Authentic Chanel handbags come with authenticity cards embossed with a serial number. The serial number matches the serial number appearing on a sticker placed somewhere within the handbag’s interior lining. From the mid 1980s on, the serial number sticker had Chanel logos and was protected by a clear tape with hologram security feature from approximately 2000-on. The sticker, Chanel logo, and hologram design varied with the manufacturing date:
Note that over time, serial number stickers often become detached from handbags. Authentication cards also often become lost. Therefore, Chanel handbags missing these items may still be authentic.
Hologram sticker with serial number (top). Accompanying authenticity card (bottom).
The mega list of fashion designers, with links to official sites, profiles, photos and more. All designers listed alphabetically by first name.
Fashion Designer Photo Gallery
The fashion designer photo gallery lists the biggest name in
French designer's boutique include watches, shades and handbags.
Official website of fashion designer Alexander McQueen, including collections and biography.
Collection photos, bio and where-to-buy for this hot young designer.
Very cool website, replete with bio, collection photos, where to buy and much more. Pronunciation for Anna Sui (anna swee).
Official website of the American fashion design duo known for red carpet looks.
The official website of Balenciaga (pronouced buh-len-see-ah-guh) by designer Nicholas Ghesquiere (pronounced nee-ko-la guess-kee-air).
Browse photos and read the biography of
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette columnist Barbara Cloud talks about the classy Blass, shortly after his death in June '02.
An interview with the publicity-shy designing women behind the downtown label, from The Look On-Line.
Find out more about this legendary designer.
Dress designer's official site features collection photos, bio info and store locator.
Photos and bio of American designer Carolina Herrera.
View collections, accessories and find a boutique at this chic site.
This revamped site covers everything from beauty to fragrances, as well as the collections.
Collections, events, beauty and more on this corporate site. Very stylish site.
As colorful and eclectic as the designer himself, this site is chock-full of collection photos, shop info, news and Lacroix's own insightful bio.
See the designs of the winner of "Project Runway" Season 4.
Young designer already has a celebrity contingent. Designer appeals to women who love glamorous, classic styles with an eye toward workmanship and affordability.
Australian designer of feminine styles is popular with celebs like Cameron Diaz and Nicole Kidman. Current season photos, history and more on this corporate site.
Shop online for Custo Barcelona.
Photos and bio of American designer Diane von Furstenberg.
Her fashion shows are studded with celebrities like George Clooney and Madonna, who vie for a peek at the super-sexy styles. More on Donatella Versace and her Italian fashion house.
She reinvented power dressing for women with her figure-loving designs. Read more about this influential designer.
Fifty years of style (it all started as a blouse company) are shown in a timeline. Also, news, features and a calendar of events.
This stylish corporate site covers all the divisions, from couture to sport to accessories. The "Dress Up" guide helps you get an idea of how it all works together.
Most of the text for this site is in Italian, but there are some collection photos included and a few headlines in English.
With more than 20 years under its belt, this independent
Ferre on 2000 collection: "...utility and poetry, solidity and lightness..." Try to decipher this by checking out news, biography and collections.
This elegant and functional new site has the entire world of Armani, from Classico to Exchange (where you can buy online.) For the other collections, there are quick flash-enabled previews, a way to mark your favorite looks and find a store to purchase.
History from the '50s to present day and boutiques.
Great photos of the '00 collections, history, jobs and more.
The designer's own site has thumbnails of the entire collection, merchandised by color for a simple, clean look at the new millennium styles.
This high energy site is about the designer's Pleats Please and although some of the site is still under construction, there are product images and info, news and store listings available. Definitely worth a look.
An early pioneer to haute e-commerce, Gaultier offers men's and women's wear, as well as accessories and leather goods. Also check out the corporate site filled with photos and information.
Multitalented menswear designer has virtual showroom featuring yummy fabrications for sophisticated men.
He's a young designer from
The handbag queen arrived in
Parisian designer's elegant website features a biography and pictures of the 2001 Spring collection, which was recently shown in
Historical aspects of the site like the timeline of the 100 + year-old company are interesting.
Biography and photos of Marc Jacobs.
Browse through the latest collections (including Marc by Marc Jacobs), find a store, check out the latest ads and more.
Pony-skin clogs, skirts made out of ancient quilts and jackets with the seams on the outside, are just some of the items from Marni. View collections, contact info and more.
A groovy, but thoroughly modern site featuring the designs of the woman who epitomized the '60s youthquake fashion movement. The makeup section has a fun makeup morphing model to try on colors.
He's known for elegant, luxurious American sportswear that is trend-proof.
"Fashion victims of the world unite!" This and other Moschisms appear on the site. Vital parts, like the history section may still be under construction, but you can check out addresses or even post on the forum in this global site.
Browse the latest collection, read the bio or find a store that sells Nanette Lepore.
One of the best designers working in the business, Narciso Rodriguez has a clean, modern sensibility.
A fashion veteran, Kamali shines with clean lines and swimwear.
More about American designer Oscar de la Renta.
CFDA's 2000 designer of the year has spent fifty years in the business. His feminine designs are loved by ladies who lunch and celebrities alik. Learn how to develop the look yourself.
It's shagadelic! No online shopping, just a look at Smith's collections in a hip, fashion-appropriate site.
Official website of New York designer Peter Som.
Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti
Current collection photos and lots of them, where to buy and contact info in this official site.
Collection photos, designer bios and contact info. Garroudi is famous for his ability to turn out couture in 24 hours from his
Sometimes it's open, sometimes it's not. But, it is Prada.
Two young designers capture the
Official website of label Proenza Schouler (pronounced pro-enza skooler)
This menswear designer's site is packed full of biography information, stores where you can purchase the goods and of course, big, beautiful photos including Fall/Winter '00 and past collections.
A nice chronology of the
Read more about the quintessential American designer.
Making clothes since '90s, Rochas heads in a romantic direction thanks to designer Olivier Theyskens, from the New York Times.
Official website of New York-based design Mulleavy sisters. Pronounced row-dar-tay.
Famous mostly for being Jerry Seinfeld's ex, Shoshanna now boasts a roster of A-list stores carrying her form-fittingly feminine dresses, from the San Francisco Gate.
Collection photos, company history, and illegible store listings.
Read about her 30+ years in the business, find press reviews or locate a boutique. In French and English.
A comprehensive site covering collections, history, human resources, stores and events.
Sure, she designed the dress Madonna was wed in, but this talented British designer's star was rising long before that event.
With designer's own voice and upbeat music playing in the background, this site sets the tone for the rock 'n' roll Tommy lifestyle. Product photos, where-to-buy info, Jewel, Britney Spears and more in this mix of music and fashion.
Collection photos, where-to-buy info, contacts and biography.
As sexy as the current print ads (and just as slick), this site is packed with absolutely everything you need to know about the brand: collection photos, background info, where to shop directory and more.
Browse free photos from this innovative designer's Fall '01 collection.
Beautiful haute couture photos with descriptive text give front row views. YSL bio.
Current collections, bio, contact info and more on the young designer's site.
"Oh, NO! You're giving away all of our Date Code secrets!!!"
Untuk dikongsi bersama
Yes, I do know that there are many sellers and online groups of Louis Vuitton enthusiasts who'd rather me discuss Louis Vuitton date codes freely and openly. You see them on eBay all the time. They blur out their date code pictures or tell you that the date code will only be "revealed" to the highest bidder to protect this apparently safely guarded secret. However, these codes are freely discussed all over the internet on Louis Vuitton blogs and discussion boards and are reproduced in any number of Louis Vuitton buying guides that you can purchase on eBay or the internet.
The fear is that counterfeiters would use this information to "find out what we know" and will use this information to make more accurate fakes. Let's face it... for fake Louis Vuitton bags to be as "good" (close to the real deal) as they are today, the criminals behind them are well funded and sophisticated. These thugs not using pictures that they see on the internet as patterns for their fakes. They are buying real bags, tearing them carefully apart and trying as best as they can to make exact replicas. Everything from the logos, the linings, hardware and yes, even the sacred date codes are closer and closer to the real thing.
Trust me, if Louis Vuitton wanted to, they could use a hologram (like Chanel) or an individual serial number code inside their bags- if they intended their labeling to be used as authentication. But, for whatever reason, they have never chosen to do that. Louis Vuitton includes these numbers for their own "internal purposes": so that they can tell when the bag was made and where. That's it. Hermes uses a similar marking in that, they are not serial numbers, nor are they holographic. They are not enough for authenticity purposes- to rely on.
So basically, when it comes down to it... I'm more worried about each of you- the honest buyers of authentic Louis Vuitton. You are just trying to get an authentic Speedy or Cabas Mezzo or Neverfull at less than retail. You're not buying the $79.95 Buy it Now NWT "Louie" Vuitton on eBay (clearly not authentic)... and to some degree, date codes can be helpful to you.
Vintage Louis Vuitton- No Date Codes
Like I just mentioned, Louis Vuitton has only used date codes since the early 1980s. The Keepall was introduced in 1930 and the Noe in 1932. This means that for decades- Louis Vuitton small leather goods were made without date codes. It is very common to see vintage items (pre early 80's) without a date code. These bags may have other Louis Vuitton markings, but will not have a code. With vintage, you must know the to know the style and when introduced, etc. Then, inspect the brass Louis Vuitton hardware, the lining, the leather and stitching for authenticity. Again, it is very common to find authentic Louis Vuitton vintage pieces without a date code at all. Here is the embossing on a vintage card holder that bore no date code:
Vintage Louis Vuitton French Company pieces- No Date Codes
During a period from the 1970's through about 1991- Louis Vuitton maintained a licensing relationship with The French Luggage Company here in the United States. if you'd like to learn more about this period. French Company for Louis Vuitton pieces have different markings than their International counterparts. They also do not have date codes. They would often have French Company tags and/or markings from Saks Fifth Avenue or Neiman Marcus. For example:
Early 80's: Three or Four Numbers
Louis Vuitton Date Codes in the early 80's consisted of only three or four numbers representing the month and year that a particular item was manufactured. Here is an example of such a date code from an authentic
You can clearly see the number 821 embossed right in the leather. This vintage clutch was made by Louis Vuitton in January of 1982. Note that the first two numbers represent the year, and the last number represents the month.
Obviously, if the month were October, November, or December... the last number would actually be two numbers... so a Pochette Dame made in November of 1982 would have the date code 8211.
In these early days, a date code was just that. A date code, a number that could give you the approximate date when a particular piece was manufactured.
Late 80's: Three or Four Numbers and Two Letters
Later on in the 80's, Louis Vuitton began to use a "production code" that consisted of the same three or four numbers as above, followed by two additional letters. The letters represent an abbreviation of the "workshop" or factory where that particular item was manufactured. Louis Vuitton (and all of us) could then use this number and letter combination to determine where and when any particular was made.
Notice the code above- 874 VX. I know that the VX suffix represents a workshop in France. So, I know that this vintage piece of luggage was made in France in April of 1987. (You can see the production code below to find out more about the letters representing different workshops).
Late in the 1980's... Louis Vuitton began using 4 numbers to represent the date- the first two for the year, the second two for the month, followed by two letters. Take a look:
This vintage has a date code 8902 ET. So we know that this piece was also made in France, but in February of 1989.
For the vintage Speedy, Louis Vuitton actually split up the two parts of the date code... so that the numbers were on one side of the leather tabs and the letters were on the other, like this:
You can see the date code above was 893 on one side and FC on the other.
Late 80's to early 90's: Two Letters then Three and Four Numbers
During the late 80's and for sure by 1990, at least some Louis Vuitton production codes had taken a new format... (Notice they may still have had the previously discussed numbers followed by letters format- or may have taken on this new format during these few years...) Take a look at this example from 1987:
OK, so there you can see the new format- MI 873. As I said, date codes in the late 80's through early 90's can go back and forth between these formats depending on the factory from whence the item was manufactured. This vintage monogram Papillon was from France and was made in March of 1987.
By 1990, another change had taken place. Not only were the two letters first, but Louis Vuitton was alternating the numbers for the date as follows.
Obvioulsy, this code makes no sense with the older formatting of the first two numbers being the year, the second one or two being the month. With that system, the bag above is made in 2009, in the 60th month. This makes no sense.
But in 1990, Louis Vuitton began to stagger the year and the month. The first and third number represent the month, and the second and fourth number represent the year. This is the method that was used through December of 2006 (scroll below for January 2007 updated). Here are some examples:
It could be on a vachetta or other colored leather tab (this was from a )like this:
Or it could be just embossed in the lining like this (notice there is some charcoal grey color to the embossing (never black)...
A date code might also be found embossed on the D-ring like on this Cabas Mezzo:
When the embossed date code is in alcantara lining, it can be very hard to read. It helps to know exactly where it should be, and either examine carefully outside or with a flash light. (You can check our , an online file of most of the bags we've ever sold. We include multiple pictures of most bags and include pictures of where the date codes are located...) I have seen bags where the alcantara linings have seen enough wear that the date code is basically impossible to make out- although you can often tell that something had been there. Here is the date code in a Louis Vuitton Monogram Viva Cite MM:
January 2007: Date Code changes to weekly format.
Again, for whatever reason, Louis Vuitton made another change to the date code format beginning in January 2007. You will still find the same two letters followed by four number format, however instead of using the staggered month and year, Louis Vuitton is now using a staggered Week of the Year and Year formula... so that... a date code that says SD 1037 is not a bag that was made in the thirteenth month (an impossibility) of 2007, but is a bag that was made in the 13th week of the year 2007- so early March of 2007. Here is an example:
Why are the letters important?
Louis Vuitton has been manufacturing outside of France for years- through it's partnership with the US based "The French Company" (if you're interested). Not only that, but Louis Vuitton had a factory in Spain and soon had one of their own in San Dimas, California.
This is very interesting for authentication purposes because as I mentioned earlier, the two letters correspond with the country of production. So, if a bag has a date code with the CA pre-fix... I know for sure, that that bag is made in Spain. You want to be sure that a bag that you are looking to purchase, has a date code- with a prefix for a country of origin that matches the embossing on the bag that says where it's made. (Made in USA, France, Spain etc.)
So, If I have a bag, with a date code with the CA prefix, and it has embossing that says, "Made in USA" or "Made in France"... I know that at the very least I need to really scrutinize that bag for authenticity. There are a few reasons why a bag could have a US date code and be Made in France... (for example, if the lining has been redone, the date code may be very new, so a bag that was made in 1998 in France could end up with a USA, 2006 date code, if it had been repaired in the United States). If the location doesn't match the letters in the production code, this is just definitely a reason to get a second look at the bag.
Please note that most newer fakes have accurate date codes. If you know that a date code does not "make sense", it's either a red flag- or totally fake. If it's right, you need to authenticate the rest of the bag.
Country Codes Defined and Explained
France: A0, A1, A2, AA, AAS (in special order), AN, AR, AS, BA, BJ, BU, CO, CT, DK (in repairs) DU (in special order), ET, FL, LW, MB, MI, NO, RA, RI, SD, SL, SN, SP, SR, TH, VI, VX
USA: DK (in repairs), FC, FH, LA, OS, SD, FL
Spain: CA, LO, LB, LM, LW,
Italy: BC, BO, CE, FO, MA, RC, RE, SA, TD
Germany: LP
Switzerland: DI, FA
I'll add more they come into production.
Good Luck in your search for authentic pre-owned luxury Louis Vuitton
