bag?
The Sylvie shoulder bag is Gucci’s signature shape from the ’60s and ’70s. The first Sylvie bag was crafted in 1969 with chain and buckle closure detail.
Is Gucci cheaper in Italy or France?
No, prices on Gucci are the same around the world. Discounted products are exclusively available through Gucci’s physical outlet locations. Unfortunately, sales are not offered online.
For more tips on authenticating a Gucci bag, watch the video below.
High-Profile Celebrities and Their Favorite Gucci Handbags
Kylie Jenner shows off her infamous booty with her Gucci “Sylvie” embossed satchel (Credit: Kylie Jenner’s Instagram)
Vanessa Hudgens and Kendall Jenner casually stroll through town with their oversized and mini Gucci bags (Credit: WENN)
Small red Gucci purses instantly perk up Jenna Dewan Tatum and Margot Robbie’s white outfits (Credit: WENN)
Olivia Culpo, Emma Stone, and Kourtney Kardashian are only a few household names who love their Gucci (Credit: WENN / Olivia Culpo’s Instagram)
Stylish but also functional: the smaller Gucci purses and backpacks are great for running errands (Credit: WENN)
Victoria’s Secret beauty Karlie Kloss tours China with her Gucci “Gg Marmont” bag in black (Credit: Karlie Kloss’ Instagram)