How clever are you at spotting a fake from the real thing? Was that bag your friend had a real Gucci and was that gorgeous man wearing a real Rolex? Find out how to take home the genuine article every time with this indispensable guide to spotting the fakes.

Fights over handbags

The Internet has brought crime into our homes and the bad boys are raking in the money hand over fist so don't get caught out. Ebay is a breeding ground for fake designer merchandise and while there are websites selling the genuine article, there are just as many passing off counterfeit goods as the real thing. Those at the top are taking this seriously. Apparently security staff at prestigious fashion houses may even confiscate guests' handbags at their fashion shows if they are suspected fakes (oh the shame)! So, what are the signs to look out for?

 

 

Do your homework

Study the glossy magazines and notice what the rich and famous are slinging across their shoulders or clutching in their hands at parties, premieres) and on holiday. Every celeb worth their close-up carries a status bag - the pages of Heat, Vogue and Harper's Bazaar are full of them. Check sites such as http://www.vogue.com/ or the designers' own sites (http://www.gucci.com/, http://www.vuitton.com/, http://www.dior.com/) to see the styles and details of authentic merchandise clearly. Even the most inexperienced would-be buyer of good fakes can spot puckered leather and wonky stitching which are sure signs of a fake.

It's a material world

When paying big bucks for a designer bag you're definitely paying for the name, but also the craftsmanship. The reason
real Louis Vuitton bags costs so much is because they're hand made. You won't see shoddy workmanship on a legitimate bag. Only accept an article in pristine condition; if you're questioning the quality it's likely to be suspect

It's in the details

It's the zips, handles, buckles and other trimmings which often let down a fake. Herm's bags should have a 'Herm's Paris' stamp, while genuine Louis Vuitton leather goods say 'Louis Vuitton Paris, Made In France'. However, the fakers are cannier than ever and are wise to the fact that savvy shoppers seek the 'LV' stamp on zips and press studs so you must look even closer. Monograms must be clearly printed, not smudged and stitches should be tiny and discreet, not clumsy and gaudy. HHooww ttoo tteellll tthhee ggeennuuiinnee wweebb ssiitteess Some websites are authorised to sell designer labels. Amongst the three most popular are http://www.yoox.com/, http://www.eluxury.com/ and http://www.net-a-porter.com/ - all legitimate designer retailers (eluxury.com is run by LVMH which owns Dior and Vuitton). Natalie Massenet from Net-a-porter.com that sells bags by Marc Jacobs, Chloe and Moschino advises, Consumers should look to shop on websites that are recommended by the brands themselves or by a trusted source such as high-end fashion magazines. http://www.jimmychoo.com/ for example links to Net-a- porter.com. If in doubt about the authenticity of the goods available online you should always review the Terms and Conditions of the website, which should explain the provenance of the goods.It's also worth checking the returns policy. All sites are bound by law to offer a refund service. If it doesn't, alarm bells should ring.

One step beyond

You notice that when you buy from auction sites like http://www.ebay.com/ you will probably also get extras like branded dustbags, boxes (designers love packaging) and identity cards. But do be alert to the fact that the fakers are always one step ahead. In many cases they can fake the packaging and ID cards as well as the handbags, so don't let your guard down. The bottom line is: if you have any doubts, don't buy. In general, the same rules apply to fake footwear, jewellery and clothes, but the signs are often much harder to spot. Probably one of the best ways to buy designer clothes is to frequent posh boutiques, which specialise in selling hardly-worn designer gear at the fraction of the original price. After all, you will be getting an almost new outfit which was probably only worn once to a premier or party and no one will be any the wiser! You can look like Liz Hurley at without breaking the bank! However, many fakes are so brilliantly made it is almost impossible to spot the difference. I have a friend who always looks amazing because she really knows her designers and can suss out an authentic looking fake at a hundred metres. Everyone thinks she spends a small fortune on clothes and accessories, but she just has exceptionally good taste and very keen eyesight!