Fake or Real (Authentic, Genuine, etc.) -- Official Authentication Thread

[Phileas Fogg]

The back of that jacket looks like an armadillo.

 

[TMoxleyFTW]

Burberry noob here. Thoughts?
No size tag or logo on buttons

 

[barryzhang27]

Hi Everyone,

I recently purchased a Burberry trench coat off of Grailed. I’m fairly certain it is an authentic Burberry trench, but I want to verify that it is in fact a mid-length Kensington from the Heritage line (since it was advertised as such). I’m not familiar with particular details as they correspond to models from different periods (I think this is a mid 2000’s) hence why I’m posting about this. This is also my first Burberry and first trench coat, and I’m not terribly familiar with the history of their models. I’m inquiring since several details seem to be different from the current models just from a quick eye-test. The details which seem to differentiate it with the ones currently on sale are that (1) it has a raglan shoulder (2) it’s material composition contains 65% polyester (I thought heritage models were 100% cotton?) and (3) it’s a green color which does not appear to be currently available.

If it’s of any relevance, the label says it is made in Turkey.

As far as the coat itself goes, I like it quite a lot. The fit is excellent and it is aesthetically pleasing. Even if it’s not in fact a heritage kensington, I would probably keep it, but I think it’s better to know first. Potential resale value is also something I want to consider if I ever decide to get something different in the future and end up reselling it.

I‘ve attached some pictures which I hope are helpful to anyone who might have an answer to my question. Any insight is appreciated.

 

[dieworkwear]

I believe the Kensington is always made in England, as it's part of their flagship Heritage line. I could be wrong, however.

 

[barryzhang27]

I believe the Kensington is always made in England, as it's part of their flagship Heritage line. I could be wrong, however.

So if it’s not made in England, it’s not from their heritage line? I was under the assumption that some Kensingtons were made in Turkey for a while in the mid 2000s

 

[dieworkwear]

So if it’s not made in England, it’s not from their heritage line? I was under the assumption that some Kensingtons were made in Turkey for a while in the mid 2000s

You may be right. I don't pay that close attention to Burberry. But my understanding is that they have a flagship line called Heritage, and some of the iconic trench models are under that line. The Heritage collection is used to give the rest of the line a halo effect, so it's made in England. I don't know if they've used the Westminster and Kensington cuts for the non-Heritage though.

 

[barryzhang27]

You may be right. I don't pay that close attention to Burberry. But my understanding is that they have a flagship line called Heritage, and some of the iconic trench models are under that line. The Heritage collection is used to give the rest of the line a halo effect, so it's made in England. I don't know if they've used the Westminster and Kensington cuts for the non-Heritage though.

I see. The cut (when compared to the current Kensington’s on Burberry’s website) appears to be identical apart from the raglan sleeve. I think it’s the material composition which confuses me the most. I thought heritage line trench coats were always 100% cotton

 

[dieworkwear]

I see. The cut (when compared to the current Kensington’s on Burberry’s website) appears to be identical apart from the raglan sleeve. I think it’s the material composition which confuses me the most. I thought heritage line trench coats were always 100% cotton

My impression is that there's so much counterfeit Burberry on the market, if you didn't buy from the Burberry shop, you don't know for sure.

A few years ago, I interviewed the head of the authentication department at a prominent second-hand luxury business. They buy high-end goods from people and resell them to others. I asked how does one authenticate certain things.

The person said that it's very easy to spot bad fakes but there are lots and lots of good fakes out there nowadays. And the good fakes are so good, it's nearly impossible to tell. This is why they ask for secondary and tertiary evidence, such as original store tags and receipts. But of course, even those can be counterfeited.

If you look at the watch market, there are fake Rolexes nowadays that are very, very hard to spot. If a mechanical watch can be replicated to such a high degree, what chance does a garment have?

Burberry is a massive line with many SKUs. They've also watered down their brand. Lots of outlet stuff floating around. Only the Heritage line remains relatively intact. Feels like every two weeks, someone comes to this board and asks "is this Burberry real?" I don't think anyone can give a definitive answer. Personally think you should just wear it if you like it. If it turns out to be fake, enjoy as a piece of folk art.

 

[barryzhang27]

My impression is that there's so much counterfeit Burberry on the market, if you didn't buy from the Burberry shop, you don't know for sure.

A few years ago, I interviewed the head of the authentication department at a prominent second-hand luxury business. They buy high-end goods from people and resell them to others. I asked how does one authenticate certain things.

The person said that it's very easy to spot bad fakes but there are lots and lots of good fakes out there nowadays. And the good fakes are so good, it's nearly impossible to tell. This is why they ask for secondary and tertiary evidence, such as original store tags and receipts. But of course, even those can be counterfeited.

If you look at the watch market, there are fake Rolexes nowadays that are very, very hard to spot. If a mechanical watch can be replicated to such a high degree, what chance does a garment have?

Burberry is a massive line with many SKUs. They've also watered down their brand. Lots of outlet stuff floating around. Only the Heritage line remains relatively intact. Feels like every two weeks, someone comes to this board and asks "is this Burberry real?" I don't think anyone can give a definitive answer. Personally think you should just wear it if you like it. If it turns out to be fake, enjoy as a piece of folk art.

Yes I've seen quite a few of those posts. I think I'll try to contact Grailed and see what they have to say about this. My only possible reason for returning it is that I made my offer under the impression that it's an authentic Heritage line model. If I can't verify that it is, then I can't in good conscience resell it at a later time claiming that it's a Heritage model (I don't think I'm the type to hang onto a single piece of clothing for decades). Also, if indeed it is not from the Heritage line, then I probably wouldn't have offered as high a price (I paid $400)

 

[Phileas Fogg]

“The Real Real” got in some trouble a couple of years ago over its authentication process. Allegedly, In an effort to put merchandise into their catalogue of available items, the authentication process was rushed and not always handled by experts:

The RealReal Sold Me A $3,600 Fake; Here’s Why Counterfeits Slip Through Its Authentication Process

The RealReal's business is in part built on its promise of authentication, but I received a fake Christian Dior handbag. How can the resale business ever succeed if fakes are being sold as real?

www.forbes.com

However, as long as their are brand whores out there who find personal validation in an otherwise banal existence there will be these types of thrift shops to service them.

 

[Rasputin13]

Yo. I got this on eBay, nomsayin? Does it look authentic to you? Seems like a quality piece. My other luxury ties I bought on therealreal. I’m scared to buy stuff on eBay out of fear they’re fake. Like I once saw a pair of Versace underwear with a tag that said “made in China.” Everyone knows Jonny’s stuff is made in Italy.
is this tie correct though?

 

[My Main Man]

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View attachment 1579491
Yo. I got this on eBay, nomsayin? Does it look authentic to you? Seems like a quality piece. My other luxury ties I bought on therealreal. I’m scared to buy stuff on eBay out of fear they’re fake. Like I once saw a pair of Versace underwear with a tag that said “made in China.” Everyone knows Jonny’s stuff is made in Italy.
is this tie correct though?

Sorry, that's fake. The lining is a dead giveaway.

 

[Rasputin13]

Sorry, that's fake. The lining is a dead giveaway.

I feel violated. Am I safe to assume any tie I buy on TheRealReal is legit. I bought an Armani and a couple of Versace ties there. I can post pics if needed.

 

[Phileas Fogg]

I feel violated. Am I safe to assume any tie I buy on TheRealReal is legit. I bought an Armani and a couple of Versace ties there. I can post pics if needed.

see my post above regarding the RealReal. Use your own judgement.

I start with the basic premise that unless it’s purchased new from the boutique or an authorized vendor (department store, etc) it’s a fake. That is my Ho.

 

[Nickd]

I’ve always found fakes easy to spot if you have any knowledge of the genuine item, but they do seem to be getting better. Difficult if you aren’t buying in person though, as the differences generally show themselves in person.

That Armani tie wouldn’t fool many people though, even from 6 feet away.