In this week’s episode of The Fake Files, we’re looking at a pair of Gucci Angelina Platform Slides. But before I even looked at the details, I already knew something was wrong. This colorway was never made by Gucci. Watch the episode below, then keep reading for some tips on how you can educate yourself and do a little research of your own before buying pre-owned luxury. Because sometimes, the biggest red flag is realizing the fashion house never made the item in the first place.
If you’re buying pre-owned luxury, one of the best things you can do is become familiar with the brands you buy and learn what their collections actually looked like.
For example, when you come across a Gucci shoe in a colorway you've never seen before, don't immediately assume it's a rare or discontinued style. Do a little research first. Open Google Lens and do an image search. When you Google Lens this particular shoe, you'll find it across all kinds of platforms. But you won't find it with any reputable luxury reseller. Red flag.
Over time, start educating yourself on the designers you love. Learn about their different eras, collections, seasons, silhouettes, prints, colors and signature details. The more familiar you become with authentic pieces, the easier it is to recognize when something doesn't quite make sense.
Vogue Runway is a great resource for this. It has an extensive archive of fashion shows and collections, which can help you become familiar with a brand’s designs, silhouettes, colors, prints and details throughout different seasons. Not every item makes it to the runway, but you can still piece together a lot of information about a brand’s colorways, prints, motifs and overall aesthetic.
Authentication isn't just about spotting what is wrong. Sometimes it's about proving that something was never right in the first place.
Need help authenticating a luxury item? Click here to start your oder.
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