Tips for Buying Prada Handbags

Prada handbags are very desirable high end fashionable bags. Prada is an Italian company that was started as a leather goods store in 1913 by Mario Prada. His grand daughter Miuccia Prada inherited the company in 1978. By 1989 she had transformed a former leather goods company into the House of Prada producing the luxurious items they are known for today. All Prada products are made in Italy, much of it with Chinese labor.

If you are shopping for a Prada purse or already own Prada handbags; you might be worried whether they are authentic or rip-off replications. A genuine Prada may sell for a price of $100 to $3000. Leather Prada handbags are pricier than the microfiber or nylon bags. With such a high price tag on such a prestigious fashion item, “counterfeiters” are sure to make fake handbags and market them to trusting consumers. In an effort to take some of the guesswork out of buying Prada handbags a few tips may help assure authenticity of your Prada purse.

Logo

All Prada handbags will have a Prada triangular logo on the outside, generally centered on the front or side and occasionally on the back. All three corners of a genuine Prada logo will be securely affixed to the handbag. The logo patch is thick, not flimsy. Run your fingers gently over the logo to feel whether the letters and symbols on the logo are slightly raised as they should be on a genuine Prada. The enamel color on the logo matches the color of the real Prada handbag. Letters are spaced and sized proportionately. Some Prada purses do have embossed the word “Prada” embossed on the bag as an alternate to the triangle logo.

Interior Logo Plaque

If you look inside a Prada purse you will find an interior logo plaque. Genuine Prada handbags will have interior logo plaques that are attached to the lining on all sides, all 4 corners will be rounded and there will be a backing material you can feel under the plaque. The enamel color on the plaque will match the color of the lining and the plaque rim color must match the color of the purse’s hardware (silver or gold). Letters on the plaque are sized and spaced proportionately.

Lining

The lining of authentic Prada handbags will be made from one of three materials: satin, smooth calf leather or the distinctive Prada fabric with “Prada” and a scrolled “§” lying sideways woven in the fabric. The fabric will be black or the same color as the handbag.

Hardware

Genuine Prada bags will have hardware in one of only three colors: silver, gold or rose colored. The hardware is marked cleanly and distinctly with “Prada”. One color hardware and never a combination will be used on a real Prada bag.

Zipper

Prada uses only zippers from five manufacturers: Poti, IPI, riri, ykk and Lampo.

Prada Authenticators

Legitimate Prada retailers will ensure you are provided an authenticity card, a box, a bag dust cover and a care booklet. The card, envelope and box will be dark purple with the word “Prada” embossed on it.

Hopefully these tips will help you find the perfect genuine Prada handbag for you.