6. Zippers: Authentic Balenciaga bags are made with Lampo
zippers. However, Lampo makes two different types
of zippers. An authentic Motercycle bag
should have the type of Lampo zipper
that is written in italics with a line underneath which extends from the bottom of the "L" and the
[ ™ symbol ] in the upper right corner.
The other type of Lampo zipper, which is printed in uneven, capital letters is not the
type of the
zipper that should be found on an authentic Balenciaga bag.
[Other styles can be found on
luxury bags as seen
here, and
here (whereas they utilize both Lampo styles)].
Note: The word "Lampo" should be
embossed
on the zipper (printed in raised letters), whereas most of the fake bags have the word
Lampo
engraved into the zipper.
Note: Please be aware, however, that there are many fake bags with
authentic
Lampo zippers. A correct Lampo zipper alone is not conclusive enough imformation to confirm that a bag is
authentic. It is however, enough evidence that the bag is a phony Balenciaga
Motercycle bag if the zipper is wrong.
Below are images of Lampo zippers on authentic Balenciaga bags:
Below is an image of an incorrect Lampo Zipper: Also notice the sloppy stitch line on
the upper left side of the zipper.
7. Misc Balenciaga tips:
Another point buyers should be aware of is that all black bags currently
manufactured are made with brasshardware , not silver. Currently
(all leather) bags have brass hardware. [Black bags have not been made with silver hardware
dating back years] Furthermore, when manufactured with silver hardware, they did
not display a silver plate inside. Rather, the leather tag had [ Balenciaga ] on the front and
style number on the back. (*) If a contemporary black bag with silver hardware is encountered,
make an attempt to confirm the manufacturing origin of the bag.
If the ebay seller
(or any seller for that matter)
claimed that the bag was a current purchase, or if the bag displays silver-tone interior plating,
consider all of these error details a
red flag. The brass hardware includes the zipper on the inner wall pocket.
A contemporary colored model bag should not have brass hardware on
the exterior along with silver zippers inside.
Some tips concerning (when stumbling upon) a white string
utilized to tie the Balenciaga tag to the handbag. It is important to state:
Balenciaga utilizes a
black string for retail tag that is generally found within a zipper
pocket. [However, this tag can sometimes can be seen hanging from the front].
Colors issued by Balenciaga are given French names
such as Vert Gazon. These names
will then be translated into whatever the native language happens to be (in the example English).
The color names issued will not be something like, "Fabulous Auburn", rather when
translated from French, the color names are generally to the point,
such as [Grass Green ; Marine Blue; Steel Gray] etc.
[Concerning hardware] tiny metal nameplates should not appear on the exterior (front)
of the handbag. Specifically, the moto line has a metal tag or leather tag located in
the interior of the bag, with reference to the model, style, serial number, etc.
Therefore, there should not be any tag of any kind on the exterior of the handbag
with any descriptive information.If you see Balenciaga handbags that say
"Balenciaga Italy" or "Balenciaga Paris" on little metal tag this should be considered
a red flag.
When purchasing a NWT (new with tags) Balenciaga bag from an authorized retailer, the cosmetic
mirror (included) should remain tied around the rear handle, this should give the effect
of hanging. The mirror should not be
wrapped in plastic. The
detachable shoulder strap is (generally) fastened to the handbag. This should (also) never
be wrapped in plastic and tucked inside the bag. [Often times, much of the accessories, or specific
parts of the bag (namely hardware) will have these parts (concerning the accessories)
wrapped in plastic. This is a signature of Chinese origin,
and an instant red flag.
[The only accessory associated with authentic Balenciaga that will have a plastic
wrap are the extra tassels, (these should be included with the handbag purchase).
These extra tassels should be rolled in a circle .
The tassel package should be flat and clear, such that it is
folded up (onto itself). However, sometimes within
auction listings the tassels may appear loose within the
plastic wrapped package. This can happen if the package was opened for some reason. Further,
the tassels should not be packed in a tightly wound-up ball or circle.