Fake It 'Til You Break It: The Inside World of Superfakes
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Time to read: 6 min
Luxury leather bags are more than just accessories; they’re a statement and, for some, a passion. My favorite luxury bag? The Loewe Puzzle bag—it’s a masterpiece of design and craftsmanship. But what happens when counterfeiters set their sights on replicating luxury bags? How close can they get? In this blog, I’ll take you on a journey through a fascinating project I did in collaboration with The RealReal, where we explored some of the most convincing fakes on the market.
In this blog, we will answer the following questions:
- What are the key differences between a genuine Loewe Puzzle bag and a superfake version?
- Why are superfakes a growing concern in the luxury goods market, and how can trusted platforms like The RealReal help?
- What details should buyers focus on to distinguish authentic luxury bags from counterfeits?
DISCLAIMER: This is a paid advertisement for The RealReal. While The RealReal has sponsored this content, all opinions expressed are my own and reflect my genuine experiences. This content is intended for informational and educational purposes only.
What's Inside?
The RealReal's Fake Bag Experience: A Quirky Adventure
When The RealReal invited me to their pop-up showroom on Canal Street during New York Fashion Week, I knew it was going to be an unforgettable experience. Their concept? A fake store showcasing counterfeit bags that would never be for sale. As a platform known for authenticating and reselling luxury goods, The RealReal handles thousands of bags monthly and is adept at spotting fakes, even the most deceptive ones.
This quirky setup gave me a chance to dissect two “superfakes” live: a fake Loewe Puzzle and a fake Hermès Birkin. It was an incredible opportunity to explore the craftsmanship (or lack thereof) in these counterfeit pieces while interacting with an audience equally curious about what makes a fake stand out—or fail to.
Why the Loewe Puzzle Bag Is My Favorite
The Loewe Puzzle bag holds a special place in my heart. Its innovative design and impeccable craftsmanship make it a standout among luxury bags. Having dissected a real Puzzle bag in the past, I’m intimately familiar with its construction, materials, and finishing touches. This knowledge gave me the perfect vantage point to compare the fake version I worked on during the event.
Read: Fitting the Pieces: The True Cost of the Loewe Mini Puzzle Bag
@tanner.leatherstein My favorite luxury bag meets the best fake I’ve seen yet! 🧐 In partnership with @therealreal, I dove into two counterfeit bags during NYFW. The results? Fascinating. 💼✨ #tannerleatherstein #loewe #bagreview #tiktokfashion #luxury #authenticity #luxurybrand #realreal ♬ original sound - Tanner Leatherstein
How Good Are Fake Bags? The Loewe Puzzle Dissection
The fake Loewe Puzzle bag was surprisingly well-crafted on the surface. At first glance, the stitching and leather appeared commendable, but closer inspection revealed inconsistencies.
The stitching lacked the precision of the original, and the paintwork along the edges was uneven. The hardware, a critical detail in luxury bags, was clunky, poorly finished, and lacked the smooth functionality of authentic components. The interior lining further betrayed the bag’s counterfeit nature, with roughly finished and mismatched materials that would never meet Loewe’s quality standards.
Subtle yet telling details, such as the date stamp and zipper, were poorly executed; the date stamp looked rushed, and the zipper felt cheap, catching slightly instead of gliding smoothly as it should. While the leather mimicked the texture of the original, it failed to deliver the premium feel that defines Loewe’s craftsmanship. Although the exterior might deceive an untrained eye, the overall construction lacked the refinement and meticulous detail of the genuine Puzzle bag.
Why Superfakes Are a Growing Concern
The rise of superfakes highlights the importance of expertise when purchasing second-hand luxury items. Platforms like The RealReal are essential in filtering out these high-quality fakes from the market. Their thorough authentication process ensures buyers receive genuine products, protecting the integrity of the luxury goods market.
Final Thoughts: Learning Through Leathertainment
Dissecting fake bags isn't just educational—it’s also a lot of fun. This project with The RealReal was a unique opportunity to share insights and appreciation for the craftsmanship behind luxury goods. While this fake Loewe Puzzle bag was one of the best counterfeits I’ve encountered, it still fell short in areas that make luxury bags truly luxurious.
If you’re considering buying a pre-loved luxury bag, always choose a trusted platform. And remember, the devil is in the details—whether you’re appreciating an original or dissecting a fake.
What luxury bag stands out as your favorite, and have you ever encountered a counterfeit that took you by surprise? Share your story in the comments!
Want to read more?
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I submit my product for the Leather Bureau of Investigation, and what happens after submission?
To submit your product, please complete this form. Once submitted, we'll review the details to determine if your product fits our project. If accepted, you'll receive an email within seven days. In return for your donation, we’ll send you a free product from our PEGAI catalog, and all information provided will be kept confidential. If not selected, you’re welcome to submit other products in the future.
This project is only for leather goods customers. If you're a brand, please refer to the Chopping Block / Rip My Bag Challenge FAQ.
How can I suggest a brand for review?
You can view all the brands currently on our list here: Brand List.
If the brand you want to see reviewed isn’t listed, simply leave your suggestion in the comments section! We’ll gather all suggestions and add them to the Suggestion Box in Tanner Leatherstein's website's Forum for voting, where the most requested brands have a chance to be featured next.
Does Tanner offer advisory services?
Yes! Tanner offers advisory services specializing in leather selection, manufacturing, and prototyping-related inquiries. The fee is $300 per hour.
The consultation process includes:
- A complimentary 30-minute initial call to understand your needs.
- A 30-minute follow-up call to review findings and gather feedback on your objectives.
- A final 30-minute call to present recommendations.
If you're interested, please let us know so we can send the scheduling links.
Is Tanner available for media interviews?
Yes, Tanner is open for media interviews! If you'd like to collaborate on a feature or interview him, please email him directly at tanner@pegai.com.
Whether it's about leather crafting, brand reviews, or the business side of PEGAI, Tanner is happy to share his insights and expertise.
How can my brand participate in the "Rip My Bag" Challenge / Chopping Block?
Here's a quick overview of the process:
- Product Selection: You provide a list of products; Tanner selects one for review.
- Anonymous Purchase: The product is bought anonymously to simulate a real customer experience.
- Independent Review: A review video is created and shared across social media platforms (excluding YouTube).
- No Prior Screening: You won't see the video before it’s posted, and no pre-approval is allowed.
- Reimbursement: After publishing, you’ll receive an invoice for the product cost.
- Video Fee: A $1,000 production fee covers review, filming, and editing costs. This is separate from the product reimbursement.
- Transparency: The video will be marked as "paid collaboration" to ensure honesty.
Watch the video disclaimer here. For complete details, please email us at tanner@pegai.com.
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
At this time, participation is limited to brands based in the US and EU due to logistical challenges. If we expand to more countries, we’ll reach out to those interested. In the meantime, we’re happy to add your brand to our list for potential future reviews, though we can't guarantee a timeline. Thank you for your understanding!
NEXT STEPS:
If you're interested, please complete our Intake Survey and pay the video fee. We’ll confirm your slot within 48 hours.
About Tanner
Tanner Leatherstein
Known as the "butcher of leather bags," Tanner has amassed over 2 million followers and 301 million views, with features in outlets like The New York Times and Financial Times. PEGAI, Tanner's brand, embodies his passion for crafting premium leather goods with unmatched authenticity and precision.
