How to Spot an Authentic Prada Bag
Prada bags exude class and modern, sleek lines. They are made of distinct materials and are designed and crafted in-house.
To identify authentic Prada bag you should look for the Prada mark on the lining inside. It should be stitched using two to three lines, with PRADA and MILANO.
Brand Stamp
Prada is renowned for its sleek and minimal designs, but the brand also likes to add a touch of a flair. The Cleo is a prime example. It is a satchel which first appeared in the Multiple Views spring/summer 2021 collection (a year prior to when Raf Simons was named co-creative director). This bag boasts curvaceous lines that appear to bounce with energy and comes in an array of colors, including inky black whites, milky whites, and powdery pistachio. This iteration of the Cleo is crafted from smooth brushed calfskin and lightweight spazzolato calf, which gives it a soft sheen that's slightly less glossy than patent leather. If you're looking for something a bit more adventurous then a decorated Cleo is available.
Authentic Prada bags come with an image or tag on the inside, based on the style. On older styles the plaque will have three lines that read 'PRADA MILANO MADE IN ITALY and the latest styles will have two lines that say 'Made in Italy'. This logo is embossed onto the surface of a ceramic plate on bags with fabric linings, and is also stitched on patches of leather for smaller bags or other non-leather designs.
The tag should always be in line with the interior lining color. If it doesn't it is a major red flag. The tag should not be made of plastic or cloth.
Real Prada zippers are engraved on the back with the name of one of the five zipper manufacturers. Verify that this information is at the bottom of your pullers. Fake zippers are usually shorter and wider, with cutouts that don't align correctly with the slide of the zipper.
Triangle Logo Plaque
Prada bags feature an inverted triangle design which is placed on the bag's exterior and includes four lines: the brand name, the city of origin (Milano) and coat of arms. The plaque is secured to the bag. Fake logos are not center and can be lifted up if they are. An authentic logo should also have rounded corners, not square ones.
The interior of an authentic Prada bag is made from embossed leather or jacquard fabric. The logo pattern or rope chain line should be printed on the lining fabric. The lines will alternate, with the first line printed upright and the roping chain line upside down. A real lining will also have a small square which is stitched into the inside of the pouch. The square shows the place of manufacture that produced the bag.
A genuine Prada bag will come with a dust bag as well as a product card. The card, which is a black piece paper with a sales tag attached, has more details about the bag than the tag on the bottom of the bag. It may include the bag's serial number or a barcode can be used to obtain more specific information from the Prada website.
Examining the hardware is a different method to verify the authenticity of the Prada bag. The zippers, clasps and feet should be silver or gold. If they're not, it's a sign that the bag is not authentic. Be sure that the hardware made of metal has the Prada logo embossed on it. The zippers should also be smooth and not snag. Over the years the company has employed different zipper makers, including LAMPO YKK, and Riri. Be sure to verify which zipper your bag has.
Interior Logo Plaque
Authentic Prada bags are fitted with either a leather or ceramic plaque inside that displays three or two lines of text. The words should be in line with the color of the the lining. The tag should have at least two or three numbers. If it's printed in black or has just three or two numbers the bag isn't authentic. Prada also has a unique white label with branded marks, which is known as a quality or factory assurance tag. It will be an identification number that varies between Prada and Milano and may also say MADE IN ITALY. If you don't see this label on the bag, it may be a fake.
If you find the logo on bags is made of cloth or plastic instead of leather, it could be a counterfeit. In addition, the plaque should be firmly attached to the lining and feature four round corners. The font used on the interior of the plaque must match the font used on the exterior.
Check the fonts of the bag, as well as the plaque. The fonts on the bag should be consistent, particularly when there is a dust bag or authenticity card.
Another thing to look out for is the notch on the right side of the R in the logo. The authentic Prada logo has a tiny bit of space where the right leg connects to the body of the letter, while the counterfeit is slightly inclined. This is another aspect that is easy to miss and therefore, you should be sure to scrutinize every aspect of your Prada bag to ensure consistency and accuracy. Using the tips above, you will be able to tell whether a Prada bag is authentic or not.
Hardware
When it comes to Prada's hardware there are some crucial aspects to be aware of. All Prada bags must have silver or gold-plated hardware, including clasps and zippers. If a bag is made of mixed metals or hardware that's not silver or gold it's probably fake.
The inside logo plaque of the interior of a Prada bag is another good way to tell if a bag is authentic. The plaque should have four corners that are rounded and be securely affixed to the bag. The letters in the word "PRADA" should also exhibit these features that the right leg of each letter should be noticeable thicker than the left, and they should be curving slightly upwards.
All genuine Prada bags come with a Quality Assessment Tag (QAT) that's placed inside the bag's interior pocket. The QAT will include a two- or three-digit code that indicates the place where the bag was manufactured. Counterfeiters have taken note of this tag, so be sure to look for it on any bags you're considering purchasing.
Authentic Prada bags will always come with a dust bag. The dustbag should be branded PRADA and have a label stating that it is made of 100 100% cotton. You can find more information about authenticating bags by going to the Prada website or talking to a sales associate at your local Prada store.
If you're looking for a new addition to your collection of designer bags, check out 1stDibs for a variety of Prada styles. Our site offers something for everyone from the classic Saffiano bag to the edgy Mini Logo Plaque Bags that have Hailey Bieber and Sofia Richie swooning all in 2019.
Brand Name
Miuccia Prada revolutionized the fashion industry in 1984 when she launched the nylon bag. It was a groundbreaking material that was practical and fashionable. The innovative design utilized the same industrial-weight nylon used in military tents, making it strong and versatile enough to hold everyday necessities.
While the bag is an iconic piece, it's been updated with new designs and fabrics over time. Most recently, the Galleria bag (named after the famous shopping arcade) has reached archetypal status. The top-handle bag combines 1940s frame bag designs with a modernist style in design and structure to create an ultra-chic silhouette. The latest iteration -- a roomy version that's made of crinkled antique leather, which has been seen on the arms of It girls all summer -is as Prada as you can get.
Other Prada bags, such as the elegant Diagramme tote that was launched in 1995, reinvent classic shapes and fabrics to appeal to today's discerning consumer. Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's favorite demure bag has been reimagined using rich leather dyes, powdery pink and blue, and powdery blue.
prada handbags small are marked by a triangular logo plaque on the outside. The plaque includes four lines of text: the brand's name (PRADA) as well as the city of origination (MILANO) as well as the year of production, and the coat of arms. The plaque should be placed flat against the bag. It should not be removed or wiggled.
A true Prada bag will have a unique brand stamp on the interior lining. The font should be all-capital serifs and oriented with the right side of the 'R' being angled outward from the rest. This is a key aspect to be looking for as it can aid in identifying fakes and real Prada bags.