Fake Hunter

RAF SIMONS - Shoes: Astro "Pocket" Shoes

2008-07-26T22:57:00.009-04:00

Here are some comparison photos of a fake, and an authentic pair of Raf Simons' 'Astro' pocket sneakers. The real ones are in high demand and retail for around $725. They come in several colors of leather. Below is the black patent leather version. With the authentic kicks going for such high prices the fakes might be lookin' pretty good to you, but don't give in. Pictures can be deceiving. If you study them carefully it quickly becomes apparent that the quality of the fakes is crap. For those who appreciate quality and design, it's worth hunting for the real thing.

Example (click to enlarge):

In the above profile view you can see some of the minor differences in the lines of the stitching on the side. Also note the difference in shape as it wraps around the back. You can see the difference in the toe of the sole too.

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The rubber toe cap of the fake has a flatter edge, whereas the authentic pair has a more rounded profile.

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When looking down on the shoes it is apparent that the real shoes have a more pointed shape, in comparison the the more rounded toe of the fakes. And, the stitching at the base of the tongue is lower on the authentic pair.

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The zipper on the back of the pocket should be silver, not golden. If you enlarge the image above you can also see the difference in the zipper toggle. However, not all of the fakes have gold zippers. Some do have silver ones.

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The above example shoes how many of the fake straps vary from the authentic ones. The fakes are slightly wider with a narrower fabric edge. It also appears that the hi-top part of this fake is straight, instead of at an angle like the real ones.

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Some of the fake versions of these shoes are made without the double tongue (but be aware that there are better fakes that have the double tongue). The authentic 'Astro' shoes have two tongues that attach together with a rectangular patch of Velcro at the top. The fake above is stitched wrong, with a half-inch between the stitching and the edge of the tongue. The fakes I've seen that do have the double tongue have more rounded corners on the outer tongue than the relatively squared corners of the authentic shoes.

Example (click to enlarge):

Here is an example of what the inside of the tongue should look like. Below that is a photo of the embossed "Raf Simons" logo that should be stamped on the insole of the shoe.

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Lastly, check the box. If the box is fake, chances are the shoes are fake too. The Raf Simons box should be a dark gray color made out of a flat cardboard (not corrugated). It should have a small glossy black logo on each end, and it should be blank on the top, bottom and other two sides.

RICK OWENS - Shoes: ss08 Creatch Hi-Tops

2008-07-04T00:56:00.010-04:00

On the 'most wanted' list of many guys this year are these leather hi-tops from Rick Owens' spring/summer 2008 collection. However, the $1,200+ price tag can be a little hard on the wallet, so, a lot of guys turn to eBay and other online sources in search of a bargain. Because Rick Owens is more of a niche label, unknown to the average Joe on the street, people often assume it isn't faked. Well, there are knock-offs of just about every label out there, and the more underground the label, the more money the counterfeiters can get for the fakes, simply because people assume they're real.

Example (click to enlarge):

They don't look bad at a glance but the fakes are, of course, poor quality and not worth the $200-600 they sell for. The real ones should last you a lifetime. In this first photo you can see the difference in the sole, the shape of the toe, and the shape and distance between the stripes. Also, note that the authentic shoe has thinner laces.

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Here is a close-up of the toe. You can see how the rubber part of the sole is molded differently. The cap of the toe on the fake recedes farther back than the authentic one.

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This detail shot of the side illustrates the difference in the quality of the stitching. Note how some of the fake's stitches are different sizes, and how they don't follow the curve of the leather very well. You can also see how the stitched rectangle is more squared and shifted on the fake shoe. There are also variances in the shape and proportions of the leather pieces throughout the shoe.

Example (click to enlarge):

The authentic kicks have a silver zipper vs. this fakes' copper colored zipper. The zipper itself is also a different shape. The real one is a bit longer and skinnier. The size should be printed on the leather flap inside the zipper (in this case they are a euro size 42).

Example (click to enlarge):

There are different varieties of fakes out there, the one above does have a silver zipper but it doesn't have the correct toggle. The fakes tend to use cheap hardware (such as generic zippers). Sometimes they mold their own but it is usually a very poor casting. In this comparison you can see the difference in the shape of the toggle better.

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This is the patch on the back side of the tongue. Compare the width of the patch to the black tab above it in the first set. The real tab is wider than the patch. However, some fakes are correctly proportioned, as demonstrated in the second set. In both examples the stitching across the black tab varies from the original.

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Last, but not least, the insole. Notice a difference? Yeah, you guessed it, they didn't bother to stamp the Rick Owens logo in these fakes, which makes it a little easier to export them without alerting customs agents. The real ones also have a serrated edge along part of the insole.

As with all knock-offs remember that the fakes can vary, and there may be more than one factory/company producing the knock-offs. As a result some fakes may look more real than others. Use your best judgment and follow my 'hunting basics.'

GUCCI - Shirts: labels

2008-07-02T14:04:00.003-04:00

Gucci is one of the most commonly faked labels, everything from socks to suits has been counterfeit. A lot of the Gucci fakes are very poorly done and obviously fake. Gucci is one of those mega labels that sustains a strong consumer base interested solely in the logo (see also Louis Vuitton and Chanel). The hip-hop culture of the 1980's embraced blatant fakes as a sort of satire. For many it was about a parody of the wealthy who chose to flaunt their designer logos, and it was about challenging their affluence, or at least how the rich portrayed it. It was a way of demystifying the appeal of two interlocking G's or C's, or an 'LV.' It was about showing the logo for what it is; a marketing tool, used invoke specific imagery and a sense of membership. Perhaps a bit ironically, the mainstream hip-hop culture of today has bought into the very cache it was mocking twenty years ago.

There are many varieties of Gucci fakes, some are obviously fake, and some are copied quite well. If you buy Gucci online from a secondary source such as eBay, pay close attention to my tips in the 'Hunting Basics' section of this blog.

Over the years Gucci labels have changed. When Tom Ford was the head designer the labels and font were larger (as seen in the first example below). I think it was in 2005 that they changed the shirt labels from the rectangular shape to the longer and skinnier shape with smaller text (as seen in the fourth comparison example below).

Example (click to enlarge):

In the above comparison you can see the difference in the size of the lettering, both on the label and on the size tag. The difference is subtle, which is why it's important to look closely at the pictures when you're buying online. This is a Tom Ford-era tag, which is taller than the current tags.

Example (click to enlarge):

The two examples above are rather obvious fakes. The first one is proportioned totally wrong, the Gucci text is wrong, and the size tag is wrong. In the second example the tag is gold, and there are no gold Gucci tags. Unless we're dealing with vintage Gucci, the label should be white text on a black label. The marked size (in this example 'M') should not be on the same label, it should be on a separate piece of material either sewn to the label or elsewhere on the shirt depending on when style shirt it is.

Example (click to enlarge):

In the above example the fake tag is missing the 'Made in Italy' text.

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These examples are all of pretty decent fake labels. You have to click the pictures to enlarge them to see the variances in the text. The text in both of the above fakes is too bold, and the stitches don't form smooth rounded letters. Also note that the spacing between the 'Made in Italy' and the 'Gucci' text is greater in the authentic label.

RAF SIMONS - Accessories: Eastpak Bags

2008-06-25T08:17:00.005-04:00

Well, it only took about a week and a half after the Raf Simons x Eastpak collaboration launched for the fakes to start appearing. This one surprised me, though I guess I should have expected it. The collaboration looks pretty cool, a line of futuristic, over-sized backpacks/rucksacks (as seen in Raf Simons' ss08 'Material World' runway show). Here's the official link: http://87.106.137.70/rafsimons/

There are several different styles /colorways but this is the first one I've seen faked, though I'm sure there will be more to come.

Example (click to enlarge):

At first glance they appear to be quite similar, but there are several differences in the way they are constructed.

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And of course, as always, the quality of the fake's stitching and seams is inferior. Note the sloppy edges of the colored straps.

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Lastly, and probably the easiest difference to spot, is the logo patch. As you can see, the fake bag is missing the Eastpak logo. The fake 'Raf Simons' text is also more elongated/taller than the real logo.

GUCCI - Shoes: Tennis Shoes

2007-11-20T00:45:00.000-05:00

This white leather sneaker is one of Gucci's most popular styles, and naturally, one of the most often faked. Below are several real vs. fake comparison photos of this style shoe. eBay is flooded with the fake versions so pay close attention to the details. Keep in mind that there are many different fake versions of this style out there so make sure ALL of the details match the authentic examples because different fakes have different errors in the styling.

Example (click to enlarge):

Above are two different comparison photos, with two different fakes. The top fake is a bit more accurate than the bottom one, but they're both easy to distinguish as fake. The bottom fake is missing some stitching/padding on the side and has a different sole. However both of these fakes have many things wrong with them. The fake eyelets are metal instead of the white painted metal as seen on the authentic pair. The red and green stripe should not have any stitching on it and both of these fake examples have white stitching. This red and green stripe should be made out of woven nylon. The fake stripes tend to be wider than the authentic one..

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The back of the heel on these Gucci shoes comes up quite high, and most of the fakes out there don't come up as far. Above are two different fake variations.

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The back of the heel is covered in a green alligator/crocodile embossed leather. In the fake example above the patch is wider and the material features a different scale pattern and coloring than the original. Also note that the authentic version is stitched around the rubber sole and this fake is not. Some fakes are stitched around the sole but with much larger stitches (like one stitch for every three on the authentic pair).

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The inside of these shoes is made of white leather (not brown like the above fake) and there is an embossed 'GUCCI made in italy' logo inside. In this style shoe the logo is only embossed and not printed.

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Here is another knock-off variation of the logo. Also note the difference in the size of the lettering and the spacing.

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A lot of these fakes can also be spotted by the shoe bags that are often included in the auctions. The authentic shoe comes with a dark satin brown GG print shoe bag.

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Also get to know what an authentic Gucci shoe box looks like. There are many fake examples on eBay (one of which is pictured above). The real box has slightly raised metallic lettering that runs parallel with the shorter side of the box. However, keep in mind that just because a box or a shoe bag may be real, it never guarantees that the shoes are also real. Always carefully inspect the pictures of the actual product, not just the boxes, tags, etc.

DIOR HOMME - Accessories: Ties

2007-10-22T13:44:00.001-04:00

I have received several requests from readers of this blog for information on Dior Homme neckties. Ties are easy to fake and a bit hard to authenticate. The reason being that they are so simple. Many of the online auctions for Dior Homme ties have small blurry pictures with little detail. Of course, actually feeling the fabric and seeing the stitching in person is the best way to authenticate a tie, but there are some things you can watch out for. The first step is to check out the seller. Look at the other items he's selling and skim his feedback and look at the items he's sold. Even if you can't tell if the tie is fake he may have sold some other knockoff that is obviously fake (which would suggest, though not prove, that the tie is fake).

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The fake above looks like it is made out of an old couch. When buying Dior Homme online, keep the designer's aesthetic in mind. If it looks like a thoughtless 80's Christmas gift you received from your aunt, do you really want it?

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Speaking of the Dior Homme aesthetic; this beauty has a large gray "CD" logo printed on the front of the tie. In-your-face logos are not the brand's style (the women's line is another story). At first glance this tie looks like it may be an older piece from Christian Dior, circa their creatively-starved 70's and 80's years. However this gem has a fake Dior Homme label on it and was listed as a Dior Homme piece. The lining has a fake version of the "Dior" repeating pattern, with the letters spaced too far apart.

Example (click to enlarge):

The fabric content tags in Dior Homme ties are located in the fold, on the back of the skinny part of the tie. These tags are always silver with black stitched lettering, and the label is sewn folded in half. Above is an example of a fake fabric content tag. There are several things wrong with it. For one thing, the label is a blackish purple or something, not silver. Second, the lettering is too close together and stitched in white. Lastly, it reads "Made in China." Dior does not produce any clothing or accessories in China. To the best of my knowledge, Dior Homme makes all of its ties in Italy.

In the end, ties are one thing I recommend buying direct from the store. They run around $170 (USD) and the authentic ones don't sell for much less on eBay. If you do choose to bid on one remember to ask for detailed photos if none are provided. Also, feel free to ask the seller where he purchased the tie from and if he guarantees authenticity. Keep in mind that the seller's response in no way guarantees authenticity. But, some sellers will try to warn off informed buyers with a line like "It looks authentic but I can't guarantee it," or "I'm selling it for a friend who says it is authentic."

JOHN GALLIANO - ...or should I say Balliano?

2007-10-20T14:37:00.000-04:00

Hot new brand, or really bad fake? You decide.

...and from the makers of Balliano comes (?)alliano. Note the slyly placed drawstring.

DSQUARED - Denim: Logo Labels

2007-09-23T13:04:00.000-04:00

Dsquared jeans have a black rectangular fabric tag sewn inside the waistband. The label should be sewn on the wearer's left side of the waistband (the right side if you're looking at the jeans straight-on). These tags are not sewn in the center of the back like many other brands. This tag measures 2.25 inches long and just a hair over half an inch tall. The fake versions of these labels vary a bit in size and shape and are often sewn in the center of the back of the waistband.

Example (click to enlarge):

In the example above there are two key distinguishing factors between the real label and the fake label. The first is the stitching around the edges. The stitching should be straight and parallel to the edges of the fabric. As you can see in the fake, the stitching is further from the edge than it is in the authentic label. The second thing to note is the size of the text in relation to the label. In this example the fake text is larger.

Example (click to enlarge):

This one is pretty obvious. Not only is the stitching crooked, but the label is cut crooked, the letters are too large, they are located up a little too high, and the label is the wrong proportions (too short). Furthermore, if you look closely you can see that on the fabric content tag of the fake jeans it reads: "Made in Hong Kong." Well, I don't think I have to tell you that authentic Dsquared jeans are not made in Hong Kong.

These fake labels range in quality so keep an eye out.

VIVIENNE WESTWOOD - Accessories: Rings

2007-09-19T11:48:00.000-04:00

The vast majority of Vivienne Westwood jewelry on eBay is fake. To avoid getting ripped off you need to know what to look for. Below is a real v. fake example of the three-hinged armor ring. This ring is made in two versions, the silver (925 silver) and the gold version (which is gold plated 925 silver). What you should look for is the quality of the casting (edges, detailing, etc) and the quality of the metal.

Example (click to enlarge):

The fakes can sometimes have a lot of grainy imperfections in the metal, and poorly shaped edges. In the second comparison above you can see the lack of quality in the casting of the orb logo on the fake ring. It looks like it is actually cracked at the base, which may be from a poorly applied 'gold' paint job.

Example (click to enlarge):

When shopping online it can help to have a photo of the item (in addition to the ones provided in the auction) from a reputable source so that you can compare any differences. Granted, this is not always easy to get, which is one of the reasons I started this blog.

In the above example you can see that the links of the fake ring are shaped a bit differently. The real ring's links are also stepped, not aligned in a straight line. See what I mean?

Example (click to enlarge):

Another difference with this style ring is the hinging mechanism. The fake one has larger ball cap joints, where as the real one has small rounded prongs sticking through the holes.

Remember to always check the seller before buying anything. Look at the feedback and the other items he/she has sold. Designer jewelry rarely gets discounted so if the seller has sold a large amount of a particular style piece it should be a warning sign.

DIOR HOMME - Accessories: Jewelry

2007-09-11T09:10:00.000-04:00

A lot of the Dior Homme jewelry that pops up on eBay is fake. One of the best ways to determine authenticity from the photos is by the quality of the lettering on the jewelry. Fake Dior Homme jewelry often has crooked or misaligned lettering on it. Below are a few examples but this information can apply to all pieces.

Example (click to enlarge):

The jewelry can often be hard to authenticate because much of it is fairly simple and easy to reproduce. The key (of course) is in the details. Ask the seller for large, clear, close-up pictures so that you can evaluate the details and quality. With the 'three bee' leather rope necklaces above you can see the variation in the engraving of the CD on the bees. In this example the fake CD's are slightly offset to the right. Also note that the lettering is larger than the real one.

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In the example above the D is only partially there and the lettering is crooked. If you enlarge the picture (click on it) you will also be able to see the poor, toy-like quality of the metal and craftsmanship.

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Here are some more details. As with all fakes, the quality is pretty low. Note the uneven thickness of the edges of the star.

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Many pieces of Dior jewelry have this "CD | PARIS" bar. If it does you should note where the clasp is attached. If you look closely in the photo above you will see that the authentic necklace's clasp is attached to the chain side and not the "CD | PARIS" bar side. The fake necklace often have the clasp attached to the end of the bar. So, the authentic ones hook from the chain to the bar, and the fakes often hook from the bar to the chain.

Update

2007-09-11T09:04:00.001-04:00

Hello all,
There haven't been any posts for a while because I've be out of town a lot, but now that's over for a while so I will continue updating on a fairly regular basis. I've had a couple requests for specifics on Dior Homme accessories, specifically jewelry, so I will start putting some postings together for that. If you have a request for a posting topic, feel free to submit it.
Take Care.
-Peter

DSQUARED - Accessories: Bags

2007-08-24T00:51:00.001-04:00

Dsquared has become a highly profitable brand and the counterfeiters are making D2 knockoffs of everything from jewelry, to bags, to underwear. Yeah... fake underwear.

Here are some real vs. fake comparison photos of a Dsquared bag. Of course, this is just one example but the details below hold true for all styles. As this blog grows I will post more examples of different styles.

Example (click to enlarge):

First, you can dismiss the color difference in the handle. This bag was produced in two versions, one with the red handle and one with the tan handle. Below, is a photo of an authentic red handle bag on the runway. It is very hard to tell the real from the fake in the first comparison photo, so, as usual, the key lyes in the details. What is apparent from this first photo is the difference in quality of the denim. In the photos below you can also see the difference in quality of the leather trim.

Example (click to enlarge):

The stitching is the give away in this example. Knockoffs often have crooked stitching that does not run parallel to the edge of the material. You will also notice that the stripes of the fake are skinnier and there is no "Genuine Leather" or "Made in Itlay" on this fake example.

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Now here we're getting into minute details, but, the studs on the bottom of the authentic bag are more rounded than those on the fake bag.

Also note the shape of the leather around the inner zipper and the length of the inner zipper.

JOHN GALLIANO - Denim: Real v. Fake Comparison

2007-08-15T22:02:00.000-04:00

John Galliano jeans vary in style and cut, and this is a comparison example of one such style. The most noticeable difference between the fake pair and the authentic pair is the location of the Galliano logo patch. This logo patch should be located either on the font of the thigh or the side of the jean (as pictured), but never on the back of the leg as seen in the fake example.

Example (click to enlarge):

The authentic patches have some variations as well. Some are a smooth leather material and some are a textured suede material. However, the fake patch in this example is too wide and the logo is too large in comparison to the authentic patch. Furthermore you can see the stitching swerves a little along the top of the fake patch. The straightness of the stitching is always a key to authenticating an item. The quality of the stitching speaks to the skill of the people who created it. Most fakes are made in sweatshops by underpaid and under-skilled laborers.

JOHN GALLIANO - Shirts: Fabric Content Labels

2007-08-10T19:17:00.001-04:00

Galliano's men's line is not produced by Ittierre Spa. To the best of my knoledge it has only ever been made by Gibo' Co. Spa., who's tags usually look like the example on the right. Some of the auctions on eBay for fake men's Galliano clothing have pictures of Ittierre Spa. labels. Why? Ittierre does produce women's prêt-à-porter. You'd think the counterfeiters would at least try to get their labels correct. They probably just had a surplus of these fake Ittierre labels laying around the factory and decided to put them to ~~good~~ use.

Example (click to enlarge):
Example (click to enlarge):

Some of the fakes do have the the proper style label but the labels are still different from the authentic ones। In this example the print quality of the fake text is poor. The letters are very bold, as if the printer was laying on too much ink and the spacing and formatting of the text is a bit off. This fake does not have "Gibo Co Spa" printed on it (which is the production company of authentic men's Galliano). Some of the authentic labels are missing this too (such as the first example above) and I believe it is because they didn't print it on the labels of pieces from earlier collections, but I'm not sure.

DIOR HOMME - Shirts: Size Tags

2007-08-04T10:31:00.000-04:00

If you ever see the size tag connected to the silver Dior Homme logo tag, it's a fake. The authentic size tags are sewn either in the collar (not connected to the logo tag) or in the side seam with the fabric content label.

Example (click to enlarge):

Some (but not all) of the fake Dior Homme t-shirts have the size tag attached to the silver logo tag. T-shirts are a little harder to authenticate than jackets and other items with more details. The simpler the item, the easier it is to fake. This is why it is important to pay close attention to the tags and labels, as well as the 'Hunting Basics.'

DSQUARED - Shoes: Real v. Fake Comparison Photos

2007-08-03T11:39:00.000-04:00

There are just so many styles of real and fake Dsquared shoes out there that it is near impossible to cover all of them. Instead, I will focus on one style for now. However, this information can be applied to many different styles of Dsquared shoes. In the future I will post more real v. fake comparison photos of other styles. This blog is meant to be a continually growing resource, and I will be able to cover more brands and more specifics as time goes on. For now I am focusing on providing helpful information about some of the most commonly faked items for sale online.

When you're trying to figure out if a pair of shoes is fake or not it helps to compare them to photos of an authentic pair. There are several sites out there selling authentic Dsquared shoes (diabro.net, bluefly.com, yoox.com, luisaviaroma.com, and eluxury.com, to name a few) that have several detailed photos of the product. Keep in mind there are also many sites out there selling fakes. The fake examples in this post are from one such site, which was selling these (fake) Dsquared shoes for $99.

Example (click to enlarge):

In the example above you can see the oddly shaped toe of the fake shoe, in comparison to the authentic one. The yellow strip around the front is also qutie different. It is not only made of a different material but the fake strip comes further up over the toe of the shoe.

Example (click to enlarge):

In this side-by-side comparison you can see the yellow strip better. On the fake shoe it is a completely different shape and it ends before the blue stripes, where as the authentic pair has the yellow strip overlapping the blue stripes. The blue stripes themselves are skinnier on the fake pair than they are on the authentic pair.

Example (click to enlarge):

One point to note when buying any Dsquared item online, is the font of the logo. The biggest giveaway of these shoes (and most Dsquared fakes, from jeans to shoes to underwear) is that the logo is in a different font. The fake fonts vary in accuracy so keep a close on on them. The logo on these shoes is way off. The authentic Dsquared logo has square shaped letters, even the "Q" is a square shape with rounded corners. The fake pair of shoes here has a rounded "Q" and a more generic font.

Example (click to enlarge):

The last little hint here is the "1964" logo on the back of the heel. As you can see the authentic logo has much thicker numbers than the fake one, and the fake numbers are in a different font.

As a general tip, look for quality. If the embroidery, stitching, and leather look cheap, it's probably a fake. If you don't feel confident in your quality assessment skills, check out the real thing in a store. Feel the material, look at the stitching, and examine the logos. You don't have to memorize anything, just get a feel for it so that next time you see a pair online you'll have the insight to know if something seems off. If you don't have access to such a store, you can examine the photos at any number of credible online sites (some of which are mentioned above). If you have any questions feel free to post them in the Fake Hunter Discussion Forum.

DSQUARED - Shirts: Size Tags

2007-08-01T18:02:00.001-04:00

Some of the fake Dsquared shirts out there have incorrect size tags. In shirts, this tag should be a light grey color and it should come out of the left side of the black Dsquared2 logo tag. The size tag should stick out ruffly half an inch and it should be just a little over a quarter of an inch tall. The authentic size tags vary slightly but they all keep to this approximate measurement. If you see a size tag that looks odd, chances are the shirt is fake. Keep in mind that some of the fake shirts do have the correctly proportioned size tags so an authentic-looking size tag does NOT guarantee an authentic shirt.

Example (click to enlarge):

The example above shows a fake black size tag. A large percentage of the fake Dsquared shirts on eBay have this fake black size tag. It is coming out of the right side of the logo label (not the left side, as it should). This fake tag is black instead of a light grey, and the sizing letter is on its side. The authentic Dsquared size tags always have the size positioned straight up, never on its side.

Example (click to enlarge):

The letter should be in a normal typeface, not bold, as seen in the above comparison photo. The authentic tags can vary a bit in length depending on how they are sewn in but the fake one above is extra stubby.

DIOR HOMME - Shirts: Metal Logo Tags

2007-07-29T17:10:00.000-04:00

Some of the t-shirts from earlier collections had metal logo tags connected to a couple chain links and sewn into the shirt, instead of the silver fabric label.

Example (click to enlarge):

This is an example of the tag. I have not seen any of these faked yet. It is much cheaper for the counterfeiters to stick with the fabric labels rather than producing the metal ones... cheaper for Dior too, which is why they switched (to cut production costs). But still be on the lookout!

UPDATE: I have found a fake Dior Homme leather jacket online with a fake metal logo tag. Here it is:

Example (click to enlarge):

As you can see above, the fake tag is slightly longer than the authentic one, and the text is slightly larger. Furthermore, the fake text looks like it was stamped into the metal, whereas the authentic looks like it is engraved into the metal (note the sharper edges). The The fake also has an extra link or two in the chain.

Keep On Huntin'

JOHN GALLIANO - Denim: Rubber Logo Tags

2007-07-27T00:28:00.003-04:00

Galliano jeans have a tan rubber label stitched into the inside of the waistband at the center of the back. The fake labels can vary in quality from very poor copies to rather authentic-looking 'replicas.' With the more exact copies the secret is in the font. The fake font is usually a little taller, as if it had been stretched vertically just a hair. It is a very subtle difference, but noticeable when compared to an authentic one. You can see this in the comparison below. For another close up comparison example visit the "Rubber Logo Tags" article in the shirts section of the Galliano drop-down menu, or click here.

The tags are made of a light tan rubber with no shine to it.

Example (click to enlarge):

Now, in this example the tag is the wrong shape for jeans. Galliano does have bigger tags that are shaped similar to the fake one here, but they are used in jackets and coats, not jeans. The other detail to note is that the authentic John Galliano tags have the black lettering inset in the rubber. There is a small indented space around the black letters as if they were inlayed in the label. If you click and enlarge the example you can see the letters on this fake tag are simply printed on, and the whole thing is flat (though many of the fakes do have the embossed lettering too).

DSQUARED - Denim: Leather Logos

2007-07-22T13:22:00.000-04:00

Some Dsquared jeans have these leather logos sewn on the back of the waistband. Some say "Faith," some say "DC/DC," some say "Lord2," etc... However, there should always be an embossed Dsquared2 logo below it. The key to authenticating these tags is in the stitching. These tags are leather (or sometimes suede leather) with cut-out leather letters sewn on them. The fake tags usually have shaky stitching that doesn't follow the shape of the lettering very well. The fake stitching is usually one continuous stitch, whereas the authentic labels have no stitching connecting the letters.

Example (click to enlarge):

As you can see in the example above, the white stitching on the fake tag is connected between the letters. The letters of the authentic tag are sewn separately. These tags do vary in color though so disregard the color difference in this example.

Example (click to enlarge):

The above example of the DC/DC logo also demonstrates the difference in the quality of the stitching. You can see the fake stitching is quite poorly done and it doesn't line up with itself. The authentic example is a photo of a used pair of Dsquared jeans, so the edges of the DCDC logo are a little tattered. When the jeans are new the edges are crisply cut.

All-in-all, the stitching of these logos is a dead giveaway. It's the easiest way to tell if the jeans are fake or not. I have never come across a pair of fake D2 jeans with a properly stitched DCDC / Lord2 / or Faith logo. However, only some of the Dsquared jeans have these leather letter cut-out logos though. Other have more basic tags or logos, in which case it is a good idea to also check the tags and labels before purchasing.

DSQUARED - General Info: Hang Tags

2007-07-15T22:23:00.000-04:00

If an item has an authentic tag attached, it DOES NOT guarantee authenticity. Tags can be switched so check the rest of the pictures, the description, and the seller's feedback and items sold. However, a fake tag does pretty much guarantee that the item is fake. There are loads of Dsquared fakes on eBay, and, with some of them it can be hard to tell the difference. So, a good place to start is with the hang tags (if attached). The same tag is attached to all Dsquared items and it does not vary in size. If the seller has no close-up shots of the hang tag (or if there's another detail you would like to see) ask for them. If the seller won't supply them, or is just being a jerk, go bid on another seller's item (like mine!!).

Example (click to enlarge):

The tag is thick cardboard with a black matte finish on the front. Near the bottom is the Dsquared2 logo. The letters should be glossy and slightly raised. Above, in the example of the fake you can see that the letters are not raised because the light catches all the letters uniformly with no highlights or shadows. Below is a close-up example.

Example (click to enlarge):

In the close-up you can also notice that the "2" is in a different type face. This is good to keep in mind because a lot of the fakes have this 'incorrect' "2," not only on the hang tags, but also on the sewn labels and elsewhere.

Example (click to enlarge):

The back of the tags should be the raw cardboard color. The only real difference here is that the fake "Made in Italy" text is slightly larger and positioned lower than the original.

JOHN GALLIANO - Shirts: Real v. Fake Photos

2007-07-14T19:56:00.000-04:00

Here are some more comparison photos of real v. fake John Galliano shirts. I know this whole 'spot the difference' game can get a little tedious, but if you're buying online it really is necessary. The upside is that there are some great deals to be had on eBay (and elsewhere...).

Example (click to enlarge):

I don't know where to start with this one. You can pretty much see for yourself the vast difference in print quality (despite the blury pic of the fake). Also, keep the scale of the head in mind, and the lack of text on the fake.

Example (click to enlarge):

The fake example above has less gradation and subtleties, which can be seen in the flowers, and the ribbon around the heart. The fake's colors are also over saturated, as usual.

Example (click to enlarge):

The above fake example has over saturated colors, a lack of color subtleties in the cartoons, and the newspaper headlines are smaller, and not as bold.

Example (click to enlarge):

With these napoleon print shirts the fake print is pretty close to the original but there are differences. The fake head is larger in scale and the print is less angled than the authentic shirt. I have drawn lines on the photos to highlight the differences in the angles and spacing.

For more real v. fake comparison photos of John Galliano T-shirt designs, click the "print quality" tab under the John Galliano drop-down menu to the right of this page. Or, click here.

JOHN GALLIANO - Shirts: Lace Trim and Rubber Labels

2007-07-14T03:48:00.001-04:00

All of the men's John Galliano shirts have lace sewn inside the collar (it varies in color from white, black, orange, etc.). Most of the fake shirts also have lace sewn in the collars, but the counterfeiters have not reproduced the exact same lace pattern. The rubber "John Galliano" logo tags also vary slightly from the authentic ones, in size and proportion.

Example (click to enlarge):

The lace on the fake shirt above is a simpler design and shaped in a more circular pattern, whereas the authentic lace is more intricate, and shaped in an elongated oval pattern. The fake rubber logo tag is not quite as long as the authentic tag. If you look closely you may also note that the fake letters are vertically elongated slightly more than the authentic letters. This elongation holds true for most of the fake Galliano logos out there (be they on shoes, pants, t-shirt armbands, etc.). It is a subtle difference, but if you compare two pictures side by side you can see it.

Example (click to enlarge):

This is another comparison photo of the lace. This fake lace is in a different pattern than the first example, but, you guessed it.... still fake. This fake rubber logo tag shares the same disproportions as the first example. Below are some more examples.

Example (click to enlarge):

JOHN GALLIANO - Shirts: General Info.

2007-07-14T02:56:00.000-04:00

The major thing separating fake designer clothing from the authentic stuff, is quality. The fabric and construction of the fake stuff is totally inferior (...looks like crap). However, since that is not always easy to determine from photos, one must find other ways to examine the item. Which is kind of the purpose of this blog. If there is a printed graphic on the item, print quality is a good place to start. For more detailed information please select the 'Print Quality' link in the John Galliano drop-down menu to the right of this page.

Within the past year eBay has been flooded with Galliano knock-offs. It's mostly men's stuff that's being faked, but they are also faking some women's jeans and pants. The vast majority of John Galliano items on eBay are fake. A large percentage of these fake items are men's t-shirts, and most of the sellers selling them are from China (As I have said several times on this blog; there are some good sellers from China/Hong Kong who do sell authentic stuff, but most of the sellers form China are selling fakes). If a seller has a lot of the same style item listed in different sizes, it is cause for suspicion.

As always, it is good to remember that the starting bid price of an item on eBay has NO bearing on its authenticity. Most of the fake Galliano t-shirts are listed for $19-35. However, there are some sellers out there listing the fakes for $158. I guess they figure it's a more believable price, which means buyers get ripped off even harder.

The Good News: If you do take the time to sift through the Galliano listings on eBay you will come across the occasional authentic piece. This authentic stuff is often dirt cheap because the fakes are scaring the other bidders away. The other bidders don't want to sift through the loads of fakes to find the real stuff, and/or cannot tell what is fake and what is real. But, since you are armed with all this great Fake Hunter information you'll be able to weed-out the fakes and grab a bargain on the authentic stuff!!

JOHN GALLIANO - Shirts: Print Quality

2007-07-14T00:30:00.000-04:00

The print quality is one of the best ways to check authenticity with these Galliano shirts. The fake prints have harsher colors, sharper edges, and less subtleties. The fake prints do range in quality but none of them are as good as you real things.

Example (click to enlarge):

The comparison photo above shows the fake and the authentic version of the same print. The difference in print quality is pretty apparent, especially with the head of the figure. You can also notice that a lot of the subtlety is lost in the fake (note the background colors and the black vs. gray skull). Lastly, the fake print stops short of the bottom of the shirt, whereas the authentic print goes all the way to the bottom.

Example (click to enlarge):

That first comparison was pretty easy, but this one is harder. You really have to look at the details of the print. As with the first comparison, the orientation of the print on the shirt is different.

Example (click to enlarge):

You have to zoom in to see the differences in the detailing. This photo of the fake is pretty grainy, but you can still make out most of the differences. The most noticeable differences are the lettering font and lack of detail in comparison to the authentic print.

Example (click to enlarge):

John Galliano makes authentic v-neck AND crew neck shirts, so, don't concern yourself with that detail in this example. What you should be looking at is the print quality, especially in the hair. This fake example is actually one of the better ones. There are some that are much worse, where the shadow of his nose is very dark, with very little subtlety in the print.

Example (click to enlarge):

Enlarge this example to see the differences in the hair. The authentic shirts have raised metallic gold paint in the hair. The fake ones just has printed yellow lines. The fake colors are also much more saturated, and often have a very orange tint to the flesh.

For more real v. fake Galliano T-shirt examples, click the "real v. fake photos" tab under the John Galliano drop-down menu. Or, click here.

DIOR HOMME - Shoes: CD Logos

2007-07-14T00:22:00.000-04:00

Example (click to enlarge):

Most Dior Homme sneakers have an embossed "CD" (christian dior) logo on the back of the shoe. This, again, concerns quality. The logo should be deeply embossed with clean smooth edges.

DIOR HOMME - Shoes: Embossed Leather Logo

2007-07-13T23:52:00.001-04:00

Example (click to enlarge):

Many of the Dior Homme sneaker styles have a "DIOR HOMME" logo embossed on a strip of leather going up the side of the shoe. Some don't, but the ones that do should look similar to the authentic example. It should be embossed and not sharply punched or cut in like on the fake pair. If you enlarge this photo you can get a better idea of what I'm talking about.

DIOR HOMME - Shoes: The Rubber Sole Logo

2007-07-13T23:32:00.000-04:00

Dior Homme sneakers have a "DIOR HOMME" logo on the rubber sole, on the outer side of each shoe. Many of the fake logos are spelled out as one word; "DIORHOMME." The original shoes have a small space between the words.

Example (click to enlarge):

Above is an example of a fake logo with no space in comparison to the authentic logo with the space. You can also note the poor construction quality of the fake shoes in contrast to the real shoes. Oftentimes, the fakes have uneven stitching, poorly cut leather, and uneven rubber soles with rubber excess on the edges (as seen above).

Example (click to enlarge):

Here is a close up view. This fake shoe has the rubber indented around the logo. The authentic shoes should have the logo with no sign of stamping. Please keep in mind that there are a lot of fake Dior Homme shoes that have this logo done 'properly' so always check the other "points of interest" to determine authenticity. Although, if you do see this logo printed improperly it is a dead giveaway.

The FakeHunter Discussion Forum

2007-07-13T01:50:00.000-04:00

If you have a question please post it in The FakeHunter Discussion Forum on Flickr. If you don't have a Flickr account, registration is quick, free, and easy. The link to the forum is to the right, under 'Resources.'

I created the discussion forum to act as a supplementary resource for this blog. It is a place to share information and ask questions. It will also serve as a place to post warnings about fakes being auctioned on eBay (or other online auction sites), and to discuss the blog or fashion in general (ie. new designers, places to shop, etc).

DIOR HOMME - Coats/Jackets: A Fake Napoleon Luster Jacket

2007-07-13T01:06:00.000-04:00

I thought this deserved its own section. The real version of this jacket fetches between $3-6k on eBay. It is a beautiful piece of fashion history. Recently though, a fake popped up on eBay. It was kind of tricky because the seller used several pictures of an authentic jacket and then a few pics of the fake jacket. The item got a lot of bids and was breaking the $5,000 mark when eBay finally removed it at the last minute. The seller relisted it and the same thing happened again. eBay was only able to catch it because many members reported it. Luckily some bidder saved some serious cash by not winning it.

Example (click to enlarge):

To try and stop that from happening again; here are some photos of the fake jacket. I've included the runway photo for comparison purposes. In the comparison above you can see that the gold trimmed epaulette straps are much more rounded at the ends than the original. On the real jacket they form more of a "V" shape, not a "U" shape. The strap length is also reversed on the fake, the longer one being the inside strap, not the outside strap like the original.

Example (click to enlarge):

Examine the zippers and the 'fur' trim on the cuff and the epaulettes. The original jacket has short cut horsehair trim as opposed to the knock-off's longer fabric trim. The zippers on the knock-off are the rounded tear-drop style with the semi-circle hole, that only came into production a couple seasons ago (and this Napoleon jacket is from 2001). The zippers on the original jacket are rectangular with string pulls and small leather "Dior Homme" logos on the pulls.

Please be cautious when bidding on these jackets. The fake auctions often include some shots of a real jacket and then one or two of the fake jacket. To be safe, ask the seller to take a shot of the front of the jacket with a piece of paper with the seller's eBay name written on it. This ensures that the jacket pictured is the actual jacket for sale.

If you see a fake item on eBay please report it. There is a 'report this item' link at the bottom of each auction page. Helping some unaware bidder save his hard earned money, and cleaning up the fakes on eBay will be well worth the time.

DIOR HOMME - Coats/Jackets: The Paris Tag

2007-07-12T23:31:00.001-04:00

The "Paris" tag is sewn into the collar of coats and jackets and suits. It is a silver loop with "Paris" embroidered on both sides. There is a thin black mesh loop that covers the silver loop.

Example (click to enlarge):

The tag should be about 1.5 inches long (4cm). In the example of the fake tag above we have several things wrong (other than the creepy thumbnail). This fake tag is a stubby little thing. The letters are also further apart and larger in scale than the authentic tag. The other thing that is off is that they are 'upside-down.' When the jacket is on a hanger and the tag is pointing down the "P" should be the closest to the collar seam. If you pull the tag up (so it is pointing towards the top of the hanger) and read the backside the "S" should be the closest to the collar seam. The fake tags often have this reversed, so it is a sure signal. However, I have heard from several people who have bought Dior jackets (that they swear are authentic from authorized retailers), that occasionally an authentic jacket will have a reversed Paris label. If this is true it seems to be a rare occurrence. Keep this in mind and use your best judgment.

Example (click to enlarge):

This is where that little piece of knowledge comes in handy. The fake on the left is a pretty good copy. If you click the image and enlarge it you can see the letters are a little shaky, but all-in-all it's fairly convincing. However, the tag is reversed. The tag is pointing down and the "P" is not the closest to the collar seam. Granted there may be exceptions to this rule for authentic jackets, but it is a good red flag because so many fakes do have it reversed. Upon closer inspection of the fake above you can see that the letters are too close together, the tag is too wide, and the writing is not centered on the tag.

Example (click to enlarge):

This example above is of another fairly accurate fake, but again, the fake letters are reversed and they are a little bolder and also closer together than the authentic one. The authentic Paris tag has a little more spacing between the letters than this fake example, but not as much spacing as the fake example below.

Example (click to enlarge):

This is a decent fake. The letters are going the right way, though it's not a very clear picture. Even so, you can see that the letters are spaced too far apart. It should appear as "PARIS" not "P A R I S"

Example (click to enlarge):

The fake above is kinda pathetic... I almost feel sorry for the little guy. However it does have one thing correct, the letters are going in the right direction. The tag is pointing up towards the collar and the "S" is the closest letter to the collar seam (if it were pointing down it should be reversed). This knock-off is also missing it's stylish mesh loop.

DIOR HOMME - General Info: Reference Numbers

2007-07-12T22:26:00.002-04:00

Dior Homme has reference numbers printed inside most of its items. This number can be found on the fabric content label of the coats, jackets, suits, sweaters, and shirts. Most of (all of?) the jeans only have a reference number on the hang tag and not printed inside (at least none that I have ever found).

Example (click to enlarge):

In these examples you can see the location of the reference numbers (underlined in green). The picture on the left is of a fabric content label in a jacket. The picture on the right is the hang tag from a pair of jeans.

Most fake Dior Homme has reference numbers printed in them, but they are usually incorrect for the particular item. These numbers are codes that are specific to the item's style, production year, and season.

Example reference code: 5EH2022526, (which is for a blazer from the spring/summer '05 collection).

'5' denotes the year it was made, in this case 2005 ('3' for 2003, '4' for 2004, etc).
'E' refers to the season/collection the piece is from. 'E' = Eté (Summer), or 'H' = Hiver (Winter).
'H' , the third character in the code, seems to refer to the specifics of the piece. I believe 'H' is for Homme, where as an 'F' would be for Femme which would be the limited petiet sizes Dior Homme has made for women. There is also sometimes a number instead of a letter for the third character, and this I believe may represent a pre-production or special order piece (but that's just a guess).
'202' refers to the item group, in this case a blazer (Veste). If the number is in the 200's, ie. '202' on a blazer, I believe it denotes the material, '202' for super 200's wool vs. '102' for a blazer made with super 100's wool. Other examples: 101 = trousers (pantalon), 105 = shirts (Chemise), etc. There are many variations of these numbers for different seasons and pieces. You could probably write a book on them.
'2526' deals with the cut/style of the piece.

Though it is often not labeled inside the garment there is an extended code on the hang tag. One example is: E47 B6A8

'E47' is the fabric code, which denotes the material used.
'B6A8', is the color code. In this case, 'B' refers to Bleu (blue).

If you are bidding on an online auction it's a good idea to learn what season and year the piece is from. Then, you can cross reference it with the number. The fakes are often marked with the wrong season and collection so keep an eye out. If you are not sure, do a little research. A simple Google search of the reference number may turn up some information. Men.style.com has a nice selection of runway photos from the last few years. And, if it is from a current or recently past collection, Diabro.net lists the reference number (item code) for every Dior piece it sells. You could also post a question on The Fake Hunter Discussion Forum and I or another member will try to help you.

DIOR HOMME - Coats/Jackets: Silver Logo Tags

2007-07-12T21:43:00.000-04:00

Coats, Jackets, and Suits have this larger silver logo tag sewn inside the chest just below the inner pocket (if there is a pocket). The earlier Dior Homme collections (like Luster) had embossed Dior logo tags. Later they changed them to stitched embroidery.

Example (click to enlarge):

Above are two authentic examples of these tags. The one on the left is embroidered and the one on the right is the older embossed version.

The suit coat tags are approximately 2.5 inches wide by 1 inch tall. The tags that are sewn into outerwear (ie. overcoats, jackets, etc.) are approximately 3 inches long by 1.5 inches tall. The embroidered "D" is 5/16 of an inch tall. The embossed "D" is 1/4 on an inch tall.

Example (click to enlarge):

Above are two more authentic examples. The one on the left is from a wool overcoat. The one on the right is from a suit coat.

Example (click to enlarge):

Now we get to the fakes. The key to distinguishing these fake tags is in the proportions. The lettering of the fake tags is often larger than the authentic tags. The fake "D" is also usually more elongated. The authentic tags are stitched with a stitch in each corner, which is often omitted on the fakes.

Example (click to enlarge):

However, as you can see above there are some pretty good fake tags out there. The differences here are subtle but still present. You can still see the elongated "D" and the material of the tag is different. The authentic tags are printed on a very smooth silver material with very little texture. Although it is not part of the tag, the other giveaway in the fake shot is the stitching in the upper right and left of the photo. It is very cheaply done and not even.

If you are looking at an online auction for a Dior Homme item and there are no pictures of the tags or labels, request them. They are one of the surest ways to identify the authenticity. If the pictures are provided in the auction compare them to the real labels. Remember to keep an eye on those "D"s.

DIOR HOMME - Coats/Jackets: Fabric Content Tags

2007-07-12T03:10:00.001-04:00

When shopping for Dior Homme online, the quality of the fabric, stitching, and construction are all very good indicators of authenticity. However, things can often look much better in the photos than in real life. A good back-up is to know a little about the tags and labels sewn inside the garment.

Example (click to enlarge):

The fabric content tags can offer a good amount of information regarding the piece's authenticity. The fake tags above are good examples. The authentic tags are made of a very smooth silver material with almost no texture. Many of the fake tags have a rougher surface (as seen above). The bad fakes also have frayed edges like the one above.

Another key is to note the fabric content. Sometimes the fake tags are mislabeled and give incorrect fabrics for the particular item. If you are looking at a wool over coat that is labeled as 100% polyester, you know something is wrong.

Example (click to enlarge):

Watch out for typos too. Occasionally a typo may occur on an authentic tag, but it won't be more than a slight misspelling. In the example of the fake above you'll notice that it says both "Fabrique en Turquie" (made in turkey) and "Made in Italy" below that. A substantial typo.

Example (click to enlarge):

Here are two examples (one fake, one real) of a similar style tag. The authentic fabric content tags do vary based on the collection and the item. There are many different variations so the key here lies in the texture, edges, and typos. This tag also contains the reference number which gives information about the year and season. If you have some idea what season the item should be from, check it against the reference number to make sure they correspond.

Example (click to enlarge):

This is another variation of an authentic fabric content tag. This one is from a suit coat from an earlier collection (Luster, a/w03).

For more information on reference numbers click the "reference number" tab in the Dior Homme drop-down menu to the right.

JOHN GALLIANO - Shoes: Real v. Fake Photos

2007-07-11T15:45:00.000-04:00

Fake John Galliano shoes are starting to appear on eBay. Luckily, they are VERY easy to identify if you know what you're looking for.

Example (click to enlarge):

Above is a comparison photo of a fake v. real pair of Galliano sneakers. Set aside the color combos for these examples because these Galliano shoes were produced in a variety of different colors, including red and white. Also, please note that although the shoes in the authentic example are canvas there were patent leather and canvas versions produced. One of the major differences is the logo on the bottom of the sole. The fake logo is much smaller and it is slightly stubby, wider, and more cut off than the actual logo.

Example (click to enlarge):

Inside the fake logo is very cheaply printed. You can also see how thin the 'leather' and padding are on the fake shoe.

Example (click to enlarge):

...and the differences continue with the lacing structure.

Example (click to enlarge):

Notice anything different about these boxes?
Yes, the authentic Galliano shoe boxes have the detailed Gazette newsprint all over them. The counterfeiters decided to save the printing costs and opt with the black on white style.

All in all, the Galliano shoes that are spewing out of China are pretty bad copies. This is a case where it is really good to be familiar with the product you are buying. If you know what you're looking for you won't get tricked by highly inferior knock-offs.

DIOR HOMME - Coats/Jackets: Stitching and Material

2007-07-11T15:27:00.000-04:00

No matter how well the counterfeiters copy the designs they will never been on par with the tailoring. The stitching and the material are both important things to look for when shopping online. True, you cannot actually touch it but you can see how the material lays, and if it bunches or puckers.

Dior Homme is all about the tailoring, so if you see something that looks like it fell off the shelf at WalMart, skip it.

The stitching should be straight and even, with no flaws.

DIOR HOMME - Shirts: Logo Tags

2007-06-25T18:14:00.000-04:00

These silver logo tags are sewn into the collars on t-shirts, button-front shirts, sweaters, and sweatshirts. The ends should be folded under, not frayed or cut.

Example (click to enlarge):

The thickness and size of the lettering is the key to distinguishing the real from the fakes. It takes a close look but if you compare the examples above you will note the differences. The fake "D" is thicker and the tag itself is a little shorter.

Example (click to enlarge):

I included the fake examples above because the first picture has black stitching and the second pictures has "homme" on the tag. The silver dior logo tags are always stitched with silver thread (never black). Also, the word "homme" is never spelled out on the silver logo tag (only on the fabric composition tag sewn inside the shirt seam.

Example (click to enlarge):

DIOR HOMME - Shirts: Embroidered Bees

2007-06-25T15:40:00.000-04:00

The embroidered bee is one of Hedi Slimane's little trademarks. The bees are embroidered on many styles of shirts, sweatshirts, t-shirts, and sweaters (and a couple styles of slacks). There has never been any embroidered bees on jackets, suits, coats, or jeans.

Example (click to enlarge):

The bee embroidery is always about 2/3 of the way down the front of the shirt on the left side. This applies to t-shirts, polos, sweaters, and sweatshirts. Oftentimes fakes have the embroidery very close to the hem of the shirt (as seen in the example above) or elsewhere, such as on the back of the shirt.

Example (click to enlarge):

You can often determine a fake from the quality of the embroidery. If you enlarge the examples above you can see that the legs of the fake bees are very jagged and shaky, whereas the stitching of the authentic bees is tighter and more composed. These examples are of pretty decent fake bees, but they get a lot worse:

Example (click to enlarge):

I doubt the one above would be able to fly with its fat little body and skinny little wings.

Example (click to enlarge):

This one is better proportioned, but seems to have a splitting headache.

DIOR HOMME - Shirts: Fake Designs

2007-06-24T14:45:00.000-04:00

Sometimes the counterfeiters start to get a little creative and come up with their own, totally original, designs. Why didn't Hedi Slimane ever think of this one?...

...oddly enough these shirts have sold several times on eBay. There are actually people willing to buy it. Crazy.

There are other fake (yet totally original!) Dior Homme designs out there too. I will post more pictures as I come across them. I think the key to avoiding them is to just not buy anything that looks like it was made by a 12 year old.

DIOR HOMME - Denim: Details

2007-06-23T17:50:00.002-04:00

The fakes usually give themselves away in the detailing. Buttons, zippers, stitching, etc. are all good things to be familiar with. If you are unsure about an item's authenticity on an online auction site, like eBay or yahoo auctions, ask the seller for detailed pictures so that you can examine the stitching and so on.

Example (click to enlarge):

Above, in the first example you can see the poor stitching quality, common in counterfeit denim. I threw the second picture in there because there have been a few of these jeans sold on eBay with the embroidered bee logo on the pocket. Dior Homme has never produced jeans with the embroidered bee logo (only some dress pants, and shirts, sweaters, etc.). If you know a little about the brand and have never seen a particular style before, do a little research. You can also check the bogus counterfeit section for examples of fake Dior Homme in styles that Dior Homme has never made (some are pretty funny). Ask the seller what collection it is from and check it out. Style.com has a good selection of runway shows of the past several years. Also you can post a question in The Fake Hunter Discussion Forum and I or another member will get back to you. It may start a helpful discussion.

Example (click to enlarge):

Case in point. Above is an example of a bogus design. Dior Homme never made jeans with stripes on the back. All Dior Homme jeans have the signature darts (aka 'scars') on the back.

Example (click to enlarge):

The counterfeiters just go crazy with those logos don't they? Yes, they even put them on the rivets too. Although many designer jeans have logos on the rivets and buttons (ie. Dsquared, Galliano, etc.), Dior Homme does not. When Hedi Slimane took over he redirected Dior as a brand focused solely on the tailoring, not logos. Instead, Slimane used signature design featuers such as the embroidered bee, the darts, the claw mark on some jeans, and so on.

DIOR HOMME - Denim: Distressing

2007-06-22T02:50:00.000-04:00

These days luxury denim is all about the cool, innovative techniques designers come up with to distress and treat their denim. Hedi Slimane has definitely given his contribution, from the famous waxed and ripped jeans, to his subtle, and not so subtle distressing effects. This is most always done by hand by skilled denim craftsmen. So, as you can imagine, when the counterfeiters start messing with distressing, it can get ugly.

Example (click to enlarge):

The fake distressing is often done very cheaply in straight lines with no character. The authentic pair has a rather amazing effect that took more than a piece of sand paper and a plank of wood to create.

Example (click to enlarge):

More of the same here in the example above. The distressing should be less like straight chalk lines and more like the natural creasing that occurs over time.

Example (click to enlarge):

I think that the fake pair above is almost laughable. They look horrible. Very poorly done. The authentic jeans are actually pressed into wrinkles and distressed, so it is a textured almost folded effect.

Example (click to enlarge):

The same with the back of the knees. The wrinkles in the authentic jeans are real, where as the knock-off's are poorly trying to recreate it in 2-D. Also as a side note, no authentic pair of Dior Homme jeans has ever had a bee embroidered on the back pocket (like the example of the fake above). Some slacks/ pants did (and of course several shirts and sweaters) but never the denim.

DIOR HOMME - Denim: Tags and Labels

2007-06-21T22:02:00.000-04:00

The silver fabric content/ care tag is sewn into the inside side seam of Dior Homme jeans. These tags do vary based on the type of jean, the collection it is from, etc. However, there are some significant differences between the fake labels and the authentic ones.

Example (click to enlarge):

Above are three examples of authentic fabric content tags from Dior Homme jeans. You will note that there can be differences in the text and type face. The care instructions vary based on the type of jean. The first pic is from a pair of the velvet jeans, the second is the oil coated raw denim, and the third is the Strip waxed denim. Dior Homme makes jeans in Italy and Japan.

Example (click to enlarge):

In the above comparison picture there are two tags; the left is a fake and the right is authentic. This is an example of a pretty good fake. With the exception of the missing "made in Italy," it is hard to tell the difference. Lesson here: Just because it looks real doesn't mean it is. Check the other tags and labels before deciding. It just so happens that this convincing label comes from a horribly distressed pair of fake jeans with "dior homme" engraved buttons (the authentic jeans never have the engraved buttons - only a couple of jean jackets ever did ).

Example (click to enlarge):

This is the other side of the tag which has the fabric content and the washing symbols. If you start to look at enough of these tags you will notice which style symbol appears on the authentic tags and which appears on the fakes. For example, the fakes often have an elongated wash tub who's sides are more vertical that the real symbols. The other dead giveaway in this is the extremely long size tag. The size tag in jeans is never this long and usually in the waistband, not by the fabric content label.

DIOR HOMME - Denim: The Leather Tags

2007-06-21T00:19:00.000-04:00

The leather logo tag is sewn into the inside of the waistband at the back (The F/W 07 collection now uses a different tag though). This leather tag should have squared corners and the stitching should be even with the sides. Furthermore all the letters in the logo should be even.

Example (click to enlarge):

The above fake example shows the "D" is slightly higher than the rest of the logo. All of the letters should be perfectly aligned.

Example (click to enlarge):

The above examples of fakes I have provided are of pretty decent copies, though you can see the sloppy printing of the silver logo (especially in the second fake example). The authentic printed logos can wear off with washing and wear, but they are not printed sloppily. Furthermore, some fake Dior Homme jeans have leather tags with very rounded corners (see the example below). The corners should always be squared (or slightly bent if worn).

Example (click to enlarge):

This is a decent looking fake but the stitching is crooked. The black stitching around the edges of the black leather tag is always aligned with the edges. Furthermore, the stitching at the top of the tag is usually the color of the stitching in the jeans.

Update

2007-06-20T21:33:00.000-04:00

I'm still putting together the basic framework of this blog. All of the 'hunting basics' are written and I will be updating the specifics in the upcoming week. I'm not going to actively advertise this blog until I have more posts written, but, if you've found your way here on your own (congratulations!) feel free to start asking questions, sharing advice, or posting to the discussion forum. -Peter

It's All In The Details

2007-06-15T18:52:00.000-04:00

When you are buying online it is important that you examine the details. It's always best to know what you are buying. However, many people do not have direct access to luxury stores so the research must be done online. That, hopefully, is where this site will come in handy.

The counterfeiters can get pretty accurate but they will never be perfect, and these imperfections can blow their cover. Below is a comparison photo of a detail of a fake Dior Homme jacket and a detail of an authentic Dior Homme jacket. It is kind of like those 'spot the difference' puzzles you'd play as a kid.

Example (click to enlarge):

The example on the left is authentic and the one on the right is fake. On the fake you can note the wider and strip of a different material along the zipper, wider spacing between the gold detailing, different color zipper, different style zipper, etc.

BUT, you don't have to know every design by heart. First of all, if you have a question you can post it in The Fake Hunter Discussion Forum and I and/or other members (hunters) will answer it to the best of our knowledge. Furthermore, you can pay close attention to the stitching and material. Even from the photos above it is clear that the fabric on the right is of a much cheaper quality than the fabric on the left. Also pay close attention to the seams, especially in places like a zipper or a button hole.

Don't sweat it though. You don't need to get caught up in too many details. The other basic hunting tips will often let you know it is a fake before you need to do much research. However, if you are getting ready to drop some serious cash, check all the details you can. If the seller's pictures are small or blurry ask for better quality pics!

Don't base your authentication process solely on whether or not the item in question looks like a detail picture on this site. Rather, you should use the detail pictures to learn how the authentic item is made and how SOME of the fakes look. If you read the articles related to the item in question you should be able to gather an informed opinion. If you have further questions you can post them in The Fake Hunter Discussion Forum, which may start an informative discussion and help others with the same questions.

Reconizing Fake Labels

2007-06-09T17:46:00.000-04:00

One of the best ways to distinguish a fake item online is by the labels and tags. The tricky thing about spotting fakes online is that you cannot touch and examine the item. Most people would be able to tell which is fake by simply feeling the difference in the quality of the fabric and seeing the quality of the stitching and details. Since we do not have that luxury online the key is in spotting the details in the photos. Fake tags and labels vary in degrees of replication. Some fakes have downright bogus tags whereas others have pretty well copied tags. If you cannot see the tags clearly in the photos you should ask the seller for better pictures with some closeup shots of the tag. Most sellers on sites like yahoo auctions and eBay know to do this if they are selling authentic items. But, don't be afraid to ask. They are trying to get your business, and they need to work for it.

Becoming familiar with the size, font, and proportions of the brand's labels is crucial. Brands rarely change their tags and when they do it is usually major. For detailed information on specific brands please click on the 'Hunting Specifics' drop-down menu to the right.

Misunderstood Facts about buying on eBay

2007-06-09T10:20:00.000-04:00

Low Prices: A low starting price should NOT be a red flag. It is a strategy of many sellers to start their items at low prices to draw interest, often as low as .99 cents and then bidders bid the item up to a high selling price. One should be wary of extremely low Buy It Now prices though. If you see a Dior Homme suit with a $200 Buy It Now price you should be suspicious and investigate further, despite the temptation to buy it before someone else does. Before buying anything it's a good idea to research similar items to see what the going rate is.

High Prices: In the same respect, a high starting price is NOT an indicator that an item is authentic. Some sellers list their fakes with high starting prices hoping people will assume they are authentic based solely on the price. Furthermore, sometimes fakes get bid up to a high price by bidders who either don't know how to spot a fake or who haven't looked closely at the auction. The bottom line is that the price of an item is NOT a reliable indicator of authenticity.

Factory Seconds: "Factory Seconds" is just a fancy way of saying fakes. The designer labels discussed in this forum do not produce lesser grade versions of their pieces to be sold as "seconds". Nor do they sell off factory defects etc, they are destroyed. Furthermore, when a seller states that there may be variations in the garment from one sold in the boutiques, it is probably fake. Although, there are a very small number of prototype preproduction pieces out there, in which the style may vary from the production pieces or be one of a kind pieces (but the quality is the same), but these only appear on eBay once in a blue moon. These are usually samples or the pieces that were worn on the actual runway. The tags of these pieces should all look the same as the production tags. However, some of the tags may not be present, such as the fabric content/ care instructions. Often times in place of this is a fabric tag with a hand written product number.

How To Identify Good vs. Bad eBay Sellers.

2007-06-09T09:27:00.000-04:00

Look at the seller's feedback: Know your seller (or get to know your seller). You should look at what items he/she has sold in the past. You should also look at the actual remarks left, not just the positive or negative feedback score. There a some sellers out there that are notorious for selling fakes who have 100% positive feedback ratings. This is for several reasons. Firstly, some buyers have no idea what they are buying and have never seen the actual thing in a store. Secondly, some buyers don't mind the fakes and would rather save a couple of bucks (although I am sure they look like crap when they get dressed in the morning because they are more concerned with the logos, albeit fake, than the quality). But, many times buyers are afraid to leave a seller a negative feedback because they fear the seller will retaliate and do the same to them. As a result a buyer may leave positive or neutral feedback for a fake item but say something like "I was not satisfied but seller issued a refund" or, "Not quite what I expected but the price was good." If you see a lot of this type of comment it's a warning sign and means you should investigate further. Perhaps send a message to the buyer asking him/her why they were unsatisfied with the item the seller sold.

Location: One warning sign is a seller listed in China/Hong Kong. Now, please note, there are some good sellers from there who do sell authentic stuff, but I have only seen a couple. The rest are all fakes. If you see China or Hong Kong in the location be very cautious, but remember, this is just a warning sign. There are also many sellers listed in other countries (such as Germany, UK, USA, Canada, etc) that also sell fakes. The reason so many China /Hong Kong sellers are dealing fakes is because many of the fakes are often made there and/or sold from there. The government has been pretty lax in such matters. That, in combination with the cheap labor makes it ideal for counterfeiters.

Communication: If you are not positive an item is authentic feel free to ask the seller any questions you may have. If the seller is responsive and provides you with the information you request it is a good sign. A legit seller should be willing to work with you to answer your questions and not yell at you for asking them.

The Seller's Other Listings: Check what else the seller has listed. Many sellers of fake designer clothing list many of the same item at once, including many in different sizes. If you see a seller selling 30 John Galliano tee shirts, it is cause for MAJOR suspicion. Also, even if you can't tell if the item you are interested in is fake you may be able to tell if the other things the seller has listed are (which would suggest all of them are fake). Also, be aware that in some cases an eBay member may buy a fake online, not knowing it is fake, then, re-list it either because they changed their mind about it, or they realized it was fake when the package arrived. If a seller is selling something they purchased on eBay check their feedback to see who they bought it from.

The Mission

2007-06-09T00:25:00.000-04:00

Welcome,
I sell authentic designer clothing on eBay (mostly men's). I've been getting a lot of emails from other eBayers asking me if I could give them tips on authenticating a particular item, or, if I could look at an item on eBay and tell them if it's authentic. I've decided there needs to be some sort of an 'authentication database' where people can research a particular item. Not that I mind answering their questions, but, I figure that for every person who actually asks me about some item on eBay there are (100s?) more who don't ask, but who do need the information. Although there are policies and safeguards in place to prevent the sale of fakes on eBay, these measures do little to prevent the highly lucrative business of counterfeit luxury goods. The number of fake designer items on eBay (and the rest of the web) is on the rise. The most effective way for us to fight it is NOT to buy them. To do this you need to know what to look for. I would hazard a guess that the majority of people who buy the fakes online are not aware that the item is fake until they receive it in the mail. Many fakes look pretty good in the pictures but the actual fabric, craftsmanship, and detailing is VERY poor. It will start falling apart as soon as you open the package.

In this blog I will post articles on the basics of authenticating designer clothing over the internet. I'll regularly post helpful information concerning the authentication of specific products (ie. real vs. fake Dolce & Gabbana jeans, or real vs. fake Dior Homme shoes, etc.). I will also periodically post fashion and style updates and links that I think might be of interest to the readers of this blog. I am a guy, so the posts will often focus on men's fashion. However, many of the articles and posts in this blog should also prove helpful to the female readers/buyers. I want this blog to be an open forum so please post your comments, tips, and suggestions. Your input is welcomed and appreciated.

.....that wasn't a long-winded post was it?

About Myself - My First Post

2007-06-08T23:41:00.000-04:00

Hello and Welcome,
As of this post I have been buying and selling on eBay.com for just short of seven years (since August of 2000). The vast majority of what I buy and sell is men's designer clothing. I love fashion and, thanks to eBay, it has become my primary source of income (eBay ID: couture_homme). The problem with buying and selling designer clothing on eBay is that a lot of the listings out there are for knock-offs. People get scammed out of their money every day buying fakes online, but you can learn how to spot and avoid fake luxury goods. You just have to know what to look for. My years of experience on eBay and with authentic designer clothing have made me rather web-wise to the knock-offs. I have had a lot of authentic designer clothing pass though my hands so I know how it looks, feels, and fits. I never thought I would start a blog, but over the years I have noticed the growing need for this information. I don't like seeing people getting ripped off just because they can't afford something at full price in a store. I don't like loosing business to people selling fakes, and I don't like hearing about people who are scared to shop online because of the knock-offs. I'm creating this blog to share what I know about sorting out the fakes from the authentic bargains. I hope you find it helpful.