How to Spot a Fake Kate Spade Bag: Authenticity Tips, Serial Patch Guide & Real Brand Details

Before investing in a new Kate Spade handbag or pair of shoes, it’s worth learning how to distinguish between genuine pieces and counterfeits that flood online marketplaces.

Known for its playful sophistication and polished charm, Kate Spade New York remains a favorite among celebrities and fashion lovers alike. From its signature spade-embossed totes to glitter-trimmed pumps, the brand’s joyful spirit is reflected in every design, which is precisely why authentic details matter so much.

Kate Spade’s enduring appeal isn’t limited to shoppers hunting for authenticity. From red-carpet regulars to everyday style icons, countless celebrities continue to embrace the brand’s playful spirit and polished craftsmanship.

1. Celebrity Style: Kate Spade Moments on the Red Carpet

Below, explore some of our favorite star-studded Kate Spade moments featured on Your Next Shoes.

Before diving into the finer details of Kate Spade’s craftsmanship, it’s worth remembering that the brand’s joyful sophistication continues to resonate on and off the runway — as seen in recent celebrity sightings that perfectly capture its timeless charm.

Taraji P. Henson steps out in New York wearing a Kate Spade “Space Dot” tie-neck dress paired with the Deco Quilted Glitter Suede Mini Flap Chain Crossbody and Malone Souliers Vesper 70 heels while arriving at the Today Show on November 13, 2024 (Credit: INSTARimages)

While the brand’s designs are beloved for their cheerful sophistication, that very popularity has made them a target for imitation. Knowing what details to look for—like precise stitching, authentic logo fonts, and high-quality materials—can make all the difference between a timeless accessory and a costly mistake.

2. Start With Trusted Retailers and Official Stores

The primary way to avoid being scammed into buying a counterfeit bag is to purchase from renowned and highly regarded sellers.

Kate Spade’s official website is a great place to start, as it offers an extensive assortment of bag styles and designs. Department store giants like Saks Fifth Avenue provide a more curated range of Kate Spade bags.

One of the most commonly counterfeited designer brands in the world, you should only purchase Kate Spade bags and purses from authorized retailers (Credit: Roman Zaiets / Shutterstock)

The same goes for online discount retailers like Nordstrom Rack and Saks OFF 5TH.

The company has a team of brand protection experts who work to identify and prevent the sale of counterfeit products. If you see a counterfeit Kate Spade product, you can report it to the company by visiting the brand protection page.

You can also report counterfeit products by calling the company’s counterfeit hotline at 1-833-768-1778.

3. Check the Labels and Stitching

Kate Spade handbags feature two main types of labels: embossed or stamped labels and fabric labels.

• The embossed or stamped label is typically located on the front of the bag, under the handle, or at the center top area. It is made of metal or plastic and has the Kate Spade logo embossed or stamped on it.
• The fabric label is usually found on the inside of the bag, near the lining. It is made of fabric and has the Kate Spade logo printed on it.

On the other hand, Kate Spade’s fabric label is directly stitched on the handbag. A simple way to distinguish a counterfeit version from the genuine article is to gently pull at the sides of the fabric label to see if it comes off or if the sides peel away.

Authentic Kate Spade New York label on a limited-edition handbag handcrafted by local artisans in Masoro, Rwanda — part of the brand’s global initiative supporting women-led craftsmanship

Most fakes feature fabric labels that are either glued on or sewn onto an original Kate Spade fabric label.

Leather bags will never have fabric labels; instead, they will have stamped or embossed ones, typically in gold-tone letters. In contrast, most nylon bags normally feature the logo embossed on rectangular-shaped patches located at the front of the bag.

4. Logo, Font, and Lettering Details

Kate Spade’s logo has become one of the most recognizable in modern fashion — but it has also evolved over the years. The brand is best known for its clean, lowercase typeface with evenly spaced letters and the signature spade symbol, yet this isn’t a strict rule across every product. Limited-edition lines, seasonal collaborations, and older collections may feature variations in font weight, capitalization, or placement without compromising authenticity.

It’s also important to note that there isn’t just “one” font style used for all Kate Spade handbags. While the brand maintains a consistent aesthetic, logo treatments often differ slightly between categories — from engraved hardware and stamped leather tags to printed interior labels. Subtle differences are expected; what matters most is precision. Authentic bags display sharp, evenly aligned lettering, whereas counterfeits frequently reveal telltale flaws such as uneven spacing, blurry printing, or misaligned embossing.

Kate Spade’s timeless logo features the brand’s signature spade symbol paired with a refined mix of lowercase and uppercase serif lettering — a hallmark of its playful yet sophisticated design identity

Checking the logo is a helpful first step when assessing authenticity, but it shouldn’t be the only one. Counterfeiters have become increasingly sophisticated, making it necessary to examine several factors together — including stitching, materials, hardware, and serial labels.

Genuine Kate Spade handbags are distinguished by fine craftsmanship, smooth edges, and high-quality engravings, whereas fake versions often compromise on construction and finishing details.

Editor’s tip: For peace of mind, compare your bag directly with listings on Kate Spade’s official website or consult the brand’s customer service team for verification.

5. Hardware and Finishing Touches

Most Kate Spade handbags don’t feature feet at the bottom. Bag styles with feet are often small, usually circular or flat, and can be located at the four corners of the base.

Kate Spade’s sleek crossbody bags in rich burgundy, navy, and dove gray — each accented with a signature gold-tone chain strap that balances modern polish with everyday ease

Always remember that the shape of the feet should not be triangular or cone-like. The rest of the bag’s hardware should be made of gold or silver and should never tarnish or rust.

6. Materials and Stitching Quality

While different materials are used for Kate Spade handbags, the most popular types include leather, nylon, canvas, and suede. Upon inspection, you can tell whether the material matches Kate Spade’s reputation for high-quality products.

A modern Kate Spade top-handle bag in soft gray Saffiano leather — complete with the brand’s signature heart-shaped trim and polished hardware for a refined, feminine finish

The same goes for the handbag’s stitching quality, which should be even and not snag or become loose over time. The stitching is also usually the same color as the handbag, although this depends on the bag’s style.

7. Retail Tags, Care Cards, and Country of Origin

Brand-new and authentic Kate Spade handbags feature green retail tags with the ‘Kate Spade New York’ logo. The retail card should display the name of the bag style, accompanied by the style number in small letters and a barcode.

Care cards with instructions on how to properly care for each item should also be included with every Kate Spade bag. Another important tag is the Country of Origin, usually found in the bag’s interior seam pocket.

All Kate Spade bags made after 1996 should have a Country of Origin tag. Kate Spade bags have only been produced in the following countries: the USA, Italy, China, Taiwan, the Dominican Republic, Indonesia, Vietnam, Rwanda, and the Philippines.

8. Compare with the Official Kate Spade Website

If you’re still hesitant about the bag in question, a great idea is to visit the official Kate Spade website and compare the bags to your own bag’s features.

Kate Spade’s website also provides information on how to authenticate your bag, including a dedicated page for reporting counterfeit items.

9. Kate Spade Brand Ownership and Legacy

Kate Spade bags are made in various countries, including China, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. The exact location of production depends on the specific bag style and design.

Kate Spade has cited rising costs in the United States as a reason for relocating production to Asia. In recent years, Kate Spade has also been criticized for using sweatshops in some production facilities.

Christina Ricci elegantly paired a monochrome maxi dress with a chic black leather handbag for the Kate Spade show during New York Fashion Week 2023 on September 8, 2023, in New York City (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)

Do Kate Spade Bags Have Serial Numbers?

Kate Spade handbags don’t use serial numbers, but most include a small leather “credo patch” sewn into the lining. This patch lists the style number, typically a six-digit code beginning with ‘KS’ or ‘KSP’, which can be used to confirm authenticity.

You can verify your bag by comparing that number with listings on the official Kate Spade website or by contacting customer service for confirmation.

Founded by designer Kate Spade in 1993, the brand remains celebrated for its joyful sophistication and commitment to quality craftsmanship—a legacy that continues to inspire handbag lovers worldwide.

Kate Spade attends The New Group’s annual gala in New York City, showcasing her signature playful sophistication with a statement necklace and a chic black wrap coat (Credit: Joseph Marzullo / WENN)

Who Owns Kate Spade?

Kate Spade was acquired by Coach, Inc. in 2017 for $2.4 billion. However, the founders, Kate and Andy Spade, did not get anything from the sale. They sold a 56% stake in the company to Neiman Marcus in 1999 for $34 million.

In 2006, Neiman Marcus Group acquired the remaining 44% stake for $59.4 million. According to CNN, Kate and Andy Spade left the company in 2007.

Following the acquisition of Kate Spade, Coach, Inc. changed its name to Tapestry on October 31, 2017. Since its inception in 1993, Kate Spade New York has maintained its reputation as one of the world’s and America’s most iconic fashion brands.

Best known and beloved for its chic handbags, the label was founded by designer Kate Spade, who sought to create minimalist and practical bags and purses for the modern woman.

Lindsay Ellingson and guests attend the Kate Spade S/S 20 Fashion Show at Elizabeth Street Gardens on September 7, 2019, in New York City (Credit: WENN / Instar)

Celebrities and the fashion elite frequently wear Kate Spade handbags and backpacks, including notable names such as Taylor Swift and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Following the increase in popularity of Kate Spade purses, counterfeits and fakes quickly proliferated the market, seen everywhere from Manhattan’s infamous Canal Street to numerous online sellers.

Naomie Harris attends the Kate Spade New York Regent Street store opening on April 21, 2016, in London, England (Credit: WENN)

As counterfeit bags become increasingly difficult to distinguish from authentic designs, conduct thorough research beforehand if you decide to purchase from a secondhand store or a third-party seller.

10. Where to Buy Authentic Kate Spade Bags

Whether you’re drawn to Kate Spade’s sleek crossbodies, whimsical clutches, or timeless totes, there’s a piece to fit every personality and occasion. The brand’s signature blend of playfulness and polish makes its handbags enduring staples that effortlessly transition from workdays to weekends.

For those ready to invest in an authentic Kate Spade design, the best way to shop is through trusted retailers known for carrying verified collections. Browse the latest arrivals on Farfetch or discover classic favorites on Zappos and Macy’s. For elevated and limited editions, Nordstrom and Amazon also offer curated selections of Kate Spade’s most popular handbag styles.

Editor’s tip: When shopping online, always check for official product descriptions and authorized retailer status to ensure your new Kate Spade purchase is 100% genuine.

11. More Authentication Guides Worth Reading

As this article wraps up, fashion lovers who value authenticity as much as style can explore more of our in-depth guides below. Each offers practical tips and visual cues to help you identify genuine craftsmanship and avoid counterfeit buys — whether you’re shopping for sneakers, handbags, or heels.