A Brief Guide to Authenticating Your Valentino Bag

Valentino is famous for creating some of the trendiest bags ever. But how can you be sure that the bag you're holding is a genuine Valentino? With these tips, we’ll help you figure it out.

THE SERIAL NUMBER

The serial number is typically located inside one of the bag's pockets. The colour of this label rarely matches the rest of the bag, with common colours being black, cream, or light brown.

 

 A Valentino serial number.

For smaller items like wallets, the serial number may be heat-stamped directly onto the leather.

A Valentino serial number stamped directly onto the interior leather.

THE INTERIOR TAG

When examining a bag, the next crucial detail to check is the interior tag. This tag, typically firmly sewn on all four sides, should display the following information:

• The word 'VALENTINO' in all capital letters.
• The word 'GARAVANI' in all capital letters positioned beneath 'VALENTINO'.
• The words 'MADE IN ITALY' beneath both aforementioned words.

A Valentino tag. Note the four stitches, one at each corner.

An alternative Valentino tag with two vertical stitches.

A Valentino tag embossed directly onto the interior leather.

THE STUDS

The platinum-finish studs commonly seen on Valentino bags are perhaps the most important feature that gives these products their unique appearance.

Fake Valentino bags often have cheaply-made and improperly-positioned studs. What you should look for are metal studs with uniformly sized surfaces.

Valentino's signature pyramid studs.