Chanel Authentication Guideline

If you’re a fan of luxury bags or brands, its a must for you to know about Chanel which has always been one of the most iconic brands to this day, Chanel handbags are ones that will remain timeless favourites. Because of its quality that can last for more than 20 years and uniqueness of design style, therefore, an authentic Chanel bag purchase 20 years ago in good condition can easily have a resale value of the double or triple the original price. 

Like others, luxury brands "fake" or "super fake" Chanel bags can fool those not familiar with the brand and sometimes even those that are familiar. Authenticity cards and holograms stickers are the basics authentication of Chanel but unfortunately, it means nothing and there are thousands of fake cases have been reporting. 

Here are some tips and guidelines that can help you tell the difference between a real Chanel and a fake Chanel. 

Chanel Authenticity Cards - A glossy black card with gold outer lines going around the card. This golden line is made of unique material that no "rainbow" reflection will be seen under any angles or lighting, unlike fake authenticity cards that will show a rainbow-coloured reflection in the gold lines from different angles. 

Hologram Stickers - See the guide below regarding hologram stickers, what they look like, and how to read them. Note:

• 6 digits made between 1984 to 1986 
• 7 digits made between 1986 to 2004 
• 8 digits made from 2005 onwards 

Hologram Stickers	Year Manufactured	First Two-Digits	Style of Sticker
	2018 - Now	25	Slashed zero - No.1 has small serifs feet.
	2017 - 2018	24	Slashed zero - No.1 has small serifs feet.
	2017	23	Slashed zero - No.1 has small serifs feet.
	2016 - 2017	22	Slashed zero - No.1 has small serifs feet.
	2015 - 2016	21	Slashed zero - No.1 has small serifs feet.
	2014 - 2015	20	Slashed zero - No.1 has small serifs feet.
	2014	19	Slashed zero - No.1 has small serifs feet.
	2013 - 2014	18	Slashed zero - No.1 has small serifs feet.
	2012 - 2013	17	Slashed zero - No.1 has small serifs feet.
	2012	16	Slashed zero - No.1 has small serifs feet.
	2011	15	Slashed zero - No.1 has small serifs feet.
	2010 - 2011	14	Slashed zero - No.1 has small serifs feet.
	2009 - 2010	13	Slashed zero - No.1 has small serifs feet.
	2008 - 2009	12	Slashed zero - No.1 has small serifs feet.
	2006 - 2008	11	Slashed zero - No.1 has small serifs feet.
	2005 - 2006	10	Slashed zero - No.1 has small serifs feet.
	2004 - 2005	9	Slashed zero - No.1 has small serifs feet.
	2003 - 2004	8	Slashed zero - No.1 has small serifs feet.
	2002 - 2003	7	Slashed zero - No.1 has small serifs feet.
	2000 - 2002	6	Slashed zero - No.1 has small serifs feet.
	1997 - 1999	5	Slashed zero until 51XXXXX. Modern zero from 52XXXXX to 56XXXXX. Slashed zero again from 57XXXXX on. No.1 have small serifs (feet) from 57XXXXX on.
	1996 - 1997	4	Slashed zero - No.1 has no feet.
	1994 - 1996	3	Slashed zero. 1's are sans-serifs (no feet).
	1991 - 1994	2	Modern zero up to 27XXXXXX. 1's have serifs (feet).
	1989 - 1991	1	0's have no strikethroughs. 1's have serifs (feet).
	1986 - 1988	0	0's have no strikethroughs. 1's have serifs (feet).

 

Leather Material - There are limited edition Chanel bags, that might use unique materials. But here are 5 main material Chanel use for bags: 

1. Chanel Caviar Leather - Grained calfskin leather helps to holds its shapes and super durable. Light scratches won't be too visible compared to other materials. 

2. Chanel Lambskin Leather - Soft and supple luxurious feels; light scratches and blemishes easy to be seen. Lambskin is very fragile and will flatten over time. 

3. Chanel Crinkled Calfskin - Pre-wrinkled look and is soft and durable. 

4. The Chanel Camellia Flower - Unique flower pattern, featuring the CC logo inside the flowers. 

5. Chanel Patent Leather - Glossy patent leather, prone to leave marks fingerprints.

Note - On every Chanel bag, there will be eleven stitches per panel. Lining on a genuine bag lies flat against the material without any visible lumps or bumps.

 

Chain Straps - Checking Chanel chain straps is also a good way to spot a fake Chanel. Straps without leather threaded through it are all from Chanel Vintage Bags Collections, while those don’t have a link and without leather threaded through it are replica straps. 

• Classic Chanel Chain Leather

• Chanel Reissue chain

• Bijoux chain

Closures and CC Locks - Chanel original 2.55 lock is a perfect rectangular shape without and logo or stamping. The CC lock can have raised or flat surface with right C overlapping the left C at the top and the other way around at the bottom. Fake locks usually feature minor mistakes like interlocking the two C. Material wise, lock stems are made from 24K gold, therefore, it will still maintain its conditions for a long period of time. Replicas locks will often peel off after time. 

 

1. CC turnlock
   
   
   
   
2. Mademoiselle turnlock
   
   
   
3. Boy logo closure
   
   
   

 

Back of the Lock - Stamping marks vary according to when the bag was made and the style of the bag. If the lock was made in France, the lock will have a stamp on it, if its made in Italy, there's no stamping at all.

 

Spotting a fake Chanel bag or any luxury bag on the market is not an easy job due to the development of technology, a huge market, and consumers knowledge. You'll have to look into all aspects of the items, from the form of your bag to counting stitches on each panel. The Woman Behind The Brand hopes you have more experience and will be able to spot a fake Chanel bag after this article. However, if there's any question or further concern, please do not hesitate to drop us an email!