Authenticity
At Reloved Again, authenticity is not just a promise; it is the foundation of everything we do. For our clients, investing in preloved luxury fashion demands absolute confidence, and we are committed to ensuring that every piece we sell is 100% authentic.
Our Authentication Process
Our in-house team has over 20 years of experience in the luxury resale market, specialising in pre-owned luxury bags, vintage designer wear, and high-end fashion accessories. Every item that enters our Chelsea consignment boutique undergoes a meticulous, multi-step authentication process before it is listed for sale.
We check:
-
Brand-specific standards and finishes.
-
Serial numbers, stamps, and date codes.
-
Hardware, zips, stitching, and leather for consistency.
-
Provenance details from sellers, including purchase history and receipts where available.
Only items that pass our comprehensive checks are accepted into Reloved Again’s curated edit of preloved luxury fashion.
Protecting Buyers and Brands
We hold ourselves accountable both to our clients and to the luxury houses whose pieces we represent; Chanel, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Cartier, and many more. Our reputation rests on maintaining the highest standards of trust. If the information provided by a seller is incomplete or if an item raises any doubts, it will not be accepted.
For pre-owned luxury bags valued over £1000 or where receipts are not available, we work with independent authentication experts such as LegitGrails, trusted globally by over 80,000 clients for their rigorous verification methods. Certificates of authenticity are provided where required, offering our clients further assurance.
Transparency at Every Step
On each listing, you will find details of the authentication process specific to that item. We believe in transparency, and we make it clear whether an item has been authenticated in-house or independently certified. In some cases, we also link back to original brand websites for reference images, ensuring accuracy.
Our Responsibility
Selling counterfeit items has no place in the preloved luxury fashion industry. At Reloved Again, we take our role seriously: protecting our buyers, safeguarding the integrity of the preloved market, and upholding the reputation of the luxury brands we sell. Every item we present in our London consignment shop is carefully vetted so our clients can shop with complete peace of mind.
When you buy from Reloved Again, you’re not just purchasing vintage designer wear; you’re investing in authentic heritage, Guaranteed.
Step-by-Step Guide
How to Authenticate a Chanel Bag
Authenticating a Chanel bag is essential when buying pre owned Chanel bags or preloved Chanel handbags to ensure you avoid counterfeits. Here are the key details to check:
1. Serial Number
- Located inside the bag, usually sewn into the lining.
- Must match the number on the authenticity card.
- Chanel serial numbers range from 6–9 digits depending on the year.
- Since 2021, new Chanel bags use a microchip instead of serial stickers.
2. Chanel Logo
- The interlocking CC logo should be perfectly symmetrical.
- Right “C” overlaps on top, left “C” overlaps on the bottom.
- Hardware or embossing must show clean lines and balanced spacing.
3. Stitching Quality
- Authentic Chanel bags feature 10+ stitches per inch.
- Stitching should be tight, neat, and consistent with no loose threads.
4. Hardware
- Genuine hardware feels heavy and durable.
- Engravings such as CHANEL or CHANEL PARIS are crisp, clear, and evenly spaced.
5. Quilting Alignment
- Quilting should align perfectly across seams and pockets.
- Puffiness and spacing remain consistent throughout the bag.
6. Authenticity Card
- Card must match the internal serial number.
- Fonts, spacing, and print quality should look professional.
- The card should feel sturdy and glossy, never flimsy.
Additional Tips
- Always buy from trusted consignment stores London or reputable boutiques.
- When in doubt, use a professional authentication service for complete peace of mind.
Step-by-Step Guide
How to Authenticate a Louis Vuitton Bag
Worried about buying a fake Louis Vuitton? Authenticating a preloved Louis Vuitton handbag is essential to ensure you’re investing in genuine pre owned luxury fashion. At Reloved Again, every piece undergoes rigorous checks, but here’s a step-by-step guide to help you understand the process.
1. Monogram Alignment
- The Louis Vuitton monogram must be perfectly symmetrical across seams and pockets.
- The “LV” logo and floral motifs should never be cut off or misaligned at stitch lines.
- Uneven patterns are a clear counterfeit warning sign.
2. Materials
- Canvas (Monogram/Damier): Authentic canvas feels thick, durable, slightly textured—never shiny or flimsy.
- Vachetta Leather: This untreated cowhide develops a natural patina over time. If leather stays pale, it’s likely fake.
- Empreinte Leather: Should be soft yet structured, with deep, clean embossing. Poor embossing or overly squishy texture signals counterfeit.
3. Logo and Font
- Interior stamp reads “Louis Vuitton Paris” + country of origin.
- Font should be thin, evenly spaced, and cleanly pressed.
- The letter “O” is always perfectly round (not oval).
- The country on the stamp must match the factory letters in the date code.
4. Stitching
- Authentic LV bags feature even, consistent, clean stitching.
- Example: Speedy bag leather tab has 5 stitches per side.
- Avoid sloppy, uneven stitches, loose threads, or overlaps.
5. Hardware
- Genuine hardware is solid metal, heavy and durable.
- Engravings read Louis Vuitton with crisp clarity.
- Zippers glide smoothly; screws are flathead, never Phillips.
- Locks and keys come with matching serial numbers.
6. Date Code / Microchip
- Pre-2021 bags: contain a date code (2 letters + 4 numbers).
Example: SP = France; must match “Made in France” stamp. - Post-2021 bags: use microchips scanned only in LV boutiques.
7. Interior Lining
- Varies by style but should be neatly stitched, smooth, and well-fitted.
- No bubbling, wrinkles, glue marks, or uneven textures.
Final Tip
Always purchase preloved Louis Vuitton handbags from trusted consignment stores or certified boutiques. At Reloved Again, based in Chelsea, every vintage Louis Vuitton and pre owned luxury bag undergoes expert authentication, giving you peace of mind that your investment is 100% genuine.
Step-by-Step Guide
How To Authenticate a DIOR Bag
Wondering how to tell if a Dior bag is real or fake? Here's a complete guide to help you authenticate Dior handbags, from checking the serial number and logo to inspecting the craftsmanship and packaging.
1. Examine the Overall Quality
Dior bags are known for their flawless craftsmanship. Start by inspecting the general build and feel:
- Materials should feel luxurious and durable, whether it’s leather, canvas, or fabric.
- Stitching must be tight, even, and clean, with no loose threads.
- The bag should feel structured and well-balanced, not flimsy or uneven.
2. Inspect the Logo and Branding
- The Dior logo (often metal or embossed) must be clear, sharp, and precisely spaced.
- Inside the bag, look for a (or Made in France)
- Check the font carefully—it should not be crooked, blurred, or poorly printed.
- Authentic tags are centered, evenly placed, and stitched with precision.
3. Check the Serial Number or Date Code
- Dior bags include a serial number tag, usually found on a small leather label sewn into the interior seam.
- The serial number is a series of numbers (sometimes with letters) that identify the model and production date.
- Numbers should be stamped, not printed, and the tag should be firmly attached.
- You can compare this code with known authentic Dior formats online or consult Dior customer service.
4. Verify the Dust Bag and Packaging
- Authentic Dior dust bags are beige, soft, and high-quality, with “Christian Dior Paris” printed on them.
- Modern Dior bags come with luxurious packaging, including branded boxes and ribbons.
- Most also include care booklets and an authenticity card—check for consistent logo fonts and print quality.
5. Inspect the Interior and Hardware
- The interior lining should be made from premium fabric or leather, depending on the bag style.
- Look for interior zippers or metal accents engraved with “Dior”.
- Pockets should be neatly constructed, with no visible glue, sloppy stitching, or uneven edges.
- Hardware should feel solid and be finished with care—no chipping paint or flimsy feel.
Step-by-Step Guide
How To Authenticate an Hermès Bag
Buying a Hermès bag—especially a Birkin, Kelly, or Constance—is a true investment in preloved luxury fashion. With high-quality counterfeits on the rise, knowing how to authenticate a Hermès bag is essential for anyone purchasing pre owned Hermès handbags. Below is a complete step-by-step guide trusted by collectors and consignment boutiques.
1. Craftsmanship and Materials
- Hermès bags are handcrafted by artisans using the saddle stitch technique.
- Stitching must be perfectly even, with no loose threads or fraying.
- Only premium leathers are used: Togo, Epsom, Clemence, Box, Swift. They should feel rich and natural, never plastic-like.
- Hardware (buckles, locks, clasps) should be solid and heavy. Authentic Hermès hardware is engraved with “Hermès” or “Hermès Paris”, in crisp, clean font.
2. Heat Stamp and Logo
- Every authentic Hermès bag carries a heat stamp reading “Hermès Paris Made in France.”
- Typically found under the front flap or inside the bag.
- Font must be sharp, evenly spaced, and pressed directly into the leather—never printed or sloppy.
3. Date Stamp and Craftsman ID
- Hermès uses a date code system to mark production year.
- Found on the inside flap or leather tab, usually a letter in a shape (e.g., “D” in a square).
- Each bag also has a craftsman’s ID code—a number or symbol identifying the artisan.
- Always ensure the date stamp aligns with the year the seller claims.
4. Hardware Quality
- Authentic Hermès hardware is plated in 18k gold or palladium.
- It should feel weighty and luxurious.
- Zippers, clasps, and locks should move smoothly and feel sturdy.
- Locks and keys should carry matching numbers.
5. Hand-Stitching
- Hermès is renowned for its saddle stitching.
- Under magnification, each stitch should resemble a neat “X.”
- Stitching is consistent, precise, and flawless throughout.
6. Interior Details
- Interiors are lined with premium leather, often goatskin or calfskin.
- Lining colour complements the exterior.
- Look for clean seams, carefully constructed pockets, and no bubbling, glue marks, or uneven lines.
- Interior may feature additional Hermès stamps mirroring the exterior.
7. Dust Bag and Packaging
- Authentic Hermès dust bags are thick cotton flannel with a drawstring closure.
- Usually beige with the brown Hermès logo in the centre.
- Packaging includes:
Iconic orange Hermès box with crisp edges.
Branded ribbon and protective wrapping materials.
Final Tip
Always purchase pre owned Hermès bags from trusted consignment stores London or reputable preloved luxury boutiques. At Reloved Again, every preloved Hermès handbag undergoes detailed authentication, ensuring your investment is 100% genuine.