How to tell if a Dolce & Gabbana purse is authentic

Dolce & Gabbana handbags are in high demand thanks to quality of the product and its popularity amongst the rich and famous. Because of this, it's common to find knock-offs. There are a few tips for spotting a fake Dolce & Gabbana handbag, specifically the price and craftsmanship.

Examine how the bag is built and structured. Most couture handbags will stand up on their own because of the high quality of the leather; the bag should not collapse under its own weight. An authentic Dolce & Gabbana bag's pockets will be neat and sewn well to the bag.

Inspect the stitching. The threads should show professional craftsmanship through neat and clean lines. Loose threads are a dead giveaway. An authentic Dolce & Gabbana handbag will have exceptionally neat stitching on the interior. The colour of the stitching should coordinate with the bag's colour. Most fake Dolce & Gabbanna bags will have tan stitching.

Study the insignia all over the bag. Look for the correct fonts and spelling of Dolce & Gabbana. On an authentic bag, the logos can be found on the handles, hardware, interior and on the outside of a fabric bag. If any of the logos are coming off or missing, the bag is a fake. The inner zipper will have a Dolce & Gabbana logo embedded on the surface. Look for spelling errors on logo emblems inside the bag.

Look at the quality of the handbag material. Most authentic Dolce & Gabbana handbags are leather. Smooth or shiny leather is a sure sign the bag is fake. Handles should not be wrinkled or poorly made. High-quality bags use natural tannin methods, which provide that "new leather" smell. The leather should soften over time.

Cost is an important factor. A new, authentic Dolce & Gabbana mid-size bag will not cost less than £325 (as of January 2010).