Vanni Bassetti / Contributor / Getty Images Entertainment / Getty Editorial Use Getty Images License - Getty Editorial Use Lynn Samra poses wearing a Balenciaga dress and a Versace clutch | Getty Editorial Use
With so many high-quality designer reproductions available, it's getting harder and harder to identify authentic Versace handbags. A Versace purse will be made only of fine quality leather and hardware. As with all designer bags, the stitching will always be impeccable and evenly spaced, with no loose threads. The purse will also have authentication codes, a certificate of authentication, the Medusa logo, production stickers, and specific tags on the inside of the purse. You should be able to find all six key signs in an authentic Versace purse.
Verify the Authentication Code
The first clue that you have an authentic Versace is by verifying one of the three possible codes included in the purses. You can verify your Versace purse's authenticity by finding the three codes placed in the Versace purse. These include an NFC serial number, a QR code, or a CLG (Certilogo) code.
- Versace provides an NFC (Near Field Communication) serial number that you can download an app on your smartphone to read when you pass it over the tag. Check in your phone's app store to find an NFC tool that works for you.
- If you prefer, you can scan the QR code with your smartphone to verify your purse is authentic.
- The CLG code can be entered using the website's Versace online authentication system. However, not all items come with a CLG code.
Examine the Certificate of Authenticity
A Versace purse comes with a certificate of authenticity. This is a small white paper that is printed in black. You will usually find this certificate inside the handbag by the main label. It should be clearly printed with no smudges or smears.
Check the Medusa Head Logo
Auckland Museum, CC BY 4.0
The Versace logo is very distinguishable and is immediately recognizable. Counterfeiters attempt to duplicate the Medusa head logo, and some are quite good at reproducing the logo with close attention to detail. Unlike the mythological Medusa, Versace's Medusa doesn't have snakes for her hair. Instead, the Versace version depicts Medusa before she angered Athena and suffered the goddess's wrath. The Versace Medusa is encircled with a row of Greek keys. Some purses only feature the Medusa head without the circle of Greek Keys. You can often find Versace printed just below the logo.
There Will Be Two Production Stickers
You will find two production stickers on the inside of the handbag. One sticker will state that it was produced/manufactured in Italy. The other sticker is the country of sale and should have US on it to indicate that it is for sale at an American store. The printing should be high quality without any smears or misspellings.
The Bag Will Have Quality Seamless Hardware
Victor Boyko / Contributor / Getty Images Entertainment / Getty Editorial Use Getty Images License - Getty Editorial Use A model, bag details, walks the runway at the Versace fashion show | Getty Editorial Use
You can often spot a fake Versace handbag by the type of hardware the counterfeiter uses. An authentic Versace bag will feature heavy hardware that's shiny. The hardware pieces will be seamless, whereas a fake Versace bag will have seams. There should be no plastic hardware, especially no plastic zippers, on an authentic Versace purse. The hardware should be consistent in quality and shape. You shouldn't find any loose hardware; it should all be secure. You should never find any hardware applied with glue. The designs and logo will be etched into the metal, not stamped or printed.
Check the Shapes & Colors of the Tags
Andrew Chin / Stringer / Getty Images Entertainment / Getty Editorial Use Getty Images License - Getty Editorial Use Versace & Vogue Celebrate The Launch Of Versace Vancouver | Getty Editorial Use
Another key sign that a Versace purse is real is the tags. The purse tags are usually attached to the purse with black strings. The tags may be black and gold or, in some instances, black and silver. The cardstock for the tags is made from exceptionally fine cardboard and should never be thin or flimsy. The shapes of the tags are either squares or rectangles. You should find the Versace logo embossed on the card in either gold or silver. You should be able to glide your fingers over the card and feel the embossing.
Take a Close Look at Your Bag
You can use the six key signs to guide you through the process of authenticating your Versace purse. When all six of these key signs are present in your Versace purse, you can feel confident that it is authentic and not a counterfeit.
