And now, the Louis Vuitton Hampstead authenticity. That bag in the last post, ladies and gents, is an authentic LV Hampstead PM. Before you start scratching your heads in wonder or shaking your heads in violent protest at my conclusion, let me give you my reasons why 🙂 And seriously, you need to see the bag in person before you can form that conclusion. Photos can be very deceiving 🙂
Remember I posted TWO batches of photos of this very bag yesterday? There is a reason why I did that. It’s because the first batch of photos show details of the bag that are at par with that of an authentic Louis Vuitton Damier Azur Hampstead PM.
This is the photo of an authentic LV Hampstead from a Louis Vuitton boutique.
All the details I have pointed out in the first batch of photos I posted, are exactly the same details found inside an authentic LV Hampstead PM.
Now, the second batch of photos is where most of you ended up questioning that LV Hampstead’s authenticity. This is the Hampstead in question:
Now, you might have noticed that the leathers on the bag are really “OFF”. And all of you are correct! It IS off! In fact, it’s soooo “off” that one is inclined to think the whole bag is fake. And here are reasons why it’s easy to think the bag is fake (but seriously, it ISN’T fake and I will explain shortly).
- The leather is not supposed to be “shiny” like patent! If you notice all authentic LV vachetta leathers have that raw feel to it, and is quite porous, which allows for the bag to develop a beautiful patina as it ages. This bag in question has shiny vachetta.
- Parts of the zippered area on the interior part of the bag have flesh- colored paint marks. Like someone did a bad paint job of the vachetta.
- Some parts of the stitching are yellow, while others seem like they were flesh- colored and “coated”.
Now, here are some reasons why perhaps you’d initially be inclined to think it’s real:
- The zipper used is the same exact quality zipper used in an authentic LV Hampstead PM bag.
- The clasp used is also the same exact quality clasp used in an authentic LV Hampstead PM bag
- Also notice that the enclosure clasp and D ring both have a small vachetta leather base. On Hampstead in question, these are the vachetta leather parts that have developed a patina, and have that “raw” look to it– a quality of a real LV vachetta leather!
- The front Inventeur plate of the Hampstead in question is the same quality as that of the Inventeur plate found in an authentic LV Hampstead PM (straight from LV boutique)
So now, you ask, why would I think this bag is authentic? Here’s the explanation– and this is a very valid one (because I know of some who do this)– LV Owners would take their bags for repairs every so often– either because their bag straps get really dark or dirty (like if they spilled sauce or coffee– and this has happened), or because the straps or bag parts break.
The big problem is, not all LV owners would take their bags back to Louis Vuitton. They would take it to local leather repair shops for immediate mending because they either get discouraged with the repair prices or the long waiting period if they took it to Louis Vuitton.
Now, this Hampstead in question, is the direct result of a NON- Louis Vuitton repair gone all wrong and awry. ALL the vachetta leather parts were treated with some kind of flesh- colored leather paint!!! *eeeks!!!*. The AUTHENTIC Louis Vuitton Hampstead PM bag got a really bad makeover, a NON- LV makeover 🙁 🙁 So in a nutshell, it got “bastardized” *sad, but true!!!*
The bag is still an Authentic Louis Vuitton Hampstead PM with the “original” leather parts “in there somewhere” (because they are now buried under a very unsightly coat of shiny and uneven flesh- colored leather paint! Seriously sooo sad!). Which now explains the oddity in the stitches as well as the really lousy marks and paint “spillovers” on the “gumming” area of the straps! If you take a peek into the back part of the Inventeur front plate, then you’ll actually see the “true” LV vachetta. Plus, the vachetta on the D ring and the clasp were not coated with this flesh- colored leather paint.
The previous owner of this bag must’ve had this bag “refurbished” to look “newer” again (perhaps for resale?) Or it had to be taken to a repair shop because of possible dirt marks on the corners, and the paint was an attempt to cover up those flaws because the owner was annoyed with its condition (that leather paint was supposed to work like face foundation hahaha).
The real problem is, it’s a really crappy makeover. And it hardly resembles an authentic Louis Vuitton bag now as a result. 🙁 🙁 🙁 *sob*
So the lesson here is this– peeps, if you have a Louis Vuitton bag you want to have repaired or refurbished, please, please, please I implore you, take it straight to the Louis Vuitton boutique. Do not bother experimenting with other leather shops to retreat the leathers or what not, because LV has excellent after-sales service for their bags. There’s a reason you paid top bucks for that bag– so please, please don’t bastardize it or waste it 🙁 🙁
Bottom line remains (and I stand by this): The Louis Vuitton Damier Azur Hampstead PM in question in the previous post, is an AUTHENTIC LOUIS VUITTON BAG.
And now, speaking of Louis Vuitton, you peeps might want to troop over the Greenbelt 4 boutique right now to view the different Speedy bags on exhibit (according to their year of “birth”).
The exhibit is seen throughout the store! It’s pretty awesome to see the same style evolve into different designs 🙂 Really well worth a visit! Plus check out the latest bags *and shoes!!!* because it will make you go “oooooh :D*
*Test- drove this bag. Looove!!!* Sooo, go, go, go to Louis Vuitton Greenbelt 4 now 🙂
P.S. Greenbelt is being “greened- over” for the Hermes boutique opening tomorrow.
To the super lucky peeps who got invited, do tell me all about the party! And let me know if anyone buys the 30cm shiny amethyst crocodile with diamonds, which I’m told, will be on display tomorrow onwards! *Thanks Arribelle :D*
Meanwhile, This baghag’s getting ready to head out first thing this morning, so it’s time to paaaack!! *woohooooeyyy cool weather again!!!* More on where I’m going tomorrow 🙂 *Maybe I’ll tweet hehehe*
x
Mrs. T
oooh! love that hobo! how much does it cost? i checked the LV website, i didn’t find this. this should be cheaper in france, right?
Where are you heading MrsT?
xoxo
it’s ok, mrs.T, found it. it’s 1,550 euro in france. but i also want to know the price in pinas. thanks!
30cm shiny amethyst crocodile with diamonds
*jaw drops*
I guess another case of a “bastardized” LV is solved!
hi ms. T can you give me a few pointers on how will i know if my globe shopper cabas is authentic?
Thanks.
Lori
you’re a genius mrs. t.
I would not dare take my LVs to any leather repair shop if I will have them repaired. I would die if my bags get bastardized! (Not die, but you know what I mean LOL!)
I like the Camo Speedy. and the new Idylle Speedy with Bandouliere. 😀
what do you think of Besa Mrs T? have you heard of anyone who has gone to this place to have their bags cleaned? i got a 2nd hand speedy that i need cleaned but scared that Besa might screw it up.
also, do you charge for authentication any 2nd hand bags?
i know this is totally of subject here but you do know a good place in manila where we can order large quantities of paper shopping bags? … better paper than plastic.
Mrs T! Someone bought the P8.9(?) croc with diamond!
just heard from the grapevine that the diamond birkin sold for Php 6.7M…woohoo!
Can I simply say whqt a relief to search out somebody who actually is aware of wat
theyre talking about on the internet. You undoubtedly know the
way to carry an issue to gentle and make it important.
Extra folks have to read this and understand this facet of tthe story.
I cant believe youre not more polular since you undoubtedly have the
gift.
aww thank you! 🙂 I try to do my work quietly haha 🙂